Qualities of a Good antivirus software

Virus, malware and spyware have always been a problem for the computer users. These days the intensity of the problem is much higher and poses a great risk to data and information than ever before. To protect PC as well as computers in the network, you need to have good antivirus program installed on them.

What are salient features of antivirus software?

Before buying antivirus software, you must know some basic qualities of software that makes it good.
Detects Every Kind of Virus
Antivirus software is all about detecting virus. It should be able to defend PC from ever increasing virus threats. It should detect and fix all forms of virus and malware. An antivirus program should always run in the backdrop and should be able to figure out Virus in the compressed form. It should be able to identify and block the new virus threats. Be it a virus, spyware, malware or a Trojan, an antivirus program should block anything that’s there to spoil your PC.

Quick scanning

The one main reason why people hate to scan their computers periodically is because of the time an antivirus program takes to scan the files and drives. An antivirus program must scan the computer fast, and should be able to clear up the virus permanently if there’s any.

User friendly interface

Compared to the other software in a PC, antivirus is somewhat difficult to configure and operate. Not everyone around us is a techie, so an ideal antivirus must have a user friendly interface.

Fast updates

If an antivirus has to fight the virus threats effectively, it needed to be updated regularly. The regular updates that come from the antivirus company prepares the software to fight the latest viruses, and malware. The updates have to be light, so that they don’t consume too much of data.

Less Memory Usage

The antivirus applications are known for high memory and system resources usage. Some antivirus programs cause serious lag in computers and even freezes them at times. So an ideal antivirus program shouldn’t use much memory.

A good antivirus software need not to be the costliest. In fact, there are many free antivirus programs that work better than the paid versions. So don’t just underestimate free antivirus software. In addition, a well written help file, simple installation procedure, and round the clock technical support are few other things one need to watch out for.

Network Computer Security Threats Faced by Corporate

Network administrators are generally surrounded by ever increasing security risks and system analyst come across major issues when they access servers. Dealing with security threats is a difficult job, as these threats keeps on multiplying at a rapid pace. They are adversely affecting the work in the corporate sector.

Network administrators have to take necessary steps to keep Trojans, worms, malware, spyware and virus at bay. Along with this they have to safeguard data from hackers and cyber criminals. The instant messengers, downloaded movies, games and some other application increase the possibility of cyber-terrorism.

Here, is a list of factors threats that a company should guard themselves from -
Email attachments: Whenever employees open email attachments, especially ones send by unknown senders, it allows viruses to enter in the network. Some viruses are so dangerous that they will enter system even if the link is not clicked.

Blended threat: Blended threat word is used to express multiple attacks on networked computers. It combines malwares, viruses, Trojan horses, worms and malicious applications to attack computers in a network. These threats are designed to spread quickly like worms, and they use whatever platform they get to propagate themselves.

Renaming Documents- Employees at times save important information under a different file name. The monitoring software that checks outgoing email sometime fails to recognize the file due to a different name.

Music and video browsers- It is seen that workers frequently misuse Internet connection at the work place to download music, games, movies etcetera. In some instance, browser automatically connects the user with the related sites that too without permission of the user. This happen in case the browser knows the user's preference. It connects the user automatically to the related websites and executes related applications. This puts the network at risk and probably uses a huge segment of bandwidth.
There are further security risks that can cause disastrous effects to the network server and damage online corporate functionalities. Availing service Network Security providers can be of great help. The security Providers with advanced Intrusion Prevention System and Intrusion Detection System will ensure a smooth running network.

Network security companies have highly skilled network and system administrators, who can successfully install next generation firewalls. The firewall will protect company server from any hackers, cyber criminals and virus attack. Moreover, the extended firewall protection helps to create a good network administration. Search online to find a Network Security Company that completely fulfills requirements of your business.

Benefits of Cloud Computing Services in the Enterprise

Overview of Cloud Computing 

Cloud computing is a technological model that provides web based applications, middle-ware, and computing resources on demand. When enterprises deploy technology as a service, end users are only provided with resources that they will need for the particular tasks. This in return prevents clients from paying extra money for idle computing resources.

