There are many aspects of data security that companies have to consider
From backing up files and sharing data to remote access and online storage, computing and the web form a central part of many business’ day to day operations.
And as the virtual world has grown in both the corporate and consumer sphere, ensuring that networks and personal systems are properly protected has resulted in a strong emphasis on antivirus software as a means to defend against malicious programs and attacks.
Yet while much faith is placed in such tools to ensure that servers and files are not exposed, one expert explains that they only form a small part of data security.
"SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) think because they have an antivirus, they’re safe. But antivirus is now only a small part of it and there’s no silver bullet to IT security – it’s a layered approach," says Tony McDowell, managing director of Encription.co.uk.
"They [companies] can make sure that they don’t print too much out, that they use encryption on USB, and that when anyone comes in they have acceptable use policies and email policies."
Considering that data protection is vital to businesses that handle and store sensitive information – be it relating to staff or consumers – it seems that antivirus software is just one of the many steps that can be taken to defend servers in the event of any attack designed to expose their files.
What’s more, having an effective and clearly defined user policy in place appears to be another way to boost security as it ensures that only workers and visitors with the relevant clearance can access certain records.
Indeed, despite the seemingly limitless benefits of the internet, there are certain threats that have to be taken into consideration in order to protect companies from breaks in continuity as they attempt to take full advantage of the web’s resources.