It's impossible to run your business without the right tech. How to choose the right computer equipment to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.
Business software – such as accounting and security software - makes running your business easier, safer and more efficient. Learn how to decide what software you're likely to need.
Building a business website is easy using web design software with intuitive drag-and-drop templates. You can also use a web agency or designer to build your online presence.
From business email and phone to instant messaging, you need to be able to stay in touch with customers, staff and suppliers. Here's how to set up effective business comms.
How would you cope if your IT system failed or was hacked? We cover the main IT security threats and how to protect against them.
Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate staff training, IT policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.
IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.
Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.
Your business will hold a lot of valuable and possibly sensitive data - whether about your business, your employees or your customers. Most of that information will be stored lots of on your business devices. If you use cloud computing services (which most of us do these days), you might also have sensitive data stored outside your business too.
Wherever your data is stored, it's important you take a multi-layered approach to keep it safe.
Your business needs good security equipment to ensure strong computer internet security. This may include the following hardware:
You will also need specialist software to secure your IT system:
It's important you keep all the software on your business computers up-to-date, as attackers often take advantage of security holes in older software versions. Often, newer versions of software - like Microsoft's operating system Windows 11 - contain additional security features to protect your business.
The Information Commissioner's Office has provided advice for businesses on information and data security,
In many ways, storing your business data in the cloud can be more secure than relying on servers in your business. If you choose a trusted cloud provider, they may have a whole team of people working just on security. After all, their business relies on their reputation - and a single security breach could spell disaster for them.
Read the ICO's guide on the use of cloud services.
It's no good using impregnable computer protection software if anyone can walk into your business and steal your devices. Take steps to ensure physical security:
Take special care of portable items like laptops, smart phones and memory sticks. These are easily stolen, lost or damaged. In such cases, the data stored on the devices is often worth more than the hardware itself, so make sure files are backed up elsewhere and that you have 'remote wipe' or 'remote kill' enabled so that you can prevent your data getting into the wrong hands.
Computer protection is best approached in a structured way. Analyse the risks faced by your business and how to protect against them by putting together a security plan. You also need strong IT policies covering key aspects of computer protection:
Establish standard procedures so your staff know how to prevent, spot and respond to computer internet security threats.
Early detection can really help to minimise the damage caused by a virus or malicious hacking attempt. Try and foster an open approach to reporting security issues, so staff aren't tempted to try and hide problems, even if they are at fault.