Cloud computing concept also goes beyond normal cost savings; this is so because technology is usually accessed from a remote service provider directly from their servers rather than on local system. 

In cloud computing there are various actors who have different roles within the cloud computing value added network. This concept comes with an array of opportunities from the cloud computing platforms which integrate services that provide additional value, not mentioning the complex services which give rise to new set of roles.

Actors existing on a cloud environment  Based on different analysis from cloud computing providers, and also based on the layers of the cloud computing services model, various actors have emerged in the cloud horizon, these are the customers, service providers, infrastructure providers, aggregates, and the consultants

The customer is known to acquire services via various distribution channels which may be from a platform provider or directly from a service provider.

The platform provider provides an environment that makes it possible to deploy cloud based applications. This particular platform provider ensures the technical basis for the marketplace where cloud related services are usually provided.

Finally there is the consulting that provides support to the customers to select and implement relevant services which can create value for the client's business model.

Benefits of cloud computing to the enterprise


Cloud computing comes with a host of benefits to the organization regardless of its size. To begin with, enterprises deploying cloud computing stand to benefit from reduced costs as a result of less expenditure on hardware, software's, networking management, and overall IT expenses because clients only pay for what they consume.

There is also scalability aspect due to the fact that enterprises scale their business storage needs seamlessly rather than having to make expensive purchases in terms of expensive applications or hardware. There is also the benefit of automatic updates which is done remotely by the cloud provider.

It is also possible for employees, partners, and clients to take advantage of remote access, and update information regardless of their location.

Understanding the benefits of computer support for Small Business

Computer support for small business

Computer users normally experience different problems with their machines ranging from forgotten passwords, crashing of the hard drive, viruses, application errors, to faulty accessories among others. Other computer support for small business may involve business telephone systems, managed services, CIO level consulting, E-Mail hosting, application hosting, disaster recovery, help desk services, IT outsourcing, and IT consulting among others.

When computer systems malfunction in an organization, a good number of individuals will try and solve the problem on their own, while other others will directly seek the services of a certified systems engineer. It is advisable to follow the latter.

Qualified technical support specialists provide technical assistance to organization systems. These experts will modify, clean, and repair both the hardware and software systems, and they can also work on other accessories such as the mouse, printers, keyboards, monitors, server systems, and the network among others. With computer support for small business, the technicians will answer phone calls from computer users, and these experts can run some automated diagnostic programs to resolve programs remotely.

Benefits of Online Computer Support

With the advent of the internet, online computer support has emerged as a mainstream methodology of providing system support to companies. Online PC support entails troubleshooting over the telephone and internet network. This concept comes with a number of benefits compared to the conventional system repair.

To begin with, the service is available 24/7, 365 days a year and companies which operate around the clock do not have to worry. This in return provides more convenience because clients do not have to carry the machine to the vendor and the customer can save on fuel, parking, phone, and technician related expenses.

Online computer support for small business is also cost effective because the service is normally provided remotely and large enterprises will save substantially on costs associated with logistics. This also tends to save on time, and it also saves the client wasted man hours when searching the internet for an endless array of solutions. Online computer support also comes with the benefits of privacy, because there is no need of calling a stranger technician to come to the office to fix the machines.
Computer support for small business providers will leverage talent coupled with proprietary technology to deliver superior and cost effective computer support services to small organizations. Computer support companies boast excellent customer service. For instance, whenever the client raises an issue with their system, the support technician will reference the history of events together with the customer’s profile from the first phone call in order to provide an expedient and personalized service delivery. This particular customer profiling also enables the initiation of a session with the preferred technician.

Immediately the problem has been identified, the company's technician embraces the knowledge data base and personalization engine so that they may provide the client tailored services. This particular knowledge data-base keeps on expanding exponentially because workable solutions are provided. Such data-bases also includes the clients demographic details as well as the call history which enables the system technician to provide assistance which is specific to the individuals customer’s need and equipments deployed to their premises.

