[Good Practices] Computer Security

Computer Security

In today’s technology-driven society, computers are everywhere. Most food plants use computers for various business purposes. Account information is stored, invoices are sent, and product information is logged for recordkeeping purposes. Technology has made the food industry more convenient and altogether efficient. However, this advancement has also brought a new type of attack. If they are able to access your system, computer predators can use the information stored there to bring harm to your company.

Confidential documents, such as recall plans, food defense plans, product formulas, and customer data, are all at risk of attack if your system is compromised. Many actions that a user can perform at a computer are actually very risky. All employees should understand how their actions affect the company. Fortunately, there are a few basic steps that everyone at the facility can take to help keep your system safe and secure.

4 Always log off of computers when you are finished using them. Failing to log off of a computer allows whoever uses it next direct access to whatever files you have access. That person could get you into trouble by sending damaging e-mails from your account to another person.

4 It is important that you keep your password safe and secure. Do not write your network password on a PostIt note and tape it to the computer monitor. Before long everyone in the company will have logged in as your username and will have access to any records assigned to you.

4 If you use a public computer (such as at a library or coffee shop) to check your work e-mail or log into the company network, this activity can be recorded and used maliciously by Internet predators. If you have ever entered confidential data via a public computer, you should immediately change your password for that resource so that it can be kept secure.

You don’t have to be a computer expert to help protect your company from attacks.