Binary Business

The most common issue experienced by computer users today is the scourge of malware. For the home user this causes an inconvenience. Business owners however are hit where it really hurts, the bottom line. The financial damage that viruses cause to businesses is two-fold. First, viruses reduce the usability of computers thereby reducing productivity. Secondly they have a direct cost associated with their removal. Luckily you have a couple options available to remove these parasites from your business. Before we get to the solution, let's take a look at the history of malware.

The Problem

We all have been dealing with computer viruses for a while now and almost everyone knows the basic rules. Don't open email attachments from strangers, if you don't know what a program is don't install it, and so on. However the viruses writers know these rules and are coming up even more devious ways to infect your computer.

Compounding the problem is the fact that it is very easy to forget to update your anti-malware software. Unless you have your own IT staff you are responsible for ensuring that all of the computers in your business have malware protection. You must also take the time to make sure that the virus protection on each of the computers remains current. The result is that you are losing money in lost producivity, management and repair costs.

Facts & Figures

A couple years ago a new word entered the lexicon to describe what most people refer to a viruses. The new term, Malware, includes viruses, trojans, worms, spyware and others. All you need to know is that Malware describes software that was installed on your computer without your permission to perform some unsavory action.

By the end of 2008 it is projected that Malware in circulation will total 1 Million. This surpasses the amount of legitimate software that is available.

At last count the number of Mac OS X viruses totaled 5.

In 2005 the financial damage of malware was $13.3 Billion.

The typical cost of Anti-Malware software is $40 per computer, per year.

The Solution

Installing a managed malware product that resides on your network and automatically updates all of your computers is a step in the right direction. It should be noted that these software packages are not the off-the-shelf products that you can pick up and the local electronics superstore or office supply store. The most effective way to reduce the profit loss associated with malware is to hire an IT Consultant who can design and implement a comprehensive protection system. Luckily enough I know just the right person for the job.