Technology
At home as well as at work, technology surrounds us each and every day. Along with the technology, if you are responsible for the data, you should have a technology policy in place.
There are actually some good reasons. Let’s try to explore some of them.
- Security
For the most part, the security on what we are transmitting is secure, as long as we are going to a web site that has good internal security. If you are sending your credit card information to the Lands End site to purchase a sweater, they undoubtedly have safeguards in place to protect your data.
However, what about the data inside your computer?
Two ways in which to secure the use of your computers are by the use of passwords and log in and out forms.
If you are using passwords, are you changing them frequently? If you have a password that never changes, if a hacker gets through one time, they will be able to get through another. In determining the password for your computer, do not use your knick name, your birth date, or other common item. Think about using a random combination of letters and numbers. This just makes it harder for those not authorized to break into your data.
Also, do you use wireless communications? If so, depending where these are being used, the information may be readily available to those who are near by. There have been cases where crooks hacked into wireless data as it was being sent over the airwaves. Make sure that your transmissions are not being compromised.
- Efficiency
Determine what your needs are, and use technology which will fill those needs. Such issues as signal strength, storage space and speed, all play a role in determining our daily productivity.
A recommendation is to create a list of what technology would enhance your efficiency and effectiveness on a daily basis. Technology is a good thing. You should use the technology that will do the best for you, which may not be the best for the business or the neighbor next door.
- Storage
Where are you retaining your data? When was the last time that you backed up your full system? Where is that backup located? Disaster recovery is a real factor in today’s business. If you are dependent on technology to help run your business, you do not want to be without it for any length of time.
If you regularly do backups but store them on another partition of the computer, the data may be lost if you have a hard drive crash. Just think about how long it took to create that data the first time. Do you want to spend that time again?
Make full backups of your system at least weekly. Store those backups off site. This should be stored in a secure, fire-safe location. Rotate the backup media, so that the most recent one is in the secure off site location. Your frequency of backups is dependent on how much data you are willing to recreate. Remember that you will need to recreate all that is not stored on the back up media, if a disaster occurs.
If you would like assistance in developing your technology policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.
