Network Security Tips

Posted under Computers, Hardware, Security

Installing the right hardware and software is only the start of protecting your network. Another part of protecting your network is involved in how you use it and how you set up the appropriate network security policies and procedures. With networking becoming so popular many enterprises are finally starting to take a serious approach to network security. Just take a look at the many threats to computer today and you can see why network security is so important with malware, bots and assorted viruses.

In addition to your hardware and software you need to have the right policy, strategy and execution. The organization will determine how the security is managed, but it is necessary to have clear rules and procedures for the use and security of the network. Then you can back up your policies with the technology necessary to protect the network. But having the right policy is the starting point for all other network security methods.

Next you need to educate individuals about your rules. The rules won’t do any good if people don’t know them and follow them. Make sure all your users know what can and cannot be done safely. This is especially important since spy ware in the form of phishing emails and spam are becoming more prevalent.

Network security now needs to have someone in charge. You should no longer have an IT group looking after your network security. Rather you need someone whose full time job is to watch network security within your organization. More importantly if you have a group of people for this job make sure someone is clearly in charge and responsible for the department.

In order to keep malware from affecting your network you need to keep an eye on remote users and portable devices. Even with a secure network a user can log on from an unprotected Wi-Fi network and a back door will be opened into your network. So if you are going to give your workers the option of working wirelessly from many organizations you need to have a secure approach to the wireless technology.

Lastly don’t forget the physical nature of your business. With everything changing to an online approach and much security focused on that aspect it is important that you don’t forget about the physical security on your work site. So always give thought to what can be taken out of the trash or who can walk into your company and gain access to information.

Video Surveillance In The Kingdom

Posted under Business, Computers, Hardware, Innovations, News, Security

A lot of European nations utilize public video surveillance as a leading tool for monitoring movement and possible terrorist acts. The United Kingdom is known for relying heavily on video surveillance in crime prevention efforts. Some studies show that video surveillance is indeed making an impact in the fight against crime.

Its Beginnings

Video surveillance in the United Kingdom started n 1986 in an industrial estate outside the town of King’s Lynn. Video surveillance cameras were installed and their usefulness was immediately apparent. Before the cameras were put in place, almost 60 crimes were recorded. Two years after installation, there were no crimes reported. Needless to say, other town and cities followed suit.

Soon after that, the government made a large amount of money available to establish surveillance programs in different areas. Municipal systems have been operating for over a decade but there is little formal data to measure actual effectiveness. However, British government reports assert that these surveillance systems are in fact, a major reason for declining crime rates.

A good example is Liverpool which has one of the largest systems in Great Britain. Shoplifting, prostitution, and vandalism have decreased by 25 percent. Residents there say they feel safer, even at night. It also seems that people charged with crimes plead guilty most of the time when faced with videotaped evidence of their misdeeds.

Most Britons are aware of these video surveillance systems. Going shopping, riding a train, buying gas, going to the bank, attending a soccer match. If someone does any of this, chances are his image will be recorded on video. This means that citizens notice the cameras but do not really seem to mind them. In fact, a surprising number of people support the use of video surveillance systems. But some people do think that the setup is Orwellian in nature.

Proof In The Pudding

Supporters emphasize that video surveillance is invaluable in apprehending criminals. Kidnappings and terrorist bombings have been prevented with the use of this technology. Arrests were conducted after video images were broadcast to the public and citizens responded. Video surveillance is also helping to clean up the notorious image of English soccer. Fans who had disrupted games in the past were barred from attending future matches with the help of surveillance images.

The advantage of the British video surveillance systems is that nearly all of them are linked to local police stations. If not, they are monitored by private security guards in a central location. If a guard notices an illegal act, the image can be sent to the police monitors so the authorities can react accordingly.

The United Kingdom has embraced video surveillance as powerful tool in law enforcement. Civil libertarians may decry their prevalence but there is no denying that they are effective in helping the authorities. It is a matter of proper usage of this technology. As long as they do not infringe on the privacy of law-abiding citizens, then the police can take full advantage of their utility in crime prevention.