The goal of Information Technology security is to protect business information and network resources from both internal and external threats.

The theft or destruction of data that can be caused by these threats can also potentially degrade the performance of the network, or it's individual pieces, such as a SpyWare infected desktop computer.

Maximum security can be achieved by a combination of anti virus software, anti-SpyWare software, software and hardware firewalls, physical security and computer network best practices (such as not allowing users to put passwords on sticky notes attached to their terminals).