What does Anti-Virus Software have to do with PC Audit?

Using PCProfile Discovery audit tools to establish what is installed on your PC based systems may lead you to discover that some of the software has been installed without your authorisation and knowledge. Some would suggest it's "illegal software", but we know, after being involved in auditing for software compliance since 1991, that there are many reasons why this may occur.

When looking at compliance issues it's also worthwhile taking a management view by examining the usefulness of the suites of installed software and you will often find that there are wide ranges of software installed. The key one we will focus on here is antivirus software, as it's one of those key software products that you really cannot do without in today's climate. Security/anti-virus software is a high priority key item to focus on for many sites in 2011 continuing into 2012 and beyond. 

Software today is almost entirely delivered via downloaded files from the Internet via your Internet Service Provider. As a result you or your staff may have already downloaded, and may have unwittingly installed, software programmes which are of dubious origin, and you don't want to have installed on your systems.

Computer viruses, keyloggers and malware can easily be downloaded onto your PC, or a PC within and across your business network, without you even realising it. Whilst some Internet Service providers, such as O2, will include internet security within their broadband packages, this is not always the case.

Although you might be using the PC Discovery audit software to discover which pieces of software are being used on your PC without authorisation, there are also some software items that you will not want to be without. When you are taking a look at exactly what is currently stored on your PC, you might want to double check that compliant anti-virus programmes are protecting your PC - here's why..............

Are your Customers and Suppliers at risk because of your systems?

If you do not have antivirus or security software installed, or it's maintenance has expired and/or the signature files are out-of-date, then your PC and your business is automatically at risk, as soon as you connect to the internet.

If your PC is part of a network of computers, then you will be putting a number of others at risk too, both within your business and those external parties such as customers and suppliers, who will also be at risk too!  You depend on these customers and suppliers for your business survival and it's not a smart move to infect their systems as well!

Viruses and malware are often transmitted through incoming emails, as well as online links, documents with embedded macros (incl PDF files) and even within some image files, but the stakes have been raised even higher, due to new technology.

Mobile Devices have increased your risk

The largest threat you face today relates to the use of mobile devices (Smartphone's, iPads', tablets, Netbooks etc) that connect to your systems, either wirelessly or via broadband links.

The use of these small mobile devices, which often are left unchecked in terms of security and virus/malware threat and are therefore "assumed" to be OK, but they are proving to be a big management risk that has crept into the organisation.

Many are unaware that these small mobile devices can result in data stored on your PC becoming lost or corrupted, as well as putting you at risk of identity theft and intellectual property theft. Other data that can be "lifted" is customer details, personal private details of staff, members etc. Data breaches these days are a significant news item in the media and you or your business can ill afford this kind of adverse publicity, as it can be very damaging and destroy value in your business.

Ensuring that all of your computers are secured by current, licensed up-to-date security software, can prove vital for many users - especially those who might make purchases online using their credit card information.

For many businesses, being able to keep customer information and personal records secure can prove vital in becoming known as a reputable viable company, and both retaining existing customers and attracting new customers.

Once the antivirus software is installed, it is vital that you regularly install updates offered by your choice of anti-virus software, in order for it to be able to work effectively. Take a tip from PCProfile, make sure that you ensure that you have legitimately purchased the software which you use.

It's great that Internet Service Providers such as O2 include internet security within their broadband packages to their customers, as this makes it easier for end user sites with a complete end-to-end solution, providing protection the whole time you and your business are connected.

However, if your broadband service provider doesn't provide adequate secuity with your broadband connection, or your antivirus/security software is out of date, then consider using a product that PCProfile uses and trusts within it's own business, such as Vipre AntiVirus software.

The key to an effective antivirus/security strategy is to deploy software which is low impact, non-obtrusive and effective.

We switched over PCProfile PC's and our client systems to VIPRE Internet Security 2012  a few years ago and can highly recommend it.

Copyright (C)  2011 PCProfile   Page last updated November 2011