1. Back it up. Protect your company’s information by backing up your data regularly. Thanks to recently updated technology, there are several internal and external methods used. Internally, an onsite backup through a network storage method saves the information onto a hard drive – a fast and manageable option. However, using the Cloud eliminates the need for server storage. A potential disadvantage to the cloud is if the system fails, you must wait for the cloud provider to overnight you a disc with your recovered data. Sending information up to the cloud may also take longer than other methods.
2. Get a virtual server. Virtualization is now much more affordable to the small-business owner. This method of protection uses two computers, running simultaneously to protect your data. This method prevents downtime in the event of a hardware failure, because you have an exact replica of your server.
3. Create and maintain firewalls. Prevention provided by firewalls roadblocks your information from the outside world. There are two types of firewalls – hardware and software. Hardware firewalls sit between the Internet and your data, capturing intruders before they get a chance to enter your network. A software firewall allows the harmful data to enter your system and then attempts to block it and push it back out.
4. Use anti-virus, spam and content filters. Anti-virus software continually scans the system for viruses or robots which may compromise your data. If a virus is detected, the software quarantines the harmful data and deletes it. Spam filter will reduce the amount of spam you receive, protecting the integrity of your computer. Content filtering also protects users from visiting websites that are potentially harmful.
5. Uninterrupted Power Supply. This is essentially a giant backup battery. An uninterrupted power supply, or UPS, protects from harmful power outages, spikes and drops. A UPS is like a giant surge protector with a battery behind it that cleans the power. In case of a sudden power outage, the UPS will act as a buffer. If the power remains off, the device allows the computer to safely power down rather than turn off abruptly, which avoids corruption of the computer’s operating system and loss of critical company data.