As a part of the “Let Me Help You” series, I recently talked about the importance of two-factor authentication (2FA) for the security of your network. Cybersecurity is a necessity in today’s technologically advanced world, and it starts with two basics. You need the best firewall and you need the best antivirus software. IT specialists like Aptica will be on top of your industry’s cutting edge protection software.

To review: A firewall is a network device that grants or rejects network access to traffic flows between an untrusted network (for example, the internet) and a trusted network (like a private or corporate network.) Antivirus software is programmed to prevent, detect and remove malicious invasions from browser helper objects (BHOs), browser hijackers, ransomware, keyloggers, backdoors, rootkits, trojan horses, worms, malicious LSPs, dialers, fraudtools, adware, and spyware. Yep. It’s all out there and looking for ways to hack your company’s data. Now, if you randomly stop someone in the street and ask how they are actively defending against LSPs or dialers or fraudtools, the chances are good all you’ll get is a surprised look. Your company’s network defense has to be chosen by, installed, and monitored by people who really like fighting in that war. Your local IT company is your personal National Guard. We are trained and regularly educated and updated on the latest computer protection technology. It’s so complex now, it’s a specialty.

Make Time To Review Your Current Cybersecurity Setup

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your current security plan, I urge you to make that a priority. Don’t be caught flat-footed when your network goes down or you receive a ransom request—and you had no idea that your security was outdated. Just like you don’t have to understand how everything on your car works, you don’t have to understand how everything with your computers works. But you should at least know how recent your security upgrades are.

It’s a lot, but it’s an absolute business necessity. You start by just asking questions,  then you find someone you trust to watch your back.

Jason Newburg, 260.243.5100, ext 2001, is the founder and owner of Aptica LLC. This IT management and support company has been serving small to medium-sized businesses for 15 years in the area that includes Angola, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, IN, Battle Creek, MI, and Toledo, OH.