Technology leaders usually identify IT security as one of the top five concerns for any organization that uses IT to a large extent. Notwithstanding the routine security hazards posed by viruses, spy ware and mal ware infections, there is also room for more serious security compromises leading to server downtimes and lost customer data. IT Security team always keeps up with installing the most recent virus signature databases, security patches, etc. that are issued by the software vendors.
Most enterprises already have an IT Security roadmap and IT Security policy decisions have already been made. Some have even been locked into signing long-term contracts with security solution vendors. A team is usually given the full-time task of helping with IT Security issues.
A database of network security incidents is usually created to keep track of past security incidents, what were the causes, and how they were handled.
There is also an acceptable usage of network resources policy made out by the IT department. Firewalls and network filters enforce business usage policies for Internet usage. Another area is the installation of network intrusion detection systems that monitor the network in real time for any suspicious patterns of network traffic and alert the IT team immediately. Encryption technologies are used to protect sensitive corporate data. Routers are configured with bandwidth throttling and QoS (quality of service) packet scheduling algorithms to get the best from the use of available network resources.
Email security is integrated with virus scanners, spam protectors, etc that automatically scan all incoming and outgoing corporate email. Corporate users who need to access network resources usually need to enter usernames and passwords at least once (through single sign-on systems). Thus authentication of the legitimate network users is ensured by IT Security. In these times, IT Security is a critical business function for any SMB (small or medium business) that uses IT for business.