"How Secure Is Your Computer Equipment" By: David Lawrence, AIF With increased use of the internet and computers to store information, concerns over security of private client information have prompted many firms to seek security solutions beyond the standard firewall type system. That does not mean abandoning firewalls. But, it could mean adding some additional security features to your computer and/or server. But, what combination of steps is most efficient for your practice? If you use external hard drives for backing up server or other onsite data storage, there are newer models available with built-in security features. Many external drive manufacturers bundle backup software with their products that may be able to perform automated backups (unattended) and/or encrypted backups. Some newer products, such as the Tritton 160GB Simple Network Attached Storage (NAS) offer features designed to complement an office network while still being able to utilize offsite or removable storage solutions. The Tritton Simple NAS (www.trittontechnologies.com) is a cost effective network attached storage solution designed for the small office user. Use as an FTP server, media storage server and backup critical data. The included backup software allows for scheduling unattended backup tasks, self-executable backups, encrypted backups, compressed file backups and more. Tritton also offers portable backup drives and wireless backups. For those who already own an older external hard drive without built in security features, Beyond Micro (www.beyondmicro.com) offers a unique 3.5-inch HDD Enclosure that is designed to fit most existing external hard drives. Beyond Micro’s BME3.5 external enclosure (made from a tough grade of aluminum) offers an innovative, secure storage solution The BME3.5 provides 2 secure keys for user authentication and access control. As a result, your data is safe from unauthorized use, even if it is misplaced or stolen. And the Beyond Micro 3.5 offers automatic bit-by-bit encryption for the entire hard drive, including boot sector. The cost is approximately $135.00.   For those of us who are concerned about laptops, a new product from Winmagic (www.winmagic.com) may just fit the bill. MySecureDoc™ Personal Edition is a data encryption program designed for laptops and desktops. MySecureDoc™ secures residual data, temporary files, paging files and hidden partitions left unprotected by other encryption methods, according to its press information. It is designed to encrypt every byte of data on a laptop (or desktop) machine. It uses a 256-bit encryption algorithm to protect data behind the scenes in real time without user intervention. One potential drawback appears to be a performance hit on your machine during the encrypting process. Company literature suggests that this is minimal, though. And, at a suggested retail price of $29.95, this is a cost-effective and efficient security solution. Winmagic also offers a personal edition plus that extends security to portable media such as external hard drives, USB memory sticks and Secure Digital cards. If your goal is to increase the security of your electronically stored data, then the choices listed above may just provide you with effective and efficient security solutions.   David Lawrence is a practice efficiency consultant and is President of David Lawrence and Associates, a practice consulting firm based in Lutz, Florida. (www.efficientpractice.com) David Lawrence and Associates is an approved sponsor of CFP Board of Standards continuing education credits and offers CE programs on a variety of topics, including the financial planning process.    **** Since our inception we have helped over 400 financial consultants make the move to independence. "I cannot express to you the joy and the increase in quality of life that I have found since leaving the wirehouse world." Shane Merritt, Branch Manager Merritt Capital Management Here Are A Few of the Benefits of "Going Independent": Payouts on all your business, including fee based accounts of 90% plus. The opportunity to build substantial equity in your business and sell it at an attractive multiple when you desire. The opportunity for you, not someone at the home office, to control your bottom line and the profitability of your practice. The opportunity to build related businesses such as insurance, qualified plans, or trust companies, and keep those revenues. The opportunity to eliminate your clients’ perceptions of conflicts of interest with research departments and corporate finance groups – TRUE OBJECTIVITY. The opportunity to charge and keep substantial fee income for planning, analysis and other services to your clients. The availability of technology that is as good or better than anything you have now. The list goes on… This Month's Registered Representative Opportunity: They Offer a Strong Commitment to Their Independent Offices If you are an established broker and seek to work with a full service firm that recognizes client service as a paramount requires a committed strong and capable corporate management support team.To support and enhance their work force -- their firm's most important asset theyve made a substantial commitment to provide each employee and independent office with the training, equipment, resources and environment necessary to excel in today's investment industry. They are committed to anticipate the needs of each independent office, respond to their requests and provide leadership that empowers them to meet the expectations of their clients. Proven leaders from Management to Operations It's simple - entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs with an honest history and an established book of business who want to grow their business with proven leaders from management to operations. If you're currently independent or thinking about becoming an independent, if you're a representative in a financial institution, whether you're a commission or a fee-based investment broker, if you have the spirit and desire to control your destiny, this B/D is the right broker/dealer for you. Their Products and Services are Committed to Success They offer you the industry's best combination of net payout, back office support, business development support and sophisticated technology. Their service is personal, professional, fast and accurate. They listen to what their representatives have to say, and provide opportunities for their input to be heard. They recognize and value the fact that you have an independent business. They take time to understand your needs so that the service they provide is valuable and responsive. Their success is solely dependent upon you and your clients' success, and will respect and protect the relationship between you and your clients. They will do everything in their power to help you deliver quality advice, guidance, investment management, and outstanding service to your clients. Back Office Support - Operations The operations department is the backbone of any brokerage firm. A well-run back office allows you to spend 100% of your efforts on expanding your business. By the same token, a poorly managed back office will inevitably result in lost time and frustration. The staff needs to be thorough, as well as helpful. The common denominator between all well-run back offices can be summed up in one word Experience. Their Chief Operating Officer and Director of Operations have a combined 30 years experience in the brokerage industry. Value Added Services This B/D believes that an investment broker's time is best spent in a selling and/or a consulting capacity. Given that there are a limited number of hours in each day, administrative tasks subtract from time that could be more profitably spent selling. That's why this B/D offers an extensive menu of value-added services to help our investment brokers grow their business efficiently. From technology support and investment research to marketing with our proprietary web-based prospecting System. They will help you choose and manage your staff, they free you up to do what you do best.   If you know someone who might be interested in the above opportunity or who might be ready to go Independent, please have them contact Jason Burke directly at 727-725-8876.

Here's some additional information from Turning Point, Inc...

www.BrokerBestPractices.com
www.BankBrokerBestPractices.com
www.IndependentRepBestPractices.com (*Sept 2005 REPORT AVAILABLE!)
www.FABestPractices.com (Financial Advisors)
www.InsuranceAgentBestPractices.com

By clicking on any of these links, you will be taken to a webpage where you can Preview these reports, take a short survey, and then print the entire report when you're done. It's that easy.

TURNING POINT PARTNERS:
Are you getting the most out of your business?  Are you operating at peak efficiency?  How about your marketing, your compliance,  or your HR?  We have some friends who can help you out.  Just visit our Partners section in our website for links to a variety of services that are helpful to building your business!

Quote of the day: