Protect Your Hardware and Devices from Theft

many electronic components are displayed on a printed circuit board

Computer security revolves around software and encryption. Leaving an open network connection or choosing weak passwords can lead to a data breach that costs your business clients. But physical protection for your computers and mobile devices is just as crucial, maybe even more so. Take steps now to protect your hardware and prepare a plan in the event of theft or loss.

What can you do to prevent the loss of the actual devices?

If you have an office space for your small business, make sure the devices are locked or secured. You can either have employees take their laptops home or keep them in a secure drawer at night, and you can install security cameras around the exits. Installing tracking software or adding RFID stickers can also make stolen or lost devices easier to recover.

What software should you add in case of theft?

Losing a device is a little like losing a credit card: you’re unlikely to get it back, and even if you do someone can do a lot of damage in the brief window they have it. So install software that can remotely wipe a computer. This software should remove files, Internet history, and any caches, as well as any specific business information. You could also install programs that lock down a computer without erasing the data, but that’s potentially riskier.

Sometimes devices get lost, even with a small team of vigilant employees. Phones are small and constantly put on tabletops, and as business travel becomes more and more important there are just more opportunities for physical theft and loss. Prepare for the worst so you can keep your data secure, and go to Bluwater Technologies for managed IT support that can enable your security practices.

Computer tip of the day: Virus Protection

a person holding a credit card in front of a laptop

In today’s computer tip of the day, the topic of protecting your PC is at hand and we would like to touch on the importance of virus protection. Whether you are browsing the net, making purchases, doing a bit of online banking or exchanging emails — a quality virus protection software is a must.

There are hundreds of thousands of individuals all over the world who want something from you — and that something may be money, sensitive data or just to simply wreak havoc on your system.

Many hackers, unfortunately, accomplish this by sending out computer viruses through email attachments, download files, and false websites or advertisements.

What is a computer virus anyway?

There are numerous types of viruses out there on the worldwide web. Thus, the way in which they can affect your computer may vary. Nonetheless, a virus is something that is created by computer hackers all over the world, who ultimately want to do harm to your computer. Here are a few examples of what can happen in the absence of virus protection:

  • Send out unauthorized messages and information
  • Damage portions of the system
  • Steal personal data such as passwords, banking info, etc…
  • Slow down computer performance

Just like a person with a lowered immune system, your computer without virus protection system is just as susceptible to falling ill. Quality virus protection can be your first line of defense against any potential risks of attack. Below are some listed features to look out for in an antivirus program:

  • Real-time scanner
  • Webmail protection
  • Scheduled scans
  • Compressed file scanner

If you, unfortunately, think or know you may have contracted a computer virus, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are more than happy to discuss removal options and how we can help you secure your network.