LPA's 10 Tips for Retail Computer Security

Computer viruses are always bad news, but in a retail environment, it can cost you serious time and money. To avoid downtime or a costly repair bill, check out these simple tips for retail internet security:

1. Never surf the web from your main server. Any virus is bad news in Retail, but on your server it's more than just a headache: it can bring your business to a screeching halt. If you must get files on/off the server, let LPA help you set up a shared folder to your network.

2. Smart web surfing from point-of-sale. Sometimes, you may need the web from your register; but you may not need the ENTIRE web from there. Consider locking down your registers to only allow 2-3 pre-approved sites. See this Microsoft article.

For a more secure network, LPA can also lock-down your Web usage through your firewall or DNS settings.

3. Learn to spot fake anti-virus. This is the new big thing: legit-looking popups getting you to "Click here to update your AntiVirus". These pro-looking counterfeits can fool the experts:

Inform your cashiers not to trust ANY windows claiming to "Update" without checking first with you or LPA.

4. Rougue pop-ups? Squash 'em immediately. Pop-up ads are a reality of web surfing, but if they're coming up when they shouldn't (or when you aren't even surfing), good chance you've got malware. It may seem like a minor nuisance, but these programs tend to download their friends. Take action sooner rather than later!

5. Check that your Antivirus is up-to-date. Open the antivirus on each PC, and verify that it's current. The major AV programs (Norton, AVG, McAffee) will tell you right away if they aren't updating, and why.

6. Don't open email attachments.  Even if they appear to be coming from someone you know, don't open any attachment unless you've verified exactly what it is.

7. Check your backups! Here's a common tale: a server goes down, backups are opened, only to find out that they don't work, or haven't been running at all. Once a week, make it a point to glance at your backup, and see how current it is. (Right-click on any of the files and choose "properties". There should be a date on the Properties screen.)

 
In addition, schedule a time once a year to test-restore your backup, to ensure it comes back properly.

8. Train your clerks. Many systems become infected when clerks are bored and surf the web. But even well-intentioned clerks can accidently install a fake Antivirus. Give clear instructions on web policy, and make sure they check with a tech before updating anything suspicious.

9. Only use trusted security software. If you've got a bug, there are many places that advertise "free" solutions. Some are legit, while others are worse than the virus! Check with LPA if you think you need to beef up cleanup or security.
There ARE some good, legitimate free programs for malware prevention & cleanup:

• MalwareBytes
• AVG Free
• Ad-aware
• Note: LPA is not associated with these companies.  They are industry-trusted tools, but not warrentied by LPA Retail.

10. LPA Web Backup and Managed Services. LPA Retail provides one-stop services for web security, automatic monitoring, local & internet-based backup, and more. >>Click here to learn more