Many small business owners overlook the need to implement strict security policies within their network. These policies are vital to protecting your prized digital assets.

Consider the threats to your business network and PC security:

1. Domain Privileges 

   It’s important to lock down your computer systems and set access permissions appropriately according to the user. Only senior-level IT staff should have full access to your network. The rest of your employees should be limited in their ability to provide changes to the system. Many small and even large businesses setup their receptionists with domain administrative privileges. This means that anyone who sits at the receptionist desk (an intern?) can access every piece of data, sensitive file, credit card record, username/password, stored in your system.

2. Passwords 

   Do you require your employees to change their passwords once a month? Do you require that the password uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers? Do you strictly prohibit your employees from using their name, birthday, company name, or telephone number as part, or all, of their password?These are the types of password policies you should be considering. Many business owners leave it up to their employees to choose any password they like. This opens up the possiblity of your staff choosing easy-to-remember passwords. Simple passwords are easy-to-guess by a hacker.

Making policy changes within your organization does not have to be a difficult task. Many times it involves writing out a one-page summary sheet and holding a staff meeting to implement the change.

The F1 key is a powerful feature in Windows. Many people are unaware that they have a little technician hiding inside their computer, waiting to provide solutions to questions or problems you have with your computer’s hardware and software.

The F1 key, when pressed in any program, instantly activates the help features within that particular environment. If you press F1 while on your desktop, the Help and Support features launch. If you’re in Outlook and Press F1, the Help dialogue box appears. Although the help that is provided can be generic, it does include answers to common questions, instructions on various tasks and solutions to problems. The information waiting within the F1 key is very useful, and it may just be a lifesaver for you the next time you find yourself in a tough spot.

F1 can help you setup printers, activate remote desktop support, utilize file sharing, and implement other tasks that will help you get the most out of your Windows experience. So the next time you want to know how to add a signature to your Outlook, or how to defragment your computer, simply press the F1 key for help.

Now, of course, there are situations you will run into where a professional is needed. In those cases, we hope you will keep us in mind as your “go to” computer repair experts. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist.