So here we are in September. You're back after a (hopefully) sunny holiday. The kids are (hopefully) back at school. You're at work and (hopefully), reading this newsletter whilst you perhaps have a bite to eat at your desk. Well, not that we would like to put you off your lunch but take a guess at how many nasty microbes the average office telephone, keyboard and mouse can harbour per square inch. Any idea? You can find out the answers in this month's newsletter and we guarantee you'll be astonished.

Plus, if you are concerned about the security of your network or you are already experiencing worrying security breaches and need to act fast, we explain the benefits of having an Endpoint Security solution in place.

We're also bringing you some company news, a great special offer and a new approach to our Words of Wisdom section this month!

Remember, with WYSIWYG-IT What You See Is What You Get - Business Solutions that are explained simply, supplied efficiently and priced with your budget in mind.

Enjoy!

Explaining Endpoint Security
Endpoint security is a strategy in which security software is distributed to end-user devices but centrally managed. Endpoint security systems work on a client/server model. A client program is installed on or downloaded to every endpoint, which, in this case, is every user device that connects to the corporate network. Endpoints can include PCs, laptops, handhelds and other specialised equipment such as scanners and point-of-sale terminals. A server or gateway hosts the centralized security program, which verifies logins and sends updates and patches when needed.

Simple forms of endpoint security include personal firewalls or anti-virus software that is distributed and then monitored and updated from the server. The term is evolving, however, to include security elements such as intrusion detection and prevention, anti-spyware software and behaviour-blocking software (programs that monitor devices and look for operations and actions that are typically initiated by unsanctioned applications or those with malicious intent).

The most complex endpoint security programs use network access control to grant authentication and specific forms of access to user devices. When a device attempts to log in to the network, the program validates user credentials and also scans the device to make sure that it complies with defined corporate policies before allowing access. The program will also scan to ensure the lack of unauthorized software, such as peer-to-peer applications and games. Devices that do not match the policy are given limited access or quarantined.

Worldwide, all businesses are becoming more and more reliant on their networks for survival. This coupled with the growing trend for the convergence of the voice, data and video over a single IP network make a company's network infrastructure one of the most critical elements in its overall operation. Businesses can no longer afford not to include a thorough and comprehensive plan for their continued availability as part of their business continuity and disaster recovery planning efforts.

Small companies tend to have little control over their IT systems. This leaves them vulnerable to intentional and unintentional security breaches. An Endpoint Security partner could work with you to help safeguard and control:

Communications - This includes things like anti-virus solutions, network configuration, firewalls.

Group Policy - A Group Policy Object (GPO) is a governance framework that applies to Active Directory Organisational Units to enforce certain settings to workstations, servers and users. These settings can include look-and-feel configuration and security lockdown.

Desktop Lockdown - By configuring (and in most cases, removing) certain features from the desktop, the amount of damage that can potentially be caused by a user can be limited.

Device Control - Certain computer devices (e.g. USB storage devices, I/O ports, Bluetooth, WiFi) are often the vehicle for security breaches; by either loss or theft of data. By controlling access to these devices and ensuring that the contents are encrypted, the potential for damage can be limited.

Auditing - Auditing can work in two ways: 1) it can log who has done what, where and when, and 2) it can log what has not happened; for example this person attempted to do this action but was blocked. This can then be used to take whatever action is required.

Green Corner

How clean is your desk? Research shows that office telephones can harbour up to 25,127 microbes per square inch! Keyboards 3,295! Computer mice 1,676! On the other hand, the average toilet seat contains just 49 microbes per square inch.

Keyboards can contain all sorts of food crumbs and drink spills and the super-highways for bacteria such as cold and flu viruses are our hands and the surfaces we touch.

By regularly disinfecting your office equipment, bacteria levels can be reduced by 99% - helping keep yourself and your staff healthy and at low risk from viruses such as Swine Flu.

WYSIWYG-IT works with a specialist partner offering an IT equipment sanitising service to all sizes of business. To find out more fill out an enquiry form here.

Are you considering wireless for your school?

To find out just how much WYSIWYG-IT can help or for more information click here or call 01908 366390.


LATEST NEWS

Completed Projects
Two more exciting WYSIWYG-IT Wireless projects have recently been completed in the local area.

Both Giffard Park School and Milton Keynes Mayor's Chambers chose to implement our revolutionary next-generation Wireless solution and both projects were a great success. Well done team!

To learn more about our Wireless Solutions click here.

Special Offer: Free Business Server

That's right - no strings attached. We will give you an SBS Dell PowerEdge Server including 5 Small Business Server 2003 user licenses completely free of charge. We will also set up and install the Server for FREE.

All this when you take out a PayPLUS Support Contract with WYSIWYG-IT. Simply email specialoffer@wysiwyg-it.co.uk and we'll be in touch.

WORDS OF WISDOM

In the current economic climate, it's important to think about how you maximise the performance of your business and this starts with people - you and your employees. Periodically we will be bringing you articles offering hints and tips on how to get the best out of yourself and your team. This month, it's confidence.

As a business owner or manager of a team, your staff and customers will be looking to you for reassurance that the business is ok. Your confidence and self belief can send a very powerful and positive message to those around you. But what if you aren't feeling confident?

It would be great if we could 'flick a switch' for instant confidence but it's not quite as simple as that. Confidence is a habit that requires some practice! Here are some things you can do to help grow your confidence and by role modelling these behaviours, you'll be helping your employees and customers too:

1) Focus on what you want rather than what you don't want
'Energy flows where thought goes' so don't waste energy thinking about what you don't want. Use whiteboards, notice boards, newsletters, briefings, etc to keep everyone (including yourself) focused on the business objectives.

2) Be kind to yourself and your team
Recognise achievements daily, even if only small steps. Try not to criticise yourself or others - there is no wrong, only learning. Encourage your team to focus on the learning when things don't go to plan.

3) Choose your language
Don't indulge in negative talk, challenge yourself to use only positive language.

4) Look after yourself
You need to be energised and productive. Working lots of hours and letting yourself become run down will impact your ability to perform at your best and it sets a bad example to those around you. Find exercise that you enjoy to energise yourself and let your employees know that work life balance is important.

5) Take a risk
Do something different; remember spontaneity is the spice of life! This is particularly useful if you are feeling 'stuck'. If you want something to be different, you're going to have to do something different. There's no better way to give your confidence a boost.

If you would like more information or help regarding this subject, click here and complete our contact form.

Article provided by Pen� Morgan, Management Development Coach

Do you need IT support?

To find out just how much WYSIWYG-IT can help your business click here or call 01908 366390.

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