When was the last time you checked your computers--or your network--for viruses?

If you think you're safe, then think again.

Two of our corporate clients suffered serious damage from computer viruses not so long ago. One, a public relations firm, lost all their accounting files. They were hit by a virus even though they had good contemporary virus protection installed and running. Another client, a local government agency, also had a solid virus prevention program properly installed. Yet a viral attack succeeded in scrambling the hard drive. Did either client have a current backup? Oops!

The good news is that in many cases--including those of our two clients--we are able to recover data on those so-called "lost" hard disks using industrial-strength software and some basic computer know-how. The bad news is that computer viruses are rampant at the moment. They are causing more mischief than you might believe possible.

Are you up to date on what viruses can and cannot do? You need to be. As each new virus--or worm--or hoax--appears, we all learn a little more. But so do the authors of these insidious little programs. They gain experience with each new release.

If you haven't been hit yet, you may be--soon.

The point is not to scare you, but to remind you that your data is always at risk. Beyond viral attacks, there's always the possibility of a hardware failure or a catastrophic software "blowout." Back up your computers well and often. Protect your investment in your data. And remember, if you need some assistance in preventing or recovering from data loss, we're here to help.