Protecting business computers from virusess

Since the beginning of the internet, computer viruses, data crackers, and spyware has always created a headache for businesses. If your company is using Macs instead of PCs, you are probably feeling safe from viruses. Most hackers don't write viruses for Macs since the vast majority of computer users are PC users.

Having a good company policy in place is always beneficial. Your staff should know they are not allowed to download anything from anyone they don't know or are not expecting. Esalestrack has laid out the following steps for protecting your company computers:

- Be careful about your e-mails and e-mail client. It is better to check mails online; don't download them to your computer.
- Don't download any thing suspicious from net; especially e-mail attachments.
- Don't trust mails, attachments or documents from unknown senders. Also look for file extensions; virus files have some unknown extensions.
- Do check the speed of computers in your network frequently. And also delete/format unwanted data and drives, temporary files, cookies, etc.
- Set your browser and mail-client so that they do automatically upgrade, download or auto-launch any thing.
- Use a good up-to-date anti-virus protection. Configure it well.
- Use a strong firewall on all your computers so that no programs can send any thing or receive any thing.
- Install a good anti-spyware program.
- Operate your computers through educated hands only.
- Get and configure a good quality router.
- If all fail, think of changing your OS, Open-source and Mac users face less intruder attacks.

Turning off auto launching on your e-mail and graphics are also a good idea. Always have the e-mail attachments scanned for viruses. If you have a good antivirus program you need to make sure it is continually up-to-date. Most companies set their virus programs to run when the computers are not being used. This is a good policy as the virus program does take up a lot of memory when it is scanning the entire computer.

Set up a software firewall in conjunction with the anti-spyware program on your system. You will need to make sure the entire company is set up on your LAN with the same firewall. Having your IT staff up to date with how viruses and worms work is also a good plan. If anyone can track down a worm on your system, they can! Have them test the programs often for any leaks or bugs in the system.

What are the best virus programs?
Depending upon the price, you can have software downloaded for free or pay a monthly fee. Many companies use Norton Antivirus, MacAfee or AVG Anti-virus. AVG can be downloaded for free and purchased for a company-wide implementation. Referrals from other companies, IT staff and PC weekly are a great place to start to find what anti-virus program is right for your company.

Since businesses are moving more toward the internet for their applications, they are more venerable to virus attacks. Taking all the necessary precautions will save your company hundreds to millions of dollars.

Having a good virus protection program along with adware, spyware and other protection programs are essential to safe-guarding your confidential company files. Once a computer has been compromised by a virus, it is usually unsafe to use that computer again. This can add up for companies and destroy their image if any personal information was stolen and leaked to the public. Make sure you are taking all the necessary precautions to protect your company and save yourself money in the end. Your company will be successful with tighter precautions on using the internet and you can also know which employees are using company property for the way in which it was intended.