Computer network security strategies are more critical than ever – and that’s saying a lot! According to IBM, in 2023 the average cost of a data breach reached a global high of $4.45 million – a 2.3% increase from 2022 and a 15% increase over the past three years.
To minimize their risks of cyberattack, many organizations are increasing their investments in security. This article provides an overview of some of the “must-do” steps any business can take to help ensure their assets are protected.
By following the network security tips below, both small and large businesses can significantly enhance the security of their computer networks, reduce the risk of data breaches, and protect sensitive information from cyber threats.
1. Install & Monitor Firewall Performance
Firewalls act as barriers between your internal network and external networks, filtering traffic to prevent unauthorized access. A firewall is a set of rules that controls network traffic — incoming and outgoing. Computers and networks that