As today’s businesses transition to online record keeping and storage, they must always stay a step ahead of hackers who know how to exploit vulnerabilities in network security. Hackers launch computer virus attacks with the intention of stealing information, destroying data, or overloading system resources. Sometimes they seek financial benefit, and sometimes they seek revenge. More often than not, they’re simply bored and seeking bragging rights in an underground chatroom.

At Network Services Group, we specialize in data breach prevention. Our server and exchange system automatically updates antivirus definitions daily, and securely backs up your files and protects them with military grade encryption. And a big part of staying safe comes from using common sense to look out for these standard attacks!

Trojan Horses

A Trojan Horse refers to a malicious program that you unwittingly download to your hard drive. You should never open an attachment from an unknown user, and if you get an unusual email from someone you know containing only a link or an attachment, be cautious. Some trojan horses will automatically send a copy of themselves to everyone in your address book.

Phishing Scams

If you get an email claiming that they’ve detected unusual activity on your bank account or credit card, and they want you to log in to verify information, proceed with caution, no matter how official that the email looks. Most banks won’t contact you through email, and clicking the link directs you to a spoof webpage that looks exactly like the bank’s webpage, with the sole purpose of collecting logins and passwords.

Social Engineering

You’d be surprised to learn that most computer crime isn’t perpetrated by evil geniuses creating viruses, but by people who know how to sound official and trustworthy on the telephone. All it takes is getting a hold of the right employee, and persuading them to share their boss’ passwords. The easiest way to prevent this is to never share passwords, and to train employees that they’ll never be asked for their passwords over the telephone.

Hackers can be crafty, but they’re no match for a company that’s prepared for them. Our team at NSG is standing by to help you keep your network secure. Schedule your free consultation now, or give us a call at (501)758-6058 if you have any questions!