Minimizing Business Interruption A Disaster Recovery (DR) plan outlines the steps a business will take to quickly resume mission-critical operations after a catastrophic event. In Kenya, this often means planning for power failures, server room flooding, and network infrastructure collapse. Key Components of a DR Plan **Business Impact Analysis (BIA):** Identify the most critical functions…

The Last Line of Defense at the User Level An endpoint is any device that connects to your corporate network (laptops, phones, tablets). As remote work and mobile use increase, securing these endpoints is paramount, as they are often the weakest link. Key Endpoint Protection Measures **Centralized Antivirus/Anti-Malware:** Deploy a reputable, centrally managed antivirus solution…

The Strategic IT Management Decision For SMEs in Kenya, deciding how to manage IT infrastructure is a major financial and operational decision. It balances cost control against the need for specialized expertise and immediate response. Outsourcing (Managed Service Provider – MSP) **Pros:** Cost-effective (fixed monthly fee, no payroll/benefits), access to a broader range of specialized…

The Secure Gateway to Your Corporate Network A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted, secure tunnel over the public internet, allowing remote employees (working from home or coffee shops) to access corporate resources (files, shared drives, internal software) safely, as if they were physically in the office. VPN Setup and Policy **Dedicated VPN Solution:**…

Essential Protection Against Power Fluctuations In Kenya, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is not a luxury; it is mandatory hardware to prevent data corruption and damage to sensitive equipment during power surges, brownouts, and brief outages. Choosing the correct capacity and type is crucial. UPS Types and Selection **Standby (Off-Line) UPS:** The most affordable, suitable…

The Security Gatekeeper A firewall is the barrier between your trusted internal network and the untrusted external internet. It analyzes incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a defined set of rules to determine whether to allow or block specific data packets. Types and Functions **Packet-Filtering Firewall:** The simplest type, checking only the source and…

The Environmental and Security Imperative Improper disposal of IT equipment (e-waste) poses a dual threat: environmental pollution from heavy metals and the risk of data theft from storage devices left unsecured. Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations encourage responsible disposal. Secure E-Waste Procedures **Data Sanitization (Must Do):** Before disposal or donation, all hard drives…

Knowing What Data You Have and Where It Lives A data audit is the process of locating, categorizing, and verifying the security of all stored information. This is especially vital for compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, which regulates how personal data is handled. Steps for an Effective Data Audit **Inventory All Data…