Even if you don't work with highly sensitive data, ensuring the security of your customers details and accounts is highly important. If your work does have sensitive aspects to it then it's all the more important that your information is managed properly, securely and that the systems working with it have integrity.
Hollywood has made computer security make everyone think of nerds with lots of hair gel and stubble, skateboarding across rough areas of town to break into places with their laptop.
Back in the real world, the threats to your data's security come from disgruntled employees, old software with vulnerabilities in it, lack of security in your computer network's design and Internet access that hasn't been secured.
Arguably one of the biggest threats to small businesses today in terms of computer security are wireless networks that have not been set up securely. Even ones secured with WEP can be broken into. A network during moderate use can be cracked within 20 minutes. What this means is that the network intruder can see what you are doing on the Internet, they can gain access to all your data, and potentially even your business bank accounts. It's one of the most alarming security holes small businesses can face today. The thing is that most Wireless Networking equipment can be set up to be secured against the attacks mentoned above, it's just that people aren't aware of it.
Don't just take my word for it, here is an article on the Times regarding unsecured points. It points out that if your connection is used illegally, you could be the one that gets the blame.
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_we....
If you want to know more about the shortcomings of WEP security, take a look at Technical News Journal, The Register, when they talk about more of the technical details and mention that it has been used to steal millions of credit card records.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10/18/cafe_latte_wi-fi_attack/
I must stress at this point that 99% of the time, these vulnerabilities in wireless networks can be completely addressed. There is no need for you to be exposing yourself to any risk, and wireless networks can be a huge advantage and work securely. They must be configured correctly though.
Security and integrity are cornerstones of IT departments, and are an inclusive part of any packages set up by myself.
What is important to note is that if your computer network has grown in an unstructured and unplanned way, that examining your security is particularly important. If you're in any doubt whatsoever I would be very happy to have a chat with you about it.
Shortcuts:
How to get noticed
Websites
Just because you're not a huge corporation doesn't mean the web can't work for you. Whatever you want to do with it, if it's possible, I can see what I can do for you. Many small businesses don't realise how accessible the power of the web is to them and what it can do for their business. If in doubt, ask me!
Shortcuts:
Get more from your PC
Networking
Maintenance
The above shortcuts are just core essentials of business computing. If you've not thought about these things and you have any computers, if you run into problems your approach is only going to be reactive. I can help you plan now to keep things going smoothly. Think for the future.
Shortcuts:
Email
Mobile Internet
Wireless & Wireless Security
It's not just on your desktop. Most new mobile phones can be set up to work with your company's email systems. Keep informed on the move.
If you're in the know it's getting easier and easier to stay in contact and up to date.