Home Page | Products | Specials | Critical Information | Contact Us

There are many factors that account for data loss. One of the main causes of data loss is a virus. A virus can cause computer systems and networks to lose data and in many cases cause the computer and even the network to crash before the operator knows what is happening. Viruses are spread in numerous ways. Viruses can be on a CD-ROM or a floppy disk and put on computers when the CD or disk is accessed. The main way that many viruses spread today is through the Internet and e-mail. A virus can be download with any file. They are also spread through e-mail. When a person opens an infected e-mail attachment many viruses attach themselves to the address book and forward them to everyone in their address book. This can cause mass infection over numerous computer systems.

A virus is actually a computer program designed to alter a computer's files so they are incompatible with the present programming of the computer software. When a virus attaches itself to computer files it deletes or changes the file so it is unreadable by the computer system. For a company this means downtime and data loss. 

Since it is literally impossible to stop people from writing viruses there are ways to protect a system from getting infected. The best way is to install Virus Scan software on all systems on a network. Virus Scan protects a system in many ways. Since most viruses travel through e-mail virus scan checks all e-mail before it is opened.  There is a download scan that scans any files or documents for viruses during download. Virus scan can also be set up to scan all program files before they are run to locate any viruses.

Technology has made many professional careers more efficient and has made home life more convenient. A company can increase its workload with fewer employees while the amount of work being done is more reliable and time efficient. However, with all the improvements in technology come people who abuse it. Right now there are numerous web sites that explain how to break in or hack into a computer system. When hackers break into a system they can view, alter, copy, or delete any information. This includes any client records, information such as payroll and employee’s personal records, account information, or company secrets. Recently many web sites and Internet companies were hit by hackers, (i.e. Yahoo or eBAY). If a hacker can break into these large systems what is stopping them from breaking into yours?

A device can be installed on a network to stop hackers. This device is called a firewall. A firewall sits between your PC or local network and the Internet. It is programmed to look at all incoming and outgoing information and filters out any unknown or unwanted signals. These devices can detect a hacker’s signal and drop the signal as it comes in. Not only does it stop the signal, but some firewalls have the ability to trace the signal back to the sender.

Businesses that need firewalls are those with a permanent connection to the Internet. This includes anyone who has a T1 ,ADSL, SDSL, ISDN line or cable modem. Companies or homes with these connections have a permanent IP address, which make them vulnerable to hacker attacks.

Home users also need firewalls to protect their computers. If you have AT&T@Home or McLeod cable modem, or an ADSL fast Internet access from QWEST or others, your home computers are at the same risk as a company’s network.

Firewalls can be one of the most important security devices on a network or a home PC. They can prevent important and private information from being lost, stolen or altered. They can save both companies and home users time and money.

If your company or home has a direct connection to the Internet and a firewall has not been installed, you should consider purchasing one. 

Why purchase a Firewall?  Click here to read more

Home Page
Products
Specials
Critical Information
Contact Us

Lancaster Consulting, Inc.
618 14th Avenue SW
Suite A

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-297-7052
Fax 319-297-7054
http://www.lancasterconsulting.net
sales@lancasterconsulting.net