The technologies that make today’s businesses more efficient and effective also make them more vulnerable to threats. Information security can be a constant struggle for corporations as they fight to keep ahead of the ever-changing computer data security hazards.

Companies suffer data leaks as a result of anything from a stolen laptop to hackers to stolen paper records. According to the 2006 Cost of Data Breach Study from The Ponemon Institute, data breaches cost companies an average total of $4.7 million, or $182 per customer record. Companies with a poor data protection solution can not only run into legal trouble due to strict data security laws, but when data leaks occur, most corporations can run into image and public relations problems brought on by the scrutiny.

So what can you do to make your computer data security more effective? Here are a few actions you can take to make sure your data protection solutions are always in tip-top shape.

• Evaluate often. Frequently assess your computer data security’s functionality and find other data protection solutions to cover any vulnerable aspects. Additionally, you should establish a data security policy with frequent audits so your company can keep its security solution up-to-date.

• Implement and enforce password policies. Ensure that your employees have strong passwords that include the appropriate amount of letters, numbers and special characters. As part of the system, set parameters that force your employees to change their passwords regularly, as this will help maintain system security.

• Watch over your VPN. If you have any employees working from a remote location, keep in mind that these users can collect viruses or malware on their unprotected home computers, which means those threats could eventually skip over your network. So if your employees do work remotely, make sure that they are working from security-protected, company-issued laptops.

• Monitor your wireless. After you secure wi-fi access points, you should continue to keep informed of the risks. Some data thieves use a trick called the “evil twin” where they create a fake wireless network that has a name very similar to yours in an effort to trick workers into logging onto this impostor network where it’s possible to get the users’ login information.

• Hack your own wireless network. Hire an external auditor to conduct a “penetration test” on your network Though it sounds odd, hacking into your own network gives you a hacker’s view of your network and is probably the most effective way to find out what your data protection solutions may lack.

• Always encrypt your data. No matter where the data is being physically stored, using strong cryptography is imperative when protecting sensitive data.

• Delete unused data. Collect the data you need and place it in a secure system, but once it is superfluous, make sure you delete it completely.

If you pay close attention to your computer data security solutions and see that nothing is slipping through the cracks, you will have a much lower risk of your data getting into the wrong hands – saving your company from the consequences of public scrutiny and liability costs.

David Meizlik is the Product Marketing Manager for Security Solutions at Websense, Inc., the leading provider of web and content security solutions based in San Diego, California. His responsibilities include product positioning, go-to-market strategy and development, market and competitive analysis, program development, and management of all outbound marketing activities for Websense security products. Meizlik served as the marketing manager for emerging business opportunities, and the technology partner marketing manager building the Websense Web Security Ecosystem, an alliance of over 38 technology and distribution partners. For more information about Websense, visit Websense.com

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Like any maintenance procedure with a laptop, it’s best to learn what the recommended procedure is before you undertake cleaning your unit. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to clean your laptop more than once a year. Most manufacturers recommend an annual cleaning only. Don’t use any harsh cleaning agents or those which contain ammonia on any part of your expensive piece of equipment.

You’re going to find all kinds of goodies that build up on the inside of your laptop including pet hair and dander, cigarette ashes, crumbs and dust. The dirt will mar your display and affect the performance of your fans, and block or cause other problems with your I/O ports. You’re going to need a few basic tools to undertake a cleaning. To start with, go into your local computer supply store and get a can of compressed air. Find yourself some cotton swabs, cleaning solution and a soft cleaning cloth like from a cotton T-shirt. On the exterior, also use the soft, damp cloth for cleaning. Be careful to not use a scratchy or abrasive cleaning cloth. Refrain from using harsh cleaning products and never spray any cleaning solution directly into the casing, always spray it onto the cloth first.

One of the most critical parts of your laptop, obviously, is the display. Turn your laptop off for cleaning. This is an important item to remember. If you don’t, dirt will accumulate more easily on the screen. Make sure you use the cotton T-shirt that is nonabrasive and never use paper towels or tissues to clean your display. Don’t use any ammonia-based cleaners as they leave a film. You can always purchase monitor-cleaning solutions in pre-moistened wipes or spray cans. Always spray the cloth first, and then wipe the screen from left to right and then top to bottom. If you wish, you can make your own cleaning solution using Isopropyl alcohol and water. Mix one part water and one part alcohol.

To keep your cooling vents free of dust and debris, use your can of compressed air to clean them. A couple of tips when using compressed air are, make sure that you don’t spray it too hard and don’t get liquid on the fan blades. Use the cotton swabs to hold the fans in place while you clean them, and never spray directly on them. Wiping them without holding may cause them to over-spin and damage them.

The next step in your laptop cleaning procedure is to make sure that your I/O ports are clean. Use cotton swabs and wipe away large pieces of dirt that have accumulated. The compressed air can be used to blow the rest of the dirt away and remember to be careful to not blow dirt directly into the I/O ports.

And finally, the keyboard should be kept clean at all times. Regular cleaning will prevent your keys from sticking or malfunctioning, and always remember to do your best when it comes to keeping food and drink away from where you are working. Even if liquids are not spilled directly into the keyboard itself, residue remains on your fingers and will transfer to the keyboard. Use your can of compressed air to get rid of the dirt buildup. Consult your user manual first as your keys may actually be removable and this will make it much easier to clean. If you end up removing your keys, remember to put them back in the right place when reinstalling them. You can use your cotton swabs to clean in and around the keys as well.

Just a bit of maintenance and attention to detail on a fairly regular basis will extend the life of your laptop considerably more than if no maintenance is done at all. Like any piece of equipment, your laptop is no exception.

Terry A. Price is a regular contributing author to the expert author community and is committed to bringing quality useable content that you can take to the bank now. Discover more amazing breakthroughs in laptop technology on his website at: http://www.laptopdestination.com/registry-cleaner.html

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