Ready to purchase your first server and harness its capabilities to benefit your business? A server can be a godsend to SMBs, and with the right tools (like Microsoft’s Windows Server 2012 Essentials) you will enjoy: more control over users and devices, domain control, the ability to directly manage email accounts, scheduling regular backups of critical files and data, and remote access to files and applications.
While it will be great for your business to have an unprecedented level of access, control, and capability that you’ve never had before — thanks to this new server — there is one thing you can’t overlook or take for granted, or all of these new found benefits will be meaningless to you: Security.
You need security
According to Trend Micro research, there are more than 90,000 new threats identified every 24 hours, which equates to one new threat found every 1.04 seconds, every day of the week, every week of the year. The reality is, malware is everywhere, it does not discriminate, and it doesn’t need your help, or permission, to wreak havoc.
If your devices are connected to the Internet, it’s only a matter of time before one gets infected. The best case scenario is that one or more of your computers becomes infected, and you call in a computer expert to clean it up, he/she gives you a bill, and you continue about your day. The worst case scenario – you get hacked, bank accounts emptied and you go out of business forever. (Yes it is a bit doom and gloom, but it has happened to many small businesses)
You need to protect ALL your devices, not just your server
The Internet and related technological advances that came with it have ushered in a new era of computing freedom and device flexibility. The BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) trend where employees can use their own personal Android or Mac at work raises many issues for small businesses. Unfortunately this freedom and flexibility represents opportunity for criminals and cyber-crooks.
According to the Trend Micro Q3 Security Roundup Report, the number of risky applications on Android grew from 30,000 to 175,000 between June and September 2012. It’s naïve to think that Mac computers aren’t as vulnerable.
So it’s critical when choosing a security solution that you pick one that allows you to protect more than just your Windows Server 2012 Essentials and the Windows desktops and laptops in your office. The best solutions will allow you to protect all your Windows, Mac, and Android devices with one product.
You need more than just antivirus
Cybercrime has matured into a well-funded, highly sophisticated business in recent years, and malware creators are always looking for new ways to infect more and more machines, including yours.
This level of sophistication requires a comprehensive solution to provide your Windows Server 2012 Essentials and your business maximum protection. It is important that your chosen security solution:
- Protects you against viruses and spyware
- Protects all your devices with a centrally managed firewall
- Shields you from web threats
- Scans your emails for threats
- Reins in unproductive employees with URL filtering controls
- Monitors suspicious behavior on your computer that may be lurking under the covers
Is your business ready for its first server? What were some challenges your SMB encountered in setup and securing your server environment?
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Announced today, Trend Micro has created a purpose-built integration for the new Windows Server 2012 Essentials product to help your transition to your first server be as safe and secure as possible.
We have integrated our Worry-Free™ Business Security products directly into the Windows Server 2012 Essentials dashboard to give you access to all of your server’s features and security in one easy to find location. To learn more about Worry-Free Business Security products, and see how easy it is to enable the integration with your first (or fifth) server, visit our website at http://www.trendmicro.com/sbserver.
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Ryan Delany has more than 15 years of experience planning, designing and implementing security products in a variety of enterprises. Ryan has been with Trend Micro since 2002, responsible for planning and carrying out global marketing strategy for the managed service provider. He was awarded Sales Engineer of the Year in 2008, has published multiple white papers highlighting deployment and configuration best practices and has represented the company at industry events and trade shows to educate and inform customers about Trend Micro solutions.
