Protecting your small business computers and data is no simple task. Installing anti-virus software and keeping it updated is one essential aspect is protecting your computers and assets. Many business owners think they can install anti-virus software and ‘set it and forget it’, with no other action or prevention needed to keep data safe. This kind of attitude can be fatal to a small business, as anti-virus software is not sufficient to provide enough protection for important data and equipment. Here are 3 reasons why anti-virus is not enough protection.
- Cyber Attacks Are Constantly Changing
Cyber criminals are more cunning and resourceful than ever, and the nature of online attacks is constantly changing. If your anti-virus software is not up to date with the latest virus definitions, your assets will be vulnerable to attack. Even with regular updates, anti-virus software can still be challenged by the sheer variety and diversity of viruses, malware and attacks that can infect your system.
- Not All Data Breaches Are Caused By Attacks
While virus infection and malicious attacks can be a cause of data loss or theft, they are not the only way data can be lost or compromised. One of the most significant causes of data loss is human error, which can allow for data deletion, compromise of data security, or infection of files with a voluntarily downloaded file. While anti-virus software can help protect computers against some viruses and malware, it won’t be able to prevent data loss caused by human error.
It’s very important to educate staff and others who access your data about how to safely handle data, how to protect assets from cyber-attack, and how to recognize different cyber-attacks such as phishing.
- Anti-Virus Won’t Protect You From A Targeted Attack
Even the best anti-virus software in the world won’t protect you from a targeted cyber-attack that’s aimed at damaging your data and your assets. At best, your anti-virus software might buy you a few days before a hacker breaks into your system. If you hold valuable and sensitive data, you will need added protection such as encryption to keep data safe. A specialized IT consultant can help you implement a more secure system and advise you on how to achieve defense against even targeted attacks.
What’s The Solution?
For the best data protection to keep your sensitive information safe, you need a multi-dimensional approach that includes anti-virus, but also includes a range of other defensive practices. An IT consultant is the best professional to help you set up a diverse approach to data protection, that can include a managed anti-virus system, malware protection, antispam, encryption, server firewalls, workstation firewalls, password policies, network permissions to limit access to data, intrusion detection and 2-factor authentication. This provides a well-rounded and more complete approach to your data and device protection, keeping your business safe from cyber-attack.
