Network Security Services and Your Business

Network security services are increasingly being implemented by businesses, large and small, in the face of the growing number and variety of Internet threats. Today, nearly all firms are connected to the Internet at least to some extent, and thus are exposed to risks that simply did not exist even a few years ago. However, many business owners or managers are ignorant both of the full range of cyber-threats, and also of the various ways in which these threats could be countered. This is particularly the case in the area of computer network security.

If your organisation's computer network is connected to the Internet, then it has a real need for network security services to counter the huge expansion in computer viruses, Trojans, spyware, inappropriate material and "phishing" emails that have burgeoned in recent years. Information security is a critical area for any business that uses the Internet, and especially those that rely on e-commerce. There are a few main areas of network security services to consider, as follows:

Firewall configuration review, to check that the rules currently followed by the firewall, and the type of firewall used, are appropriate to the given situation.

Detailed audit of computers and devices (such as routers and firewalls), and their location on the network. This includes a review of any DMZ (De-Militarised Zone) standing in front of your organisation's core network.

Network vulnerability assessment, to check previously-addressed vulnerabilities to ensure that they are still covered by effective countermeasures.

Penetration testing, to probe the defences actively for new vulnerabilities. This kind of test should be approached with caution, since it has the potential to disrupt operational systems or cause a temporary denial of service. The rules of engagement should be agreed in advance and put in writing.

The above functions can either be provided by an in-house team (in the case of larger organisations) or else can be outsourced to a specialist information security firm. In either case, it is imperative that network security services are implemented at regular intervals, and especially after any major changes to the network.

The gateway to your internal network is obviously the firewall. However, there is a great deal more to network security services than just a firewall. Also involved are considerations such as the following:

Network configuration: Does it have a DMZ? What Internet-facing computers and servers are present?

Type and number of devices: The choice of whether to use a hub, a switch or a router will have security implications, as will the question of what type of cabling has been installed.

Protocols and ports supported: If the network supports services and open ports (such as "Telnet" on port 23) that are not actually required by your organisation, then they should be disabled for security reasons.

Auditing and monitoring facilities: Are there logs of network activity and are they in a form that can easily be scanned by a human?

Clearly, there is much more to network security services than installing a firewall with its default configuration enabled. This is an area of information security that requires a detailed level of technical expertise, and a computer security specialist should oversee the deployment and configuration of your organisation's network.

The Far-Reaching and Multi-Faceted Benefits of Merchant Services

It goes without saying that when you run your own business, you will do just about anything in your power to make sure it succeeds. Many people dream their entire lives about how they would operate their own company if given the chance. Should you be one of those individuals lucky enough to make that dream a reality, you know you are willing to work night and day to make your business the best it can be.

Business owners are constantly looking for ways to cut costs, improve their productivity, and serve their customers to the very best of their ability. But you can't always do it all alone. By signing up for a merchant services account, you will have access to a world of business services that you may not even have known existed. Here are a few ways that an account provider can help to round out businesses of any size.

Expedited Check Acceptance

Handling personal checks has been a hassle for business owners since their invention. For one, you have to wait several days for the bank to clear the check once you have deposited it. Of course, you have to then spend those days in anxious anticipation of whether the check will clear or not. Then, even when everything has gone through, you have a stack of paperwork to deal with and file away.

But with a merchant services account, handling checks is easier than ever before. First off, they will guarantee every single check that you accept. You will never have to get that dreaded "insufficient funds" notification ever again. Your account provider will also set you up with software so that you can convert all checks into digital files. This means the bank can process them more quickly, you get the money faster, and all of your records will be electronic.

Never again will you have to turn away a paying customer if they want to use a check for their purchase. With a merchant services account at your back, you can accept just about any form of payment.

Credit and Debit Card Processing

Debit and credit cards aren't going away any time soon. In fact, with each passing year, more and more people expect to be able to pay with plastic wherever they go. And who can blame them? It is a whole lot safer and more convenient to carry around a few cards than a wad of cash.

