Here are the most common types of Internet security threats your business faces.

1. Unauthorized Access to Your Network. Hackers breaking into your network can view, alter, or destroy private files. A hacker can, for example, modify accounting, medical, or academic records, and then leave, with the break-in and changes going undetected until it is too late. Hackers may use a variety of readily available “hacker’s helper” tools to break into the network. Once in, the hacker has control of your computer and access to your confidential data.

2. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks. Increasingly prevalent Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, such as Ping of Death, SYN Flood and LAND Attack, aim not to steal information, but to disable a device or network so users no longer have access to network resources. Even if your network is not being attacked, it can be used as an unwitting ally in Denial of Service attacks on other networks. Using Trojan Horses or other malicious attachments, hackers plant tools on hundreds and sometimes thousands of computers to be used in future attacks. So, in addition to protecting your own LAN from attacks, you need to prevent your LAN computers from being compromised and used in attacks on others.

3. Viruses. These are destructive programs that attach themselves to E-mail, applications and files. Once on your LAN computers, viruses can damage data or cause computer crashes. Users can quickly damage entire networks by unknowingly downloading and launching dangerous computer viruses. Viruses can also be used as delivery mechanisms for hacking tools, putting the security of the organization in doubt, even if a firewall is installed.

4. Capture of Private Data Going Over the Internet. As your private data moves over the Internet, hackers using programs called packet sniffers can capture your data as it passes from your network over the Internet and convert it into a readable format. The source and destination users of this information never even know that their confidential information has been tapped.

5. Offensive Content. Inappropriate Internet content can create an uncomfortable work environment and cause potential legal problems for your business. Network users risk viewing inappropriate content, decreasing productivity, and inviting lawsuits by abusing company resources with unregulated Web browsing.