Computer security is similar in many ways to security of other property. Who is likely to want what I have and how do I stop them?
Security can be divided into:
1. Internal (stopping people who need to have access to my computer taking data)
2. External (stopping people who shouldn’t have access to my computer taking data)
Following are some considerations:
a. Make sure your practice location is secure of course. Stopping people taking your computer or backup files is a good start to protecting your data.
b. Password protection of your computer and main programs e.g.. EzyPAASS. No matter how good or encrypted the password it will only stop people who shouldn’t have access opening the program. (In addition if someone has your database often the password is only stopping people opening the database in the usual way but the actual databases can be accessed with the program that wrote them eg Filemaker / Access). Often individual computer / program passwords can be inconvenient without actually protecting your data anyway.
c. Use a program like Knox which password and encrypts everyting inside the ‘Vault’. This allows eg EzyPAASS to reside inside a Vault. A password only known to vital trusted people can open the Vault at the start of the day but once it is closed no one can access any data inside. A Vault can be copied to backup but any copy made requires the password.
d. Make sure you have a Router / Firewall which your internet service passes through. This will limit the possibility of unauthorized access of your computer via the internet.
e. NEVER deal with anyone you do not know and trust over the phone in relation to your computer. No matter how much trouble they say you have with your computer hang up.