Don’t let the lull of the summer months compromise your network defenses. Experience has proven that during these so-called “dog days,” hacking incidences increase at an alarming rate. Some believe that these incidences are tied to the academic calendar and the access teenagers and college students have to hacking tools that are widely available to download off the Internet.

Because no network is truly secure without an integrated system that employs a broad base of technologies that protect the network itself as well as the network perimeter, Compuquip offers a range of solutions that help our clients stay vigilant defending their network security year-round. Most recently, we added ActiveScout to our network security offerings. Developed by ForeScout, ActiveScout is a perimeter network-security product that automatically and preemptively blocks known and unknown intrusion attempts.

There are three clear signs that indicate a network is being attacked.  First, the attacker surveys the network using recognizable scans and probes. Once that data is collected via the scans, sensitive information is returned to the hacker. The network hacker then uses the sensitive information to begin an attack on your network. 

ActiveScout counteracts this process and detects attacks before they occur. The product resides outside the enterprise firewall and identifies potential attackers performing reconnaissance on the network. It provides its own unique "mark" to the potential attacker and, should the attacker return, positively identifies the attacker and blocks the attack. This automated solution minimizes the operational impact and costs associated with deploying and managing perimeter security systems.

It’s hurricane season for us in South Florida. If you operate data processing equipment, you must consider what will happen to your operations if critical pieces of equipment are damaged or destroyed, or if power is lost. The best defense in these situations is a strong offense, which includes establishing the following policies and procedures in advance of a potentially devastating disaster:

1. Contract with data processing and computer facilities that can run your data programs 
     without persons from your operation being on site.

2. Lease computer rooms at facilities specialized in renting this type of space.

3. Obtain a written contract to use the computers of a neighboring firm whose equipment is 
    compatible with your own programs and needs.

4. Develop a records-backup plan that insures proper storage and duplication of files.

5. Obtain a means to protect against power outages and/or power surges

6. Identify an on-site backup power unit and associated equipment.

7. Back up software, files, records, etc., on a daily basis or transport files to a safe location.

8. Develop and maintain a list of employees, vendors, suppliers, customers, contractors,
     etc., with whom you should communicate before and after a disaster.

9. Protect data processing equipment with waterproof covers to help prevent potential 
    contamination by water or debris.

10. Unplug equipment from power sources to help prevent damage caused by electrical
       spikes.

11. De-energize data processing equipment to help prevent damage due to power
       abnormalities  that can be expected during storms.

12. Maintain a list of inventory and the estimated values of equipment; keep the list and
       photograph of items in a safe location off site.

13. Store important documents, software and photos in fire-resistant storage chests, vaults
       or safes that will protect them from water or fire damage.

14. Store backup copies of administrative and procedural manuals in a safe location; off-
       site is preferable.

15. Identify and secure emergency-communications system(s), including UHF radios and
      cellular telephones, etc. Keep a supply of spare batteries and battery chargers.

16. If cellular telephones are used, contact your service provider to determine if there is a 
      Priority Access Program for catastrophe operations. If this is the case, only the
      customers with a Priority Access number will be able to use the cellular phone
      airwaves  following a disaster.

Eric Dosal will oversee Compuquip's merger & acquisition activities with a gradual transition into the outside sales department. Previously, he was an associate in the Investment Banking Group at Blaylock & Partners in New York City. Before this, he was an analyst in the Corporate Finance Group at Fieldstone Private Capital Group in New York City. He graduated magna cum laude from Babson College, where he received the Wallace P. Mors award for excellence in Finance.

Nelson Remy, enterprise solutions engineer, will develop, deploy and maintain enterprise-level e-mail and workflow applications for our clients. Previously, he served as consultant, technical trainer and manager with E-Solutions Corp. Before this, he was a LAEC regional manager for Lotus Development Corp. in Central American and the Caribbean. Nelson’s expertise now allows Compuquip to provide support for Lotus Notes.

Linda Towsend, senior business development representative, will be responsible for introducing Compuquip’s technological offerings to established enterprise clients and emerging new-economy businesses. Previously, she was the multinational business manager for Telefonica Data USA, a subsidiary of a Latin American tele- communications concern that offers managed international telecommunications services to large U.S.-based corporations. Before this, Linda served as the national sales manager for Inacom/Vanstar Corp.

The Collins Center for Public Policy, a Miami-based non-profit "think tank" that finds solutions to Florida's and the nation's most pressing needs, recently looked to upgrade its network servers and workstations, as well as its backup system, to meet the needs of its employees at multiple locations.

“We had to stabilize our computer network, establish adequate backup systems and provide employees with secure access to our network from remote locations,” said Jamie Paurowski. “By doing so, we could improve our efficiencies and enable employees to remotely send and retrieve e-mails, share calendar items and work on company files – all with the protection from outside hackers.”

Paurowski called on Compuquip Technologies to quickly complete the first phase of the project, which included the installation of a new server and rack and the updating of Collins Center’s network operating system to Windows 2000. In addition, Compuquip moved Collins Centers’ system for e-mails to a dedicated server and installed a daily tape backup of the network systems. Furthermore, Compuquip installed the Checkpoint firewall on Collins Center’s network server and VPN remote access on several employees’ laptops.

“Compuquip’s staff is very professional, responsive and attentive to our needs,” said Rod Petrey, president of the Collins Center. “The technicians clearly explain the why and how of the work they perform and demonstrate potential problems and the methods for resolving them.”

Paurowski added, “Since the completion of the first phase, our server and e-mail systems have remained stable, our tape backups are being completed daily with no errors and we look forward to the start of phase two of our work with Compuquip.”

Link to The Business Journal article about hurricane preparedness (May 24-30, 2002)