Running your own business means wearing a series of different hats. Not only do you have to concentrate on the sales generation or income side of the business, you also have to look after different areas like the accounts, insurance and IT. One thing that’s vital in any business today is to have good internet security.
If you don’t have antivirus software installed at work, you need to do this immediately. Look around online at the different brands and packages available.
If you have a network of five or more computers, then it’s probably best to opt for a paid-for business version of antivirus software rather than using one of the free antivirus downloads. Business packages are designed for easier installation, updates and management on multiple computers.
If your business has a mixture of PCs and Macs then remember you will need separate antivirus software for the different systems. Mac antivirus programmes will not work for a PC and vice versa. Also, don’t forget to get mobile antivirus software for company mobile phones – they can be attacked by viruses just as easily.
Once you’ve decided on and downloaded your antivirus software, bear in mind the following antivirus advice:
- Never open files attached to an email from unknown or untrustworthy sources
- Use macro protection in MS Office applications like Excel and Word
- Remember to subscribe at the end of a free antivirus programme trial period if you’re happy with it – otherwise you’ll lose the cover.
- Do not run more than one antivirus programme at once. Uninstall old ones before installing something new.
- Update virus signatures regularly to remain protected.
- Free online scans are good to diagnose any viruses, but they don’t act as a suitable substitute for having internet security software installed on the PC.
