Having network security measures in place is one of the most crucial steps to protecting your business. Cybercrime is one of the largest threats to all businesses. With the ever-present threat of cyberattacks and data breaches within some of the largest companies (most recently Dell and Facebook), it’s extremely important that you take any and all steps necessary to ensure that your networks are secure.
As shown by the recent falter in network security in Dell and Facebook, all businesses, no matter the size or scope, must be wary of cyberattacks and potential data breaches and must take measures to prevent these attacks. Network security issues can be present for several days or weeks at a time before they are discovered. With that being said, if you go without implementing network security practices, you run the risk of compromising sensitive data.
Now that you have a better understanding of how important it is to implement network security practices, what can you do to protect your business? The following set of tips and tricks come from our IT department as well as the FCC. Keep reading to learn more about network security measures you can put into place to ensure your business’ safety from cybercrime:
Tip #1: Educate your employees
When it comes to network security, there’s power in numbers. A business’ IT department can have the most top-notch network security practices in place, but unless all of the employees are utilizing those practices, the network won’t be entirely secure. So, it’s important to establish basic security policies and practices for all employees to utilize. Make sure that all of your employees know about the importance of network security and the potential consequences of breaching that security.
A few examples are creating strong passwords for each employee, setting strict guidelines and rules for Internet usage, limiting authority to install software on devices, and providing employees with tools and steps to protect customer information and other important data. Make sure that employees make their passwords complex and that they update them on a regular basis (A good practice is to update passwords every three months).
Tip #2: Keep your Software Clean and Updated
Here’s a pro tip: the newer your software, the more advanced your network security. We’re all in the habit of clicking “Ignore” or “Update Later” when the newest security software becomes available, but in order to enhance and strengthen your network security, you must keep your security software up to date. Having the latest updated version of any security software is the best defense against cyberattacks, malware, viruses, and other digital threats. Be sure to scan your equipment for viruses on a regular basis as well.
Network security doesn’t end with your computers or smart phones. You should remember to implement network security tactics with your print technology as well. Ask yourself, “Do I update my printer and copier technology as often as I update my computers and servers?” If not, it is definitely high time to evaluate your network security and make some changes.
Tip #3: Build up defenses
There are plenty of ways to beef up your network security defenses through the use of external programs and software services.
For starters, you can provide your network with firewall security. A firewall is ideally a hardware device that blocks unauthorized outsiders from reaching your data on a private network. Most routers and operating systems already have firewall protection built into their software, but if not, there are many reputable antivirus vendors that include a firewall to enable such protection.
Another helpful way to strengthen your network security is to utilize a virtual private network (VPN). VPN servicers pass your data through their servers and hide your IP address and encrypt your data to keep your browsing history, passwords, and other important information safe from potential hackers and cyber-criminals. While most large businesses have their own VPN established, this might not be the most effective approach for small businesses. If this is the case, you should think about working with a VPN service provider.
Finally, we’ve seen information and data stored in Cloud services that have been leaked and exposed time and time again. Unfortunately, cloud infrastructure vulnerabilities are a very real hazard for storing confidential data and information. However, there are ways to implement network security measures for your Cloud-based equipment and software. The main way is to implement two-factor authentication. Data within the Cloud is more vulnerable when Cloud users haven’t set up authentication or when they’ve left authentication outdated. By setting up two-factor authentication, you will be setting up another roadblock in the way of hackers and cyber-criminals by having more measures in place to confirm a user’s identity before they access files and other data.
Tip #4: Backup your data
When your day is full of other important work tasks and deadlines, it’s easy to put backing up your data on the back-burner. Trust us when we say that backing up your data on a regular basis will save you a headache later on and will help to ensure your network security. Examples of data that you should be backing up on a regular basis are:
If possible, you should aim to back up your data automatically and on a daily basis. There are many storage options for backing up your data, but you might find storing your files off site in the cloud as the best option.
Tip #5: Guard your Wi-Fi
Your business’ Wi-Fi network can act as a welcome mat for cybercriminals. Fortunately, there are ways to build your network security and ensure that your data is safe from cybercrime. First, make sure to use a firewall and verify that any sensitive data that travels through your network is encrypted. Second, make sure that your Wi-Fi is password protected and only available to employees. You can make the Wi-Fi invisible, so others aren’t able to access it. Do so by setting up your router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name – this is also known as the “Service Set Identifier”, or SSID.
If you want to offer public Wi-Fi for customers and visitors to utilize, set up a second network exclusively for this purpose.
The threat of breaches against your network security is very real, but as long as you remember to establish safe network policies and take the right precautions, you’re much more likely to protect your business against cybercrime.
Managing your own network security and IT services can be a hassle, so why not consider letting someone else do it for you? Here at Advances Business Systems, we offer managed IT services, including backup data storage services, network monitoring and security, software maintenance, and more. Contact us to learn how ABS can implement and support the best network strategy for your company.