Starting an internet business

If you're starting an internet business there are some security basics that you need to be aware of.

You'll definitely be working with a PC or laptop, and that leads to a number of essential things that you need to take care of from day one:

• You need to back up your data regularly
• You need to get anti-virus and anti-spyware software
• You need to make sure you have a firewall
• You need to manage your passwords

None of these things are difficult to sort out, but now you're starting an internet business, you need to get them right.

I personally use all the items below, so I'm recommending them because I've used them for a long time, they're reliable and they're often free or very cheap.

There are many alternatives available, so feel free to shop around, but these are all excellent starting points.

Starting an internet business: Data backups

Why you need it: You're building a website, it reaches 10 pages, then 20 pages, then 30 pages and all that work is stored on your PC or laptop.

You get a virus on your PC, you end up losing all your work.

How disastrous would that be?

If you're starting an internet business, I suggest you get into a good data backup routine from the start.

My recommendation: Goodsync

Why I like it:  I don't like complicated stuff ... if it's complicated, I won't use it.

There's a free version of Goodsynch available, but as you build your web based business, you'll probably need to upgrade to Pro .. and when you do, it's not expensive (about $30 at the time of writing).

This programme synchronises your files rather than backing them up ... backups take ages to scan every file then back them up, Goodsynch analyzes the changed files and just updates those.

It's quicker and simpler and therefore you're more likely to do it.

Starting an internet business: Anti virus software

Why you need it: Protection against viruses, spyware, adware and trojans.

What are all those things I hear you cry?

Here's what those terms mean to you as a PC user:

• Virus: A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the user. (Definition from Wikipedia)
  
• Spyware: Computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.
  (Definition from Wikipedia)
  
• Adware: Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. (Definition from Wikipedia)
  
• Trojans: The Trojan horse, also known as trojan, in the context of computing and software, describes a class of computer threats (malware) that appears to perform a desirable function but in fact performs undisclosed malicious functions that allow unauthorized access to the host machine, giving them the ability to save their files on the user's computer or even watch the user's screen and control the computer. (Definition from Wikipedia)

My recommendation: AVG

Why I like it: I've used the free version of this software for over 6 years now and I've never had a virus on my PC. Need I say more?

Starting an internet business: Firewalls

Why you need it: A firewall stops people gaining access to your PC when you're connected to the internet.

It's far more complicated than that of course, but at a very basic level when you're connected to the internet, it keeps people away from your PC who may have evil intent and be up to no good at all ... you should definitely have a firewall in place if you're starting an internet business.

A firewall is an integrated collection of security measures designed to prevent unauthorized electronic access to a networked computer system. (Definition from Wikipedia)

My recommendation: Windows XP and Windows XP both have firewalls included with the package, and these are absolutely fine so long as you install your updates when they're due.

I personally use the free edition of Zonealarm, mainly because I was on Windows 98 when I got into PCs in a big way and it didn't come with a Firewall included.

I've always been very happy with Zonealarm, so I continue to use it.

Starting an internet business: Get an external hard drive

If you're backing up data, you need somewhere to save all that information.

The best way to do this is with an external hard drive.

These have come down tremendously in price and you can obtain them pretty cheaply these days.

For average use (ie no video files, just routine domestic photo collections, music and documents) a 250-500GB drive is sufficient.

Tip 1: Get a hard drive that doesn't need an external power cable, it runs by plugging a USB cable into your PC or laptop.

Tip 2: Once you've backed up your data, keep your external hard drive in a different place from your PC or laptop ... if both get stolen, you're no further forward.

Tip 3: Beware of complicated back-up software being included on the hard drive.

I've recently removed the software included on a friend's hard drive because it was terrible to use, she couldn't make head or tail of it.

I replaced it with Goodsync!

Starting an internet business: Managing passwords

As you get more and more embroiled in the internet, you'll gather more passwords.

Either you scribble these on a notepad where they can be stolen, copied or misused, or you start to handle that precious data properly.

I have used a password manager for several years now, and I don't know what I'd do without it.

I make sure it's backed up regularly too ... to lose this password manager would be a disaster!

My recommendation: Roboform

With Roboform you can:

• manage your passwords and log in automatically
• fill long registration and checkout forms with one click
• encrypt your passwords
• generate random passwords
• fight phishing by entering passwords only on matching web sites
• defeat Keyloggers by not using the keyboard to type passwords
• back up your passwords and copy them between computer
• synchronize passwords between computers

You can also run it from a USB key if you want to, making it completely portable.

There's a free version and a 'paid for' version and the product is made by the same people who make Goodsync (above).

When you're starting an internet business there are a few things you need to get right from the start.

I've avoided getting 'hi-tech' with my suggestions, these are all practical solutions and every single one of them - wuth the exception of the external hard drive - is free as basic entry level, and cheap if the Pro version is purchased.

Get these things sorted when you're setting up your new business and you won't get caught out or have your business disrupted.

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