5 IT Things You Must Be Doing Today!

Posted by admin On December 9th, 2014

5 Critical IT Security Steps Every Business Should Take Today

By Rick Boyles, President, Computer Networks, Inc.

It’s a different world today than it was just a few short years ago. Every week brings another headline about a major company losing millions of customer records- Target, Home Depot, Sony Entertainment, and JP Morgan are just a few of the big names. The truth is, nearly every data breach could have been prevented with stronger computer network security.

If you’re a small business or medical office in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, or Suffolk, it’s time to stop assuming cybercriminals only target large corporations. The reality is that smaller organizations are often easier targets and your data is worth more than you might think.

Why Cybercriminals Target Small Businesses and Medical Offices

A stolen credit card sells for about one dollar on the dark web. But a medical record? That’s worth anywhere from ten to ninety dollars because it includes comprehensive personal information that can be exploited for identity theft and insurance fraud.

If you’re managing patient data or financial information, you’re sitting on valuable assets that criminals actively seek. Even worse, money stolen from a business bank account typically isn’t covered by the FDIC unless you have special protections in place. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Consider these real-world examples of how quickly cyberattacks can cause damage:

  • A Pennsylvania school district lost more than $700,000 after hackers initiated 74 fraudulent transactions in just two days.

  • A Texas-based company had $1.2 million stolen within 30 minutes using malware that hijacked its online banking credentials.

  • A Louisiana electronics firm lost nearly $90,000 in two separate wire transfers to overseas accounts before detecting the breach.

According to FBI Assistant Director Gordon M. Snow, more than 400 corporate account takeover cases are currently being investigated, with over $255 million in attempted thefts and $85 million in confirmed losses.

If your business hasn’t made cybersecurity a top priority, now is the time to act.

5 IT Things You Must Be Doing Today

1. Build a Culture of Security
Every employee in your business or medical practice should understand the importance of computer network security. Provide ongoing training to help staff recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and handle data responsibly.

2. Install a Unified Threat Management (UTM) Firewall
A UTM firewall provides multiple layers of protection, including intrusion prevention, antivirus filtering, content filtering, spam control, application management, and deep packet inspection. It’s far more effective than the basic firewalls found in consumer-grade routers.

3. Implement Reliable Data Backup and Continuity
Back up all business data and operating systems offsite with a business continuity solution. Cloud-based backups ensure your files and systems can be restored quickly after a ransomware attack, hardware failure, or natural disaster.

4. Conduct Regular Security Risk Analyses
A proper risk analysis identifies weaknesses in your network and ensures compliance with standards such as HIPAA and NIST. Just as importantly, act on what you find—remediate vulnerabilities immediately rather than documenting them and moving on.

5. Partner with a Professional IT Company
Maintaining today’s complex computer networks requires professional expertise. Outsource your IT management to a trusted provider like Computer Networks, Inc. rather than relying on someone who “knows a few things” about computers.

Start Taking Your Cybersecurity Seriously

Cybersecurity isn’t optional- it’s essential. Whether you manage a healthcare practice, a law firm, or a small business, one breach could put your entire operation at risk. The cost of prevention is far less than the cost of recovery.

At Computer Networks, Inc., we provide full-service IT support, managed network security, and compliance consulting across Hampton Roads. We’ll help you assess your vulnerabilities, patch your systems, and protect your business before an attack happens.

Call 757-333-3299 x200 or email info@computernetworksinc.com to schedule a free consultation.

About Computer Networks, Inc.

Founded in 2004 by Rick Boyles, Computer Networks, Inc. provides Managed IT Services, HIPAA compliance consulting, and cybersecurity solutions for small businesses and medical practices throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Hampton Roads.

Our clients typically have 10–150 workstations and depend on secure email, network reliability, and fast data access. We offer enterprise-level protection without the cost of a full-time IT staff, ensuring your systems stay secure, compliant, and efficient.