EVALUATING YOUR IT & COMPUTING NEEDS

Maintaining an effective and safe IT and computing environment requires continuous updating and constant follow-up for the latest technological changes that affect everyone connected to the Internet or running a business in a networked setting. Schlabig & Associates can save you time, protect your computing environment and help assist your organization in keeping up on the latest technologies and trends by providing assistance in the following areas:

• Small Network and PC Security Planning and Setup
• PC Security Checkpoints and Procedures Review
• Preparing for and Maintaining Internet Connectivity
• PC and Network Physical Security Consulting
• Small Business Continuity Planning
• Software, Hardware and Licensing Auditing

To determine whether your IT and computing functions need additional attention, review the following self-audit checklist:

QUESTION

Y / N

Is an anti-virus program installed on your computer(s) and network server(s)?
Is the anti-virus program configured to check every file that gets to your computer(s) (e.g., disks, cd-rom, email and the web)?
Do you check files for viruses on demand (e.g., when sending an attachment via email)?
Do you check for new virus signatures regularly?
Do you monitor virus alert web sites regularly?
Do you have firewall software installed on your computer(s) and network equipment?
Do you regularly install software patches to reduce system vulnerability?
Do you backup your computer’s and server’s data files regularly?
Do you backup operating system and application software when it is first purchased and after patches are applied?
Do you backup data after critical or substantial updates?
Do you store backups in a separate location away from your computer?
Do you record backup information (e.g. files backed up, date)?
Are your backups being made to the appropriate media?
Do you test your backups for valid restores?
Do you use passwords on your computers and servers?
Do you change your password regularly?
Does your password include lower and uppercase characters, letters and numbers?
How long is your password?
Is your password written down?
Do you use predictable keywords (e.g., months) and the same creation methods when creating your passwords?
Do you need assistance checking the strength of your password?
Are your PC users made aware of security risks and vulnerabilities?
Are your PC users informed of their security and control responsibilities, and are written policies and procedures in place that governs them?
Have emergency procedures been established to be followed in case of disaster or criminal act?
Could short-term or long-term downtime of PCs and severs result in loss of business and revenue or customer and employee dissatisfaction?
Are your computer(s) and server(s) housed in an area or otherwise secured so that it is safeguarded from theft or vandalism (e.g. locked office, cable lockdown system, etc.)?
Have the individuals authorized to use the PC been identified with a valid user account?
Do you have an inventory of your hardware components (description, serial number, tag number)?

If, after answering these questions, you determine that need assistance with these and other related issues, please contact us so we can help.

Please contact info@schlabig.com at Schlabig & Associates to discuss any of the items outlined above.