Step 1: Update your software
In the battle against hackers who get a thrill when they cause havoc for
small businesses like yours, the best offense is a strong defense. Make
it a habit to download and install software patches and updates as soon
as they become available. That way you'll protect your company from
needless downtime and potentially serious security breaches -- plus
you'll spoil the hackers' fun.
Why Your Business is at Risk
Hackers like to find and exploit bugs and loopholes in popular software
products. Some do it for money, some to make a statement, some simply to
cause trouble. And they do cause trouble -- examples include exposing
customer credit card numbers on a Web site or stealing passwords in a
computer system. The fall-out for a business can be fatal.
Basic Steps You Can Take
When Microsoft or another company discovers a vulnerability in its
software, it typically releases an update that people can download over
the Internet. The update "patches" the loophole or bug that the hackers
exploited. Over time, software products have become more secure --
Microsoft Windows XP Professional, for instance, is inherently more secure
than Windows 95. But that doesn't negate the importance of downloading and
installing patches as soon as they are released.
Installing Updates for Windows:
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Windows XP Professional: Go to
http://www.windowsupdate.com, click Scan for Updates, and the Web
site automatically analyzes what you need to be current and then
downloads and installs the patches.
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Windows 95 and 98: If you are running one of the
older versions of Windows, you should know they are much less secure
than newer versions of the operating system, such as Windows XP.
Microsoft strongly encourages upgrading to ensure the highest level of
desktop security. Go to
this page for details.
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If you have a broadband connection and use a
newer version of Windows: You can have Windows monitor for available
patches and download and install them automatically (and in the
background) while you continue working. To enable the feature,
right-click My Computer, click the Automatic Updates tab and select
the Keep my computer up to date check box. Then choose how and when
Windows should scan for and download updates. |
Installing Updates for Microsoft Office:
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It's also important to keep up-to-date with
security patches for Office. They are available, along with other
downloadable add-ins, at
http://www.officeupdate.com. |
