AVG Brings Security Lessons from Security Professionals to SMBs and the Mobile Workforce

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AVG Technologies

13 Dec, 2011, 08:00 GMT

AMSTERDAM, December 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Ten Guidelines Keep Valuable Business Data Safe Across Devices and Access Points

AVG Technologies, a leading provider of Internet and mobile security, today announced the publication of 'The Common Sense Guide to Working on the Move'.  AVG has produced this guide following evidence of a strong trend towards mobile working revealed in its recent SMB Market Landscape report*.  The Guide applies knowledge gleaned from security professionals by AVG to create 10 guidelines for business owners and their staff who, by using multiple devices in conjunction with work, have embraced the mobility revolution. The Guide represents AVG's ongoing commitment to helping enterprises and SMBs avoid the devastating consequences of data loss or theft.

Today's executives likely access e-mail and other proprietary data from more than one device. As content is increasingly packaged for mobile consumption - delivered via apps from cloud servers - methods to stay secure can become as confusing as they are numerous. While most users are familiar with the benefits of simple anti-virus software, not everyone recognizes the multitude of phishing and other scams purveyors of malware will use to take up residency on a device. Often undetected by users, criminals win access to trade secrets, launch plans, operational literature, market strategies and a host of other confidential corporate data.

That said, even people who should know better have notoriously misplaced documents, laptops and dossiers in public places. And cybercriminals have SMBs firmly in their sights as they try to get hold of anything of value from product roadmaps to pricing data to corporate bank account information.

To help businesses keep safe from potential exposures, The Common Sense Guide to Working on the Move offers executives the following 10 usage guidelines:

  1. Count the items you take out of your bag when travelling - and count them as you put them back in.
  2. Think about where you are sitting and whether anyone can look at your screen.
  3. Beware of 'free' Wi-Fi, unless branded by the business you're currently patronizing. If you don't know where your connection comes from, then you don't know what you are connecting to.
  4. Shut down Bluetooth in public to guard against Bluejacking or Bluesnarfing.
  5. If you have to use a "public" (or kiosk) computer, then make sure you never access your online banking details, make electronic purchases or enter ANY personally identifiable information.
  6. Enable filters and other onboard protection barriers for Internet-connected smartphones.
  7. Don't ask a stranger to "look after" your laptop while you use the restroom or go to the counter in a web café.
  8. Use password protection on your laptops and smartphones.
  9. Make a note of your mobile operator's emergency phone line so you can call them to have your phone immobilized in the event of a loss.
  10. Most important of all, make sure that you have a fully updated anti-virus suite installed and fully operational on your PC at all times.

"The mobile workforce comes in many personas," said Robert Gorby, global head of small business propositions at AVG Technologies. "From the Connected Commando to the Frustrated Technophobe, and from the Wi-Fi Leapfrogger to the Don't-Care-Won't-Care, SMBs must equip employees with tools to stay protected.  In some cases all it takes is one breach to bring down an entire operation for good. Our Common Sense Guide to Working on the Move pairs our 20 year history of Internet security with tips we've learned from a range of sources, to make sure SMBs have the very best advice to keep them safe while on the move."

The Common sense guide to working on the move can be downloaded from the AVG Business Resource Center: http://www.avg.com/ww-en/business-guides

*Survey conducted by GfK of 1000 UK & US SMBs in August 2011

Download the full AVG Market Landscape Report 2011 at: http://download.avg.com/filedir/news/AVG_SMB_Market_Landscape_Report_2011.pdf

Watch the video accompanying the guide at:
http://youtu.be/fysogL6tSf0

About AVG Technologies

AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 100 million active users in 170 countries from the ever-growing incidence of Web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cybercrime and advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense when they are ready. AVG has a strong reseller network consisting of resellers, partners and distributors globally including; CNET, Ingram Micro, and Wal-Mart.

http://www.avg.com

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