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Your Better Business Partner Because We Know Business Better... We Also Know Something About Computers |
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Your Computer Network and
the Internet An Open Letter To hyde.Com Clients April 2001 This letter is
intended for the clients of hyde.com and is not intended to cause panic or undue
alarm. We assume everyone knows about the threats of viruses and
hackers. Some have already been
victimized. We just want you to be aware and take whatever action you and
your firm may deem appropriate. Your computer
network and its’ various components were designed and installed to provide
your firm with the most effective and productive business tools possible
within budgetary restraints. Many networks
were designed and installed before the Internet began to dominate the way
most of us use our computers. Now almost everyone has an Internet connection
and their own e-mail account. Computers are now so complex that they offer
thousands of ways to communicate with thousands of remote entities. Programmers have
written hundreds of applications to break into networks and personal
computers and obtain passwords, steal data, download viruses, and cause
serious damage to end-user hardware and software. Just a few years
ago, all a good local area network needed in the way of security was good
passwords and loyal employees. Now, that strategy just isn’t enough to
eliminate the possibility of being violated by outside or inside influences. Just as we at
hyde.com Information Technologies researched the Y2K issues and took the
appropriate action, we have also been monitoring the Internet security
problem for some time now. What to do about Internet security presents an
extremely complex and ever changing problem. First, is the
possibility of your system being hacked a real threat? According to public
and private research, the threat is very real and becoming a greater threat
every day. While the estimate that 80% of all computer data theft is done
from within the network, both internal and external incidents are growing
rapidly. Next, are there
ways to stop hackers and viruses? Yes, while there is no way to completely
eliminate the possibility of attacks, there is a lot that can be done to
improve the odds against being hacked.
Some solutions are cost-effective; others are not. Solutions include
virus detection software, server firewalls, personal computer firewalls,
sub-netting, NAT, various intrusion detection devices and programs, and
external security companies that monitor networks and track intruders. Lastly, what
steps should be taken to address the Internet hacking and virus problems.
Again, we want to
make it clear that we at hyde.com are dedicated to doing the right thing at the
right time and stand firm in our commitment to provide our clients with the
best and most accurate information possible. There are many security entities
that practice “social-engineering” by making claims that your system is
wide-open to the world and that they can stop intruders from ever hacking
into your system. These claims are just simply not true. The only way to be
absolutely sure you cannot be hacked is to unplug the Internet connection. The very best you
can do is to make it as hard as you can for intruders and to catch them when
they are able to hack into your system. Reasonable people
with accurate complete information will always make the best choices. If you have
questions or concerns about your network and want to discuss it with us, please
feel free to call anytime. Thank you, Bob Hyde |
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