What Are “Best Practices?”

A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means. They also represent common practices that are seen in properly managed networks of similar size and industry. Best practices increase security, productivity and efficiency, helping your business accomplish more with your existing resources.

Here Are Some Best Practice Tips:

Knowledge

• Knowing is half the battle! Every employee should read their company’s usage policies so that they know what to expect and what is expected from them. Have an acceptable use policy in place, and update it regularly.
• Examples of Acceptable Use Policies (AUP):
• Prohibit the installation of software for which the company or employee does not have appropriate licenses.
• Lock all laptops and computers when leaving them unattended to prevent unauthorized access.
• Utilize anti-virus software, and execute caution when opening e-mails and attachments from unknown senders.
• Limit use of private or non-business related activities, such as instant messaging and chat rooms.

Network Security

• Use complex passwords for confidential data and programs. Passwords should expire regularly to decrease the likelihood that they will be leaked or cracked.
• Network equipment and spare equipment should be locked and in a climate controlled area.
• Always encrypt your wireless network. WPA and WPA2 are protocols that most wireless devices are compatible with.
• Use a business grade firewall to provide security between your network and the internet such as Sophos  or WatchGuard, both of which are capable of Unified Threat Management (UTM) which combines Anti-Virus, Anti-SPAM and content filtering.
• Remote users should connect to your network using IP-Secure or SSL VPN connections.

3D Corporation offers Sophos and WatchGuard security products, and can help you select the right product for your business need. Please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call us at (360) 671-4906 for more information.

References: Sophos Security Products, WatchGuard Firewalls