Computer security - computer disasters

Every day, new technologies have been introduced in the daily activities of any company, whether small or large. Its implementation enhances important aspects such as management, planning and improving customer relationships. On the other hand, the dependence of digital information and computer systems is so high that a disaster could result in heavy losses and even the cessation of economic activity.

The Windows operating system is most affected, since about 99% of malware is affected directly or indirectly. These programs, which usually reach the victims computer by a Trojan, are extremely dangerous because they access and forward all types of personal data stored on the computer without the user's knowledge.

Of this problem is the need to be prepared for any disaster and thus minimize the disruption that this may cause. Therefore, every company should prepare and develop a contingency plan to prevent and recover from computer disasters.

The main threats that can cause a data disaster are:

• Viruses, worms or Trojan horses.

• Improper use of information systems by employees.

• Spam (receiving e-mail mass advertising).

• Loss of privacy.

• Denial of Service (attacks that cause some resource too busy to answer requests licensed and also lead to the denial to authorized users access to your machine).

• Financial fraud using information systems.

• Improper use of information systems by third parties.

• Physical security.

• Poor quality of software.

• Theft of information.

It is not possible to eliminate entirely the risks, but you can minimize the dangers and damage that could cause a computer disaster. To do this, every company must be aware of following a rigorous series of recommendations:

1. Before opening each email, check the provenance of it.

2. Avoid downloading programs from unsafe sites (Internet pages are generally safe, business and government sites and institutions).

3. Perform regular backups (at least once a week). This practice is a great security policy in the event of data loss (e.g. caused by a virus) can be overcome by restoring the last backup.

4. Be constantly informed about what is happening in the field of Information Security.

5. Owning a constantly updated antivirus and often scans the computer for viruses.

6. Keep your operating system constantly updated with security patches released by manufacturers. In the case of Windows, can be automated using the utility "Windows Update", which lets you connect to the Microsoft website and check if there are pending updates to install in our system.

7. Using legal and licensed software. Illegally copied applications are at high risk of infection and passed through a large number of users.

After installing the software, you must open the program and put the anti spy to work, i.e. do the analysis and the scanner to your computer. The most recommended and effective prior to the scanner, is to discover the hidden files in your Windows operating system.