Benefits of using Managed Security Services

Managed Security Services

This is basically a systematic approach of managing an enterprise’s security needs. This particular service may be conducted in house or outsourced to a third party service provider who is mandated with overseeing the network and information security systems.

This particular trend of managed security has emerged because computer attack patterns are radically shifting, and new threats to computer networks are also changing and growing on a daily basis. It is in view of this fact that enterprises need to obtain more reliable information security. Information risk can be transferred, avoided, mitigated, or accepted, and the organization can outsource certain managed security services, (MSS) by entering into partnerships or alliances with organizations which have the know how to manage information security services. Managed Security Services are practical solutions that can be applied to transfer information systems security responsibilities and operations of an enterprise.

Even though the enterprise is in possession of its information security risk and business risk, having a contract with MSSP enables the organization to spread out its information risk-management approaches.

Enterprises are shifting towards MSSP's in order to reduce operating costs, and also to take advantage of vendor certified information security specialists. Some of the common services provided in a MSSP context include: Network boundary protection. This entails managing the virtual private networks, intrusion detection systems and firewalls. Security monitoring which is also involved in network boundary protection and Incident management and this may include emergency response which may proceed to information systems forensic analysis. On site consulting Data archiving and restoration Anti-virus applications and content filtering Vulnerability assessment and evaluations are also used with testing services.

Benefits of engaging with a managed-security-service-Provider

Cost

It is cost effective to engage a MSSP rather than hiring an in-house full time certified information security specialist. This is so because MSSP’s are able to spread out their investments in software, hardware and certified experts over several clients which in return reduce the overall per client cost. When this is done, the organization will be able to convert its variable cost into fixed cost and hence realize tax advantages because the organization can now deduct the MSSP fee expenses from the current years earning against the depreciating internal company's assets. The company will therefore experience new cash flow improvements which arise as a result of transfer of software licenses and skilled personnel to the MSSP.

Staffing

Hiring certified in house staff is quite expensive, and the cost of hiring, training, and retaining qualified IT personnel when MSS is outsourced now becomes the responsibility of the MSSP. Also when MSS is outsourced, the enterprise can now fully focus on critical business initiatives.

Skills

In house specialists dealing with security incidents on a part time basis are not likely to be as much skilled as an expert from MSSP who is experienced dealing with several security incidents from different clients hence capable of crafting security solutions comprising of a broader capability.

Facilities

MSSP's are better equipped in handling security due to their special security operations centers that are located in different parts of the country. These particular sites are equipped with state of the art technological infrastructure and also managed by certified professionals.

Understanding your Organization’s Computer Security

Computer Security


Computer security mainly entails information security as applied to computing resources such as software, hardware, and networks. This particular branch of computer technology has a clear objective of protecting information, software, and hardware from disasters, corruption, and theft while at the same time allowing the same information and other related technological assets to remain accessible and relevant to its intended users.

On a broader perspective, the term computer systems security implies the collective processes and mechanisms by which sensitive and valuable information assets and key services are protected from unintended tampering or publication by unauthorized individuals.

It is due to this background that organizations regardless of their size have to consider implementing a computer security plan.

This particular plan will attempt to protect systems against viruses, spyware and other intrusions, secure the e-mail system, comply with privacy regulations, secure customers data and protect intellectual assets. In order to effectively achieve computer security within the organization, it is advisable to consider:

Establishing organization specific security policies, procedures, and practices. Rather than handling common security threats such as viruses, Trojans, worms, and spyware individually, the organization should come up with a comprehensive security policy.

This requires the enterprise to establish an inventory of all the hardware, software, and network assets as part of a company wide security policy that addresses how people interact with the infrastructure, whether it is the software, hardware, or the network. The organization can deploy some kind of hierarchical permission based system that enables access based on either department, job title or both. Password controls should also be implemented and the organization should also try and benchmark its current security profile and set realistic goals for future improvement. In case the company does not possess the requisite technical knowledge to handle all this, then they should consult with an expert computer systems security individual or organization.