Better Business Bureau offers anti-hacker tips

Unique passwords, firewalls, company policies and education policies aid protection

Does your business have the resources in place to secure your computer data? If not, there are measures you can take to guard your computer system against would-be attackers. The Better Business Bureau offers these basic security tips:

Implement a password protection program for authorizing network log-ins. Users should avoid using simple passwords. Instead they should use cryptic phrases that combine numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters.

The system should require all users to change passwords when they first log on and then regularly thereafter and should lock out prospective users if they fail to enter the correct password three times in a row.

Install an antivirus protection software. Check your computer systems for viruses on a regular basis. Never disable antivirus software, and make sure the virus definitions are updated frequently.

Install firewalls. Firewalls are gatekeepers made of hardware and/or software that protect a computer network by shutting out unauthorized people and letting others go only to the areas they have privileges to use.

Firewalls should be installed at every point where the computer system comes in contact with other networks the Internet, a separate local area network at a customer's site or a telephone company switch.

Consider purchasing encryption software. Even if an intruder manages to break through a firewall, the data on a network can be made safe if it is encrypted. You can also buy standalone encryption packages to work with individual applications, in addition to good encryption software in the public domain.

Almost all firewalls, encryption programs and password schemes include an auditing function that records activities on the network. Companies should regularly check logging data and audit trails to look for unusual or suspicious activity.

Develop and enforce a company-wide computer and physical security policy.

Make sure your online provider has filters to help keep out intruders.

Ensure that all employees and management are briefed regularly on security threats, policies, corrective measures and incident reporting procedures.

Security Tips

Educate employees about computer security

Use up-to-date virus software

Use a firewall

Use watchdogs

Use encryption

Download only necessary items

Be prepared

Depend on yourself for protection