Protecting small businesses against hackers

Protecting small businesses against hackers


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SALT LAKE CITY -- We've heard about major corporations like News Corp., Sony and TJX being hacked in the past. But too many small-business owners convince themselves that hackers aren't interested in them.

Symantec Security Response Director Kevin Haley said, "Small businesses tend to have more money in their bank accounts than an individual user. Yet, they're not as well protected as a large business which has a lot of money. So, they become a really attractive target."


One of the weakest parts of any hacking protection system isn't the software, it's the people using the software.

One of the weakest parts of any hacking protection system isn't the software. Haley says it's the people using the software.

"That's the way that bad guys often take advantage of to get into somebody's computer," he said. "They will send them an email that tells them they need to update their password and log-in."

That's not the only way hackers can trick someone working for a company to give them their log-in information.

Tips
  • Don't use the same password on multiple sites
  • Be aware of emails requesting log-in information
  • Have up-to-date anti-intrusion software on computers and servers

"Or, they'll get an attachment that says it's a package that couldn't be delivered. Click on the attachment to find out what that is."

Haley said, in many cases, one password is all a hacker needs. Too often, people use the same password on multiple sites.

"More than likely, I can use that email and password to log in as you at a bunch of other places," Haley said.

He explained it's not only important for employers to train their workers on the latest anti-hacking techniques, but to have up-to-date anti-intrusion software on their computers and their servers.

E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com

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