It turns out that hackers are shifting their attacks from Windows to other software including web browsers, and backup software. The reason for attacking backup software is that it can be used to get your company information including financials, customer info, and photos.

It's a big issue because most programs don't automatically update or notify you of updates when there are security threats. How many programs are on your computer? Many I'm sure, which means that instead of trying to protect one or two doors, you now have to protect multiple doors.

Software Piracy is a subject no one wants to discuss but it's necessary so I will bring it up. If someone is using software they have not purchased, there is a pretty good chance that vendors will not make updates available to them. Several vendors already do that and more will jump on that bandwagon.

Yes, the system can be circumvented, but is it worth putting your business at risk for $50 a month over one year? That's the price of Adobe Photoshop CS2, and once you buy that license, you don't have to pay for it again unless you want to upgrade, and that's at a lower cost. I realize that businesses starting up sometimes cannot afford to spend $600, so start with Photoshop Elements.. It's $100 or roughly $8.33 per month over a one year period and Photoshop Elements has almost all of the features any professional photographer will need. Photoshop is just one example, but keep in mind that this applies for all of the other programs on your computers. It's just a cost of doing business.

If you got this far without skipping or skimming, then you deserve a pat on your back for caring at least that much about your company. Please check back for more articles on this topic.