Can everyone in your team get into all your systems with a single login of their user name and password? Have they now gained access to all levels of your business and its data? Might they be careless and respond to a phishing or ransomware attack? You hope not, of course. But if the worst does happen, you’ve exposed all your data to the world. So, it’s time to ask the big question: What is network security?
The bad news is that nightmare scenarios happen more often than you think. This is regardless of the size of your business or the protections from threats you’ve installed.
The good news is that there are excellent ways to protect your business from internal and external threats to cybersecurity. And these solutions will leave you free to concentrate on sales and ROI rather than rescuing your business from a disastrous situation.
So, today, we’ll discuss
- network security,
- what it is,
- what types are available, and
- the best ways to protect your business.
The reason is this. In an age of growing cybercrime, businesses and individuals require sophisticated levels of security to be in place to protect them from a wide range of threats and attacks.
In addition, the more technology advances, the more important cybersecurity is. Hackers delight in finding a network vulnerability so they can exploit it to gain financial advantage. It doesn’t make sense to encourage them!
Network Security: Overview
Network security is a set of rules, protocols, and technologies. They’re designed to detect, prevent, and protect your company’s infrastructure, applications, and data from unauthorized access and risks.
You probably use networks to share sensitive information and data, and for team collaboration. Network security uses both hardware and software to protect accessibility to these networks and to your data. This therefore maintains its integrity and confidentiality.
Typically, there are three layers of network security. They’re usually combined to offer better coverage against any threats:
1 Physical network security
This protects physical components of your network such as computers and routers etc. from unauthorized access. This includes securing them against theft, natural disasters or loss – maybe by fixing them down or locking them up.
2 Technical network security
This protects data that’s in transit across, into, or out of the network from theft, unauthorized personnel, and malicious activities by employees. Your data is your greatest asset and should be protected.
3 Administrative network security
These are security policies and processes that control how users behave in a network. This will include authenticating user logins at different levels of need within the business, which means that only verified users can have access at that point.
The best solution is to consider “defense in depth” – where layers of security delay the risk to the data at the core of your system.
In addition, your IT team should implement revised policies whenever your infrastructure changes.
Network Security Technologies
There are several network security types of technology that your IT team can use to secure your network and business data.
Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
These protect networks from malicious attacks in real-time. Viruses infect your computer and damage its working ability. Malware takes over your computer until you pay a ransom. Both types of software solutions provide daily security.
Network Access Control
As we mentioned above, the aim is to control who can access which area of your systems. You should grant full access to the network to the fewest number of people. This ensures attackers can’t easily infiltrate it. Best practice means that other users access only the areas that are necessary for their role.
Firewall Protection
This is a network security solution that monitors and filters untrusted incoming traffic from your trusted internal network. Your IT team should configure a set of clearly defined rules that will prevent internet-based attacks, malware, and application layer attacks from being effective.
There are different types of firewall – software, hardware, or both.
Endpoint Security
This protects networks by ensuring that the devices such as laptops and cell phones are secured at endpoints/entry points against potential threats. Endpoint security works by combining several other network security tools such as those mentioned above. They quickly detect and block attacks before they happen.
The Importance of Network Security
Network security is vital against cyber attacks. With so many people working from home and networked to the office, millions of business dollars are now at stake. A solid network security system is therefore essential to reduce the risk of
- data loss,
- sabotage, and
- downgraded network performance.
In addition, the advent of the IoT (Internet of Things) – and the complex links between all elements of it – means that attackers are capable of bringing businesses, their customers, and their supply chains to their knees. So all organizations should implement security measures.
5 Ways to Protect Your Business From Cyber Attacks
1 Passwords
Passwords provide the first layer of security against unauthorized access to your devices. The stronger your password is, the more difficult it is for others to guess.
To create stronger passwords for all your accounts, use a non-dictionary, multi-character set. Other tips for good password practise include changing default passwords on all equipment immediately. Use password manager software, and change all passwords frequently.
You should also not forget to reinforce the use of passwords with the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). This is an additional mechanism that recognizes you are actually the right person trying to gain access.
2 Fully update systems and software
A lot of weaknesses and vulnerabilities happen when you do not keep your systems and application software up to date. If you have both legacy hardware and modern applications, this can be complicated. But after a cyber-attack is too late!
If you partner with a managed IT service provider, they’ll organize all software and system updates for you.
3 Cyber security policies
Not everyone will know how to secure their business, or how to react to and recover from an attack. Having one named person to set and monitor the policy is helpful. But smaller businesses can outsource this function to experts. They have sophisticated data backup and recovery systems.
4 Train your staff
Invest in training for your staff about your cybersecurity strategies, policies, and best practices for using your company network. You can’t afford to make your employees an easy target for cyber criminals.
5 Outsource your IT functions
Some companies will lack sufficient capital, human resources, or IT experts to implement our suggested measures. And certainly not have a network security engineer on site when they’re suddenly needed! In this case, too, you can consider outsourcing to an expert. It repays your investment many times over. Specifically, migrating to the cloud brings you encryption of your data in transit and secure storage.
Would you Like Our Help With Your Network Security?
What is network security? It’s putting your business in a position to be as safe as possible from malicious attacks or hackers who’re trying to
- steal your data,
- deny you access to your business website (via DDoS etc.), or
- disrupt your operations in any way.
We do understand how difficult it can be to find the best network security solution for your business. This applies whether your business is large or small.
At OneSource, however, we pride ourselves on offering you the best network security protection possible. And we keep in mind your specific needs and budget, and offer a tailored fee. Schedule a free evaluation call and be on your way to a secure network!