We have often written about the utmost importance of IT security in any kind of organization; from IT companies with their countless databases of proprietary information, to small and medium-sized businesses entrusted with customers’ data. It’s important to have all your bases covered to keep the office network, and all the machines and devices hooked up to it, from any form of malicious intrusion.

As such, it is customary for companies to implement different progressive solutions to keep malicious attacks at bay. These multiple layers of security are generally geared toward protecting the network from threats that capitalize on various means to find their way into your network, some of which remain undetected even by professional IT support teams.

While cybercriminals have since developed various virulent strains that are triggered by Web and e-mail access, removable wired connections are still hotbeds where malware can thrive and transfer to the network. Attacks through USB connections, whether targeted or otherwise, can be thwarted by following a few simple suggestions.

Restrict the Use of External Storage Devices

Depending on your set working procedures, removable media devices can either be crucial or downright unnecessary. USB connected devices with internal storage like Flash drives, external hard disk drives, multimedia players, mobile phones, and tablet computers may be sanctioned by the your IT services department, or completely banned from being plugged into office computers. Simply put, no removable media devices allowed, no chances of malware getting into your computers via your USB ports and running rampant in your network.

Disable Autorun

Microsoft designed Autorun to immediately initialize the installation of executable files, and open internal folders within removable devices. While this may offer a lot of convenience, it also accesses the contents of a plugged in infected device, prompting the housed malware to crossover to your computer. This can be prevented by simply disabling it entirely. From within your computer’s Control Panel, you or any authorized personnel from your IT support team, can do it by going to the Hardware and Sound category. Disabling it, however, means you would have to manually access external storage devices, and launch applications and functionalities yourself.

Secure External Devices Before Using Them

Because removable storage devices are portable, users can easily take them out of the office premises and plug them into infected computers off-site. If your departments at work do require the use of external devices and are providing units to your workers, it would be best to run them through anti-malware solutions before plugging them into your machines at work. This way, your IT service team’s security procedures are sure to prevent malware from even getting into your network connected computers.

In addition, always keep your security software updated. Every day, more and more countless malware and their variants are created, and it’s important for your system’s software to be able to recognize the latest virus signatures to protect you from these damaging attacks.

Define and Enforce Strict Security Policies

For any kind of computing environment, strict security protocols need to be defined to make sure the office server/s, none of the networked computers, and their stored data are compromised. Your in-house IT support should always include both wired and wireless connectivity when mapping out device usage rules for your business.

To learn more about IT security, and how it can optimize your productivity and keep your business’ sensitive information secure, get in touch with the IT experts at All Covered. Visit www.allcovered.com or call 866-466-1133.