WARNING! Connecting to the Internet opens up your network to all kinds of criminal activity! Hackers can run programs that randomly search and probe open ports on your system or they can hijack a victim's computer and use it for illegal purposes. Viruses, worms, spyware, and other malicious programs can be attached to incoming files from the Web!
INCREDIBLE! We checked into reports from your firewall software and discovered that you have had at least 80 attempts to attack your system in the last hour! Can you believe it? It was smart of you to place a firewall between parts your network and the outside world of the Web.
OH MY! Your procedure for backing up files is terribly out of date! Always make a copy of your files on media that is widely available and take time to store a full backup of all the files in a place away from your building. Computer vandals aren't the only threat to the safety of your information; hurricanes, tornados, fire, and floods can damage your information and your equipment!
WE HAVE A PROBLEM HERE! Your techs did a good job installing anti-virus software on all the individual machines connected to the network, but they soon discovered how costly and time-consuming it was to regularly update the anti-virus software on every machine. We recommend that you install a server-based anti-virus program that automatically downloads new versions to each computer workstation.
YIKES! Several employees used passwords that were easy to guess! Other employees opened attachments from unknown sources! Later, two embarrassed workers admitted to being tricked by someone who used email and a fake website to "reel them in" and steal personal information (phishing). Everyone reported spamming--complaining they received email they didn't ask for or want. Quick! Schedule the entire staff for more training on computer safety issues!
BEWARE! While it's great to have wireless computers and other devices communicating without cables, always remember that wireless networks pose a big threat! They communicate with radio transmissions that can travel beyond the walls and windows of the building. Anyone passing by the building with an antenna and amplifier can break into the network!
QUICK! Look out the window! There's a guy sitting outside in a van with his laptop open. Let's check to see if you have enabled encryption on all wireless transmissions. Next, we can move the transmitters as far as possible from the exterior walls and windows.

CLOSE

Home | © 2001-2005 Donna Sawyer. All rights reserved. | Cited Works | Acknowledgements | Contact Us