Business Point

Asset protection / IT and computer security / SCAMwatch

Business information and information related systems are valuable assets for your business and are of critical importance in meeting your record-keeping requirements and obligations, and in managing your day-to-day operations.

Any disruption, theft or destruction to information systems may have dire consequences.

Therefore essential security issues include being able to identify, analyse and evaluate potential risk areas and critical control needs throughout the information system lifecycle.

If your business is connected to the Internet, it’s your responsibility to protect your business data and information against unwanted intruders. Sensitive information such as customer details, pricing lists, and personal records can all be stolen, corrupted or even destroyed unless protected properly.

You should ensure that your connection to the Internet is secure. Some issues to consider when securing your business data are:

• working procedures
• virus and spy ware protection software
• firewalls
• back up data
• using secure passwords.

Regardless of the level of technological security you may need - depending on whether your technology requirements are basic or complex - you cannot afford to neglect this fundamental security issue.

Good asset protection practice will safeguard your information systems and give you confidence in preparing for the future. Sound advice and trusted solutions from a reliable IT systems provider are good investments in your business.

Business can fall prey to scammers if it is not vigilant. Scams that target small business can come in a number of forms — from bills for advertising or directory listings that you never ordered, dodgy office supply offers, to false claims of government requirements needing you to send money.

SCAMwatch is a website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to provide information to the public about how to recognise, avoid and report scams. Many scams originate overseas or take place over the internet, making them very difficult to track down and prosecute.

If you lose money to a scam, it is unlikely that you will be able to recover your loss.

For further information, please visit SCAMwatch.