At Ambit New Media we are always concerned about security - both yours and ours. There is also the matter of backup, to ensure that no data is lost and that services can be maintained when computer components fail.

General policy

• Security guidelines Some security guidelines when running your own web site, especially for e-commerce.
• Passwords: choosing a good one Tips on choosing a secure password.
• Help on updating Windows
  Keeping your version of Windows up to date is vital in the battle against hackers.

E-mail, viruses and spam

• E-mail: virus protection What are viruses and how are they transmitted by e-mail?
• E-mail viruses How do e-mail viruses work? And why do I get virus warnings sent from people I don't know or which imply I'm the culprit?
• E-mail: changing your password How to change your e-mail password.
• Avoiding internet fraud Some tips on internet hoaxes and scams.
• Getting rid of spam How can you get rid of unwanted e-mails, particulary the ones from porn and 'get rich quick' sites?
• Reducing spam and viruses with an external filter If you are troubled by spam, add an external spam and virus filter.
• List of anti-virus software suppliers.

Broadband and firewalls

• Securing broadband connections Once you have an always-on connection, you become a target for hackers.
• Installing a firewall Some brief notes on using a firewall to protect your security on-line.
• Testing your firewall How can you be sure that your firewall is protecting you?
• Removing the messenger service Stopping offensive pop-ups.

Security at Ambit New Media

The main precautions we observe on our own sytems are:

• Our servers are located in high security buildings with manned entry points permitting authorised entry only.
• The servers are protected by a comprehensive firewall.
• The operating systems are regularly updated and scanned daily for viruses. Our virus signatures are updated every 24 hours.
• Incoming e-mail is scanned and dangerous files are quarantined. We do not accept mail from known 'rogue mail servers'.
• Administrative access to our systems is password protected or requires a signed digital certificate. Wherever possible we also lock access to all but trusted computer addresses.
• E-commerce transactions are conducted via SSL (Secure Socket Layer).
• Sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, is only kept on our servers in encrypted form and is deleted as soon as practicable.

Backup

At Ambit New Media, backups are taken daily and periodically moved off-site. Disks are mirrored so that if one fails, the other continues. Connections to the Internet are duplicated so that if one fails the other takes over automatically. We run a backup mail server that stores mail if our main server fails. We run our domain name servers in different locations.

Today's operating systems contain reasonable backup software and the cost of CD writers or additional hard drives makes it inexpensive to keep duplicate copies of important files. Again, we are happy to advise.

But...

Sometimes hackers will explore a newly discovered flaw in an operating system, or there will be a major fault in the infrastructure - someone digs up a cable to lay a water pipe. So we cannot take responsibility for circumstances not of our making, but we aim nevertheless to provide a safe, fast and resilient service.