Advanced security management solutions are an important next step in the ongoing fight against IT security threats. Info-Tech survey data shows that even small enterprises understand this message and intend to adopt advanced solutions. Small enterprises that have not yet investigated these solutions will find value in the near term, though immediate implementation is likely inappropriate.

Studies of IT security threats as a whole routinely show that internal threats are the most damaging. These same studies also illustrate that external threats are significantly more numerous. As such, enterprises must continue to protect themselves from external threats even as they incorporate new security technologies to protect against internal attacks.

Microsoft’s focus and commitment to the security space is clearly evidenced by the breadth and depth of its security strategy. Though the focus of the tool set is limited to Microsoft applications and networks, it is capable and suited to deployment in smaller enterprises, which tend to be “Microsoft-only.” Small enterprises in search of an overall security strategy should seriously consider...

Virtually every business today provides some way for remote employees, partners, and contractors to access the corporate network and applications. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) VPN solutions can reduce the complexity of providing secure remote access. Network managers are well-advised to explore SSL VPN technology today.

In order for an IT department to protect information assets they need to have the right tools. Corporate data resources can be monitored with the use of database auditing tools which will give the IT department the ability to see who accessed information, what data was accessed, when it was accessed, and through which means the data was accessed.

Most businesses provide some way for remote users to access internal corporate networks and applications. As the demand for remote access grows to include partners and contractors, as well as employees, managing different remote connectivity requirements becomes more difficult. Evaluate SSL VPN solutions to ease administrative burden and save money.

Desktop virtualization is evolving to represent a compelling option for remote access and business continuity/disaster recovery scenarios. SSL VPNs are an ideal solution for most companies, but Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) will address some of the limitations of SSL VPNs and other technologies. VDI is emerging as an option that warrants attention.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDP) systems can be valuable security tools but care must be taken to get the most out of them. Determining the count and placement of IDP probes is an essential step in this process. Use this tool to simplify the process of determining how many IDP sensors the enterprise needs to deploy and the locations on the network that they should be placed.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDP) systems can be valuable security tools but also very expensive to operate and maintain. Achieving the required functionality may at first seem daunting, but does not have to be. Use this tool to resolve the most cost-effective solution for the enterprise.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention systems can be valuable security tools. Getting the most out of one requires careful implementation, which in turn requires a significant amount of planning. Understanding how to deploy sensors, where to place them, and how to monitor for alerts are three elements essential to a successful IDP implementation.

IP-based video surveillance offers a number of operational advantages over legacy Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) monitoring systems and has become the basis for most new building security deployments. IT leaders need to be prepared to take on an increasingly critical role in the physical security picture.

Laptop encryption is an extremely important security project that realistically should be undertaken by every organization that uses these extremely portable computers. A number of factors exist that will influence this decision and therefore must be carefully considered. Making the right decisions will allow the enterprise to achieve the most security both today and tomorrow for the fewest...

Even though malware has been surpassed as the most significant threat that enterprises face, it has not been eliminated and indeed, continues to grow. Enterprises must remain vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves from this threat. To achieve the needed protection, thorough planning and a careful deployment of a set of tiered tools must be undertaken.

No matter how large or small the enterprise, anti-virus (AV) is a solution that must be deployed. Even though the market is commoditized, sufficient variability exists between the available products for every enterprise to choose the one most appropriate to its needs. Weighing features, platform coverage, and price is essential to that choice.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is rapidly becoming a very compelling option for remote access and business continuity/disaster recovery scenarios. In the past, such an implementation required a connectivity infrastructure along with VDI, but that is starting to change. VMware is leading the charge to integrate connection brokering and VDI with its VMware Desktop Manager (VDM) solution....

Creating a security policy can be a lot of work, but until that policy is implemented, it will provide no benefit. While that implementation process can be time-consuming, it does not have to be overly complex. Use this tool to determine the order with which changes should be implemented.

Creating a formal enterprise security policy can be a lot of work, but until that policy is implemented, it will provide no benefit. While that implementation process can be time-consuming, it does not have to be overly complex. Make clear decisions now to save hours of aggravation later.

Passwords. Just saying the word invariably makes both users and administrators cringe. Whether they arise from forgotten passwords, compromised passwords, weak passwords, or a number of other issues, problems exist. The most important step in resolving these issues is using a rigorous password policy.

Enterprises with IPT environments must recognize the importance of effective software maintenance, particularly the regular and streamlined deployment of critical fixes and updates, to ongoing security and stability. Protect against IPT vulnerabilities with a comprehensive patch management plan.

While workforce mobility can offer organizations the benefits of improved employee productivity and responsiveness, having more users operate outside of the company perimeter is accompanied by an increased risk of device theft. Making security awareness training a requirement for mobile end users can help minimize this risk.

As the importance of IT security continues to grow, even the small enterprise will benefit from building a dedicated security team. Recognizing which skills are required and the order in which they are needed is essential to building that team in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.