Guide to avoiding security breaches

The DTI found the average UK business suffers at least one breach of electronic security a month. The Independent Fraud Advisory Panel issued this guide to protecting computer systems. The guide, made expressly for small business, contains a useful checklist of threats and practical measures to counter them.

Secure IT systems are essential to keep business information safe and confidential. Viruses - which can affect unsecure systems – often have devastating effects on small businesses that rely heavily on the Internet and e-mail.

Key points to consider:

• Virus types and how they work.
• Security software.
• Data backup.
• Reviewing the system.

For information on security threats faced by small businesses and what can be done to safeguard against them, please read.

• Advice from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) about computer viruses and protecting your business against them
• The guide to preventing intruders accessing your IT systems

More resources as a starting point for checking the security of your computer system, and protecting your data.

• To read reviews of computer software and compare the security programmes available: www.reviewcentre.com/flist2167-brand.html
• Security tools and tips from Microsoft: www.microsoft.com/security/