Business Technology: Lock the virtual doors

It's becoming an all-too familiar occurrence - that mysterious message in your Inbox from someone you do business with, which includes an attachment marked something like `Your document'.

Most email users will recognise the message for what it is, one of the many worms clogging internet traffic around the world - and delete it without opening. However, the explosion of worms and other, far more malevolent, viruses on the internet does need consideration.

MYOB IT services manager Stuart Bale says viruses make up a huge proportion of emails, with many businesses unaware that they have been infected. Rather than be intimidated by the potential for an attack on their systems, however, Stuart says small businesses should take a prudent approach to online security.

"The risk for most small businesses in New Zealand is very slight," says Bale.

"However, like any business would put locks on their doors, they should also secure every online access to their business, not just on individual computers but throughout their entire network - using firewalls and anti-virus software."

Stuart says a wide range of simple and effective security systems can be installed, which will give business owners peace-of-mind.

"Businesses should look to a tailored solution that will match the level of security they require, with priority given to the most sensitive parts of their network, such as payroll, customer data and financial information. This is something that a specialist consultant can supply for a very reasonable cost."

The IT industry is also taking greater responsibility for customers' security needs, with an increasing number of products being shipped `locked down', with features that hackers could exploit turned off.