[audio:http://www.gfi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mspuniversity-jun10.mp3]

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(Part 1) This podcast outlines the Building Blocks program and focuses on the provision of a Managed Service for Servers & Networks.  Doug and Chris outline services which can be easily promoted, sold and implemented into IT Support Companies.  These services build up incrementally towards full managed services.

[audio:http://www.gfi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/MAXRM-Podcast-Building-Blocks1.mp3]

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(Part 2) This podcast outlines the Building Blocks program and focuses on the provision of a Managed Service for Servers & Networks.  Doug and Chris describe how customers are using good customer propositions such as a Daily Health Check and Daily Safety Check to build recurring revenues.

[audio:http://www.gfi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/MAXRM-Podcast-Building-Blocks2.mp3]

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GFI Software CEO Walter Scott and HoundDog Technology Founder Doug Wilson talk about GFI’s buyout of HoundDog (now known as GFI MAX), and its implications for VARs and managed service providers. (Source: MSPmentor)

[audio:http://www.gfi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/gfi-max-hounddog.mp3]

Employees need to be educated about security because they are the people who manage the data of the organization and keep it running.

• All their actions that are done online have a security element to them
• There is an element of cost to the organization
• Employee activity should not be taken for granted because not all employees are IT savvy
• Most SMBs are unaware of the security risks out there such as endpoint security

Education awareness programs should be mandatory for all employees with refresher courses happening on a six month basis. These should not be full of technical jargon but rather, an explanation of the security risks involved when they use the Internet and outside sources such as USB sticks.

For employees to follow policies it’s important to actually explain the thought process behind these policies and not just dictate them. If an employee understands the risks involved then they are more likely to accept and follow the policy.

Whilst educating users is a very important aspect of security, it cannot stand alone. Software still needs to be installed as a security barrier. However, explaining security threats to employees is a step towards preventing security breaches through the human element.

[audio:http://www.gfi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/gfi-securityeducation-podcast-2.mp3]

The main cause of the problem lies in the attitude that SMBs have towards security, because they believe that cybercrime only affects large enterprises. Most SMBs install anti-spam and anti-virus software and believe that they are secure; however, they don’t have a clear understanding as to the extent of security threats.

Whilst spam and viruses are the basic threats and measures should be taken to prevent them from harming the network, there are plenty more threats out there that most SMBs are unaware of and therefore don’t know what to protect against.

Having controlled Internet access for employees is a start to ensure that malicious downloads and prolific web browsing doesn’t occur as this could lead to further threats such as phishing attempts which play on people’s fear and/or lack of knowledge.

Since SMBs consider themselves as abstained from cyber attacks this means that they install less security on their network making it easier for a cyber criminal to actually attack them. Whilst a large enterprise might have a higher revenue the effort that it would take to break into their network would be much greater due to their increased investment in security. Cybercriminals are just as likely to go for a smaller catch if it’s easier to get to it.  The initial investment into security might be seen as an expense; however, SMBs need to realize that should their network be compromised, their business and clientele will be affected thus affecting their revenue and credibility, and costing them a lot more in the long run, that will take a much longer time to recuperate.

Ultimately security is a cost of doing business. Security is insurance. Security is an investment.

The first steps to safeguard a business lie in education and awareness for all employees and managers. By being aware of the threats that can hit a business it is easier to prevent a security breach because one would know what to look out for and what to avoid.

Security should be considered as a long-term plan that SMBs need to put in place before it’s too late.

[audio:http://www.gfi.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/gfi-securitysm-podcast-1.mp3]