Busy interior designers often juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines, so I understand why many designers do not think about Internet security until it is too late. We benefit greatly from today’s technological innovations that enable us to be connected like never before and, although it is possible to go years without experiencing data loss due to a virus, most systems eventually face a cyber attack. Given these realities, we cannot afford to leave our business security to chance. We must take steps to protect the technology we rely on daily from viruses and other security threats.

To keep your computers and other devices safe from attacks, it is essential that you use antivirus software on every single machine in your studio. You also need to keep your antivirus license current to be sure you receive the frequent updates required to fend off the latest cyber criminals that want to access your data and cause problems.

MacAfee Antivirus Plus is one of the more reasonably priced packages at $24.99 per license. Another highly rated package is Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which can be purchased for $29.95 per license.

If you are surfing the net without antivirus software, stop reading this article now and download a copy to protect yourself. It is that important.

Be sure to check back next month for the fifth essential tool we recommend for your business.

Gail Doby, ASID, is the co-founder and chief vision officer of Design Success University – your shortcut to a more profitable interior design business. Be sure to download your complimentary copy of the 2013 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey eBook($179 Value).