Small and mid-sized companies can be especially hard hit by a compromise in security because they often lack the staff and budget needed to quickly address a problem. More important than implementing a security infrastructure is maintaining it. Bennett's Security Services help you develop, implement, and maintain a secure network.

Bennett's Security Services Include:

• Firewall Protection. A firewall protects a network from an outside source, whether the outside source is the Internet or another network. Some of your company's records, such as finances, need not be accessible by all of your employees. A firewall can be installed at any perimeter, which allows you to customize your network's security.
• Virtual Private Network's (VPN's). A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an affordable, flexible and reliable security solution that exceeds the optional solution of a private WAN. With a private WAN, a new leased line must me added with each new user. A VPN runs over the Internet, which allows more flexibility and affordability. The VPN passes information through tunneling and encryption. Tunneling is a point to point connection between the remote and central offices; encryption scrambles the data on the sending end and reassembles on the receiving end.
  

• Proactive IT Support. Viruses, hackers and other network risks feed on outdated computers and servers by leveraging vulnerabilities that exist. Avoid these problems with a proactive IT Support schedule to ensure that your servers, computers, software, and other network hardware are fully operational at optimum performance levels.
• Data Protection. Effective planning decreases the amount of time necessary to manage data backups and restoration databases. Ask about our 9 step Data Protection service today.
• External Security Scan. Hackers scan multiple networks at once to find vulnerabilities, not even knowing or pinpointing a specific company. This scan gives you an insight as to what opportunities a hacker would see from their point of view.
• Security Assessment. We recommend security assessments quarterly, bi-annually, or at minimum once per year, depending on your industry. Our assessment will provide you with the information you need to make well-rounded security decisions to better protect your company’s data.
  
• Intrusion Detection/Prevention. Whether hosted or managed on-site, Intrusion Detection Service (IDS), also referred to as Intrusion Prevention, monitors computer systems for signs of intrusion or misuse. It is the only part of the infrastructure that can detect security breaches on your internal network. If your business hasn't been struck by computer crime within the past year, you're among a very small and fortunate minority.

5 Misconceptions of Network Security

1. I have no sensitive data on my computer and do not need to be secure.
   As long as you have Internet access (and who doesn't) a hacker, virus or worm can use your computer as a source to spread damaging materials to hundreds, thousands, or even millions of other computers. This is done by using your computers existing IP address as a disguise to fool other computers into allowing entry.
   
2. I have a firewall so I am secure.
   This is the most common misconception. A firewall is used as a shield between the public Internet and your company's information. However, it cannot shield everything as some data needs to travel the Internet freely (i.e.: email, web pages or if remote access is allowed). This is done through an open port on your firewall. Every open port adds to your systems vulnerability.
   
3. My computer came with virus software, shouldn't I be protected?
   New viruses are created on a daily basis. Frequent virus software updates are released to add protection against each newly detected virus. It has been recommended to update virus software at least once a week.
   
4. I just purchased a new computer so my Operating System (OS) is up-to-date.
   Even though your machine is new to you, chances are it has been sitting in stock for the last 3-6 months, in which case its service packs and security patches are 3-6 months old as well. OS updates are released on a regular basis. The first thing to do after hooking up a new computer is to go online and update the operating system. It is good practice to check for operating system updates when you check for virus updates.
   
5. We have an IT staff to manage our system.
   An IT staff is busy with weekly updates, maintenance, staying current on new technologies, etc. Network security needs more than part-time attention. Over the last few years the number of network threats has multiplied, and no one expects it to slow down any time soon. Many companies turn to a third party to evaluate and test their security infrastructure. Bennett offers a 4 step Security Assessment plan. Our security specialists will help your managers and IT staff make wiser security decisions based on an objective evaluation and by helping to determine your level of acceptable risk.