GrowthBusiness.co.uk: Your gateway to entrepreneurial success

As recent losses of government laptops have shown, it’s all too easy to lose critical data. While preventing theft can be difficult, there are several tools available to help secure valuable information.

Bob Bennett, a product manager for Dell UK, provides a jargon-busting guide to the different tools available to secure your data while you’re on the move.

Hardware protection
Basic hardware security can prevent costly replacement of stolen systems and adds an extra layer of protection to business data. Locks, cables and chassis-intrusion alert and alarm features can guard against theft. However, if theft does occur, asset-recovery software can help locate stolen systems, tracking where computers are being used as soon as they connect to the internet.

Encryption
Encryption helps secure data with a digital signature, minimising its potential to be altered or accessed by unauthorised users. Different levels of encryption can be employed to provide access depending a user’s level of authorisation.

User authentication and password protection
Since passwords can often be hacked, multi-layered user authentication can help safeguard information using a combination of technologies. Using a security object (such as a smart card) alongside security knowledge (passwords) creates a two-factor security process. Where information is particularly sensitive, bio-metric technology, such as fingerprint readers, helps to ensure that only authorised users are accessing company data.

System and network firewalls
A gateway firewall allows businesses to filter content, share internet access and block threats such as viruses. Every system connected to the internet should include firewall hardware and software to ensure maximum levels of security and flexibility. Individual PC firewalls add privacy protection, keeping data safe from potential hackers.

Virus protection
Viruses passed through websites and emails are among the most common threats to a PC or network. Maintaining up-to-date virus protection software on all connected systems and enforcing e-mail and internet usage policies can help avoid infection. Anti-virus software scans incoming emails for attached viruses and monitors files as they are opened or created to make sure they are not infected.

Wireless security
Wi-fi and mobile broadband can be very useful, especially for businesses that involve a significant amount of regional or international travel. Advanced authentication encryption technologies such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) allow staff to communicate confidentially over a public network. Companies can also turn off SSID (Service Set Identifier) broadcast, to ensure communication remains protected, and use Wi-Fi Protected access (WPA) to further enhance wireless network security.

Data Recovery
Despite all these precautions, there is often no way to guarantee your laptop’s security. In those cases, regular backup of business-critical data can help restore vital information that may have been corrupted or lost. Online system backup also offers the comfort of knowing that if a laptop is lost, the hard disk crashes or you encounter a destructive virus, your data is still safe.

There are many precautions you can take to ensure the safety and security of your notebook when you’re on the go. Make sure you implement the ones that best suit your needs so you can make the most of wireless working, worry-free.