The start of the new year is a great time to review Internet Security. Internet Security is one of the hottest and most important topics in the world of telecommunications. There are more threats than ever circling around in cyberspace, trying to get at your devices and data. Simple anti-virus is no longer adequate as your only means of protection. You need multiple layers of protection. As your Internet provider, we want you to know we take security very seriously and work hard to protect your data and devices from infections, hacking, and attacks. We use a variety of systems at both the local and server level to make sure you have the best protection we can offer. In this article, we'll talk about what TCC is doing to help protect your data and devices. In a later article, we'll review what YOU can do to help protect your own data and devices.
Wireless Modem/Router
The wireless modem/routers we install in our customers' homes are from respected manufacturers, have the latest firmware and security software, and are setup with wireless security passcodes to help prevent unexpected access through your router. Our local staff is available to assist customers with modem/router issues including resetting wireless security passcodes.
File Security
Our local offices keep customer documents secure by using locked storage for paper records and a non-connected computer for electronic records. Only certain employees have access to these records.
Education
We spend a great deal of time educating our customers on security-related issues through our Newsletter, Website, Blog, and Technology Classes. We feel your best means of protecting your devices and data is to be aware of the potential threats so you do not fall for them. Many threats are presented to you via email, phone, or web page and require you to act on them in order to compromise your devices and/or data.
Email Protection
TCC Email addresses are protected from spam and viruses using a server-level protection called Broadsword. Viruses and potential threats are automatically removed while common junk emails are "quarantined" so users can view and release them if they are, in fact, legitimate and desired emails. This Email protection includes a main interface website, called the Dashboard, for managing your protection. Email protection is free and automatically activated to every TCC (tcc.coop, triwest.net) Email account.
"Tech Home" Software Protection Suite
A suite of software programs called "Tech Home" is also included with all TCC Internet services. Tech Home consists of (a) Anti-Virus for protecting your devices from threats, (b) Cloud Backup for protecting your data from being lost or corrupted, and (c) Password Management for securely creating and storing website passwords instead of using a less-secure alternative method of setting and/or saving passwords. Learn more about Tech Home.
Server-Level Protection
TCC partners with a company called Airstream Communications to provide the upper-level Internet provider functions including Email, Web Hosting, DNS, Authentication, and WAN Security. The servers providing these services to TCC are stored in a secured, climate-controlled, and power-backed environment. Airstream also helps TCC monitor our main servers and links 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any internal or external issues that could affect TCC's Internet service.
Testing
All this protection is theoretical if it is not tested. TCC has used several outside agencies to test our equipment, software, and staff to judge the effectiveness of our security in the event of actual threats against our network and show us where we may need to make improvements.
Continued Improvement
Lastly, and perhaps most important, is that TCC is dedicated to continually improving our hardware, software, and practices to stay ahead of the threats to your devices and data. You have a true partner with TCC.