SCORE — Secure your database from information leaks

By Dean L. Swanson

Locks, alarms, and cameras can help safeguard your facilities and equipment. But what about your computer database?

Local SCORE counselor and technology consultant Wayne Herivel has witnessed "several local small businesses that have a false sense of security regarding their company’s data bases."

Herivel explains that "It may be comforting to assume that Internet firewalls and PC passwords are enough to prevent unauthorized access. But database breaches from both external and internal sources are increasing at an alarming rate."

SCORE counselors urge clients to take this threat seriously as they plan and manage their business operation.

According to Fredric Paul, publisher and editor-in-chief of bMighty.com, an online resource that specializes in the IT needs of small and medium-sized businesses, "Small businesses face a higher risk because they usually lack the IT security infrastructure and expertise of larger, but no less vulnerable, corporations, because small businesses also lack the resources and expertise to detect and respond quickly to a breach, the consequences of unauthorized access are greater as well."

Here are some steps for keeping your small business database as safe as possible. More details can be accessed on the SCORE Web site:

• Enable security capabilities.

• Give the database a security check-up.

• Restrict database access.

• Make regular backups.

• Keep track of trends.

To learn more about safeguarding your small business’s physical and electronic assets, contact SCORE at www.score-rochester.org to access free, confidential business counseling, find more details on this topic and training workshops provided to small business owners.
Upcoming workshops include: Marketing your Business in an Unusual Market in Unusual Times and Succeeding in the Construction Field.

Dean L. Swanson is a volunteer SCORE Counselor.

For more information, see Postbulletin.com/weblinks

Rochester SCORE chapter (Free counseling and workshops)

http://www.score-rochester.org

bMighty.com (Online resource for IT needs)

http://www.bMighty.com