There are many different ways that an account provider can help you process debit and credit cards. Here are a few. Take a moment to think about what is the right choice for your business.

Retail Swipe Terminals - If you operate a "bricks and mortar" business, you will probably need a traditional swipe terminal to install at your counter or register. These are the machines that simply allow your customer to swipe their card and then transfer the information directly to your account provider.

Talk to your merchant account representative about the different types of terminals they offer. You can get ones that print out a receipt to sign or that ask the customer to sign the screen. Others have keypads for debit PINs and some require no signature or PIN at all.

Online Payments- If you are smart and savvy enough to bring your business online, then you'd better look into accepting online payments as well. Most of the people who make purchases over the Internet pay with their credit card, and that number will grow as the years wear on.

Your account provider will use fraud detection software and PCI-compliant data storage centers in order to keep you and your customers' information safe from cyber criminals. Everyone can feel confident with their transaction when a reputable merchant account is handling it.

Virtual Terminals - Of course, online and in person aren't the only ways people expect to be able to pay with their card. They may want to call in an order or even fax you their credit card information.

With a virtual terminal you can log onto a secure website from any computer and just punch that information right in. Your provider will process the information just the same as if you had the card right in your hand.

Wireless Terminals - The beauty of a wireless terminal is quite simple. They allow you to take your ability to process credit and debit cards anywhere you need to go.

These fantastic machines are perfect for delivery drivers, traveling circuses, door-to-door salespeople, and anyone else who may want to accept plastic outside of a traditional storefront. There is no limit to where this machine can take you.

These are just a few of the many ways that merchant services can help your business to prosper. You may also want to talk to your provider about things like gift card acceptance, loyalty programs, escrow services, and much, much more. The sky is the limit when you team up with a merchant services account

Elizabeth Mcginley is a freelance writer who writes about a range of topics including merchant services.

Small Businesses More Likely to Have Their Merchant Credit Card Processing Services Targeted

When recently surveyed, owners of small businesses overwhelmingly stated that they believed that their merchant credit card processing services were less likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than large businesses. Unfortunately, statistics don't support that belief and small businesses need to be aware.

Complacency is Dangerous

Because small business owners don't think that they are likely targets, many decline to spend the money needed to offer the best protection for their bank accounts and credit card transactions. The most effective protection will cost more, and proper training in the use of mobile terminals and data security takes time as well as money. Complacency is the best friend of thieves and they continually search for naive businesses that are most vulnerable.

Data Means Dollars

As a result of typically lax security measures in place at small businesses, cyber-thieves specifically target such establishments. These companies access the same data as larger business, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, employee social security information and so forth, but they do less to protect them.

It is not uncommon for crooks to get access to such information and clean out a small business's bank accounts in one transaction, leaving the business high and dry and owners wondering how it happened. In October of 2010 a small group of Ukranian Internet thieves were arrested for stealing $70 million from small and medium-sized US businesses.

Protecting Yourself and Your Business

There are a few essential ingredients you must employ if you want to ensure that you are using the best security for your business:

* Use the latest browsers; they offer the best security

* Establish policies related to who can use the Internet at work and when

* Create rules about off site Internet access of your company computers and servers

* Learn how to use the tools that come with your credit card services

* Stay current on security threats, changes and updates

While small businesses have some advantages in flexibility and customer service, they lag behind larger companies who have the money to invest in the latest and greatest technology, IT teams and advanced security systems for their Internet interactions. Spend time learning, researching, and identifying current threats and give your business a chance at success from the get go. This means that as a budding entrepreneur you need to take a more active role and pursue security for your merchant credit card processing aggressively - for your safety and that of your customers.

Michael Rupkalvis owns the Transaction group. The Transaction Group offers cheap credit card processing services and other solutions such as medical marijuana credit card processing for dispensaries throughout the United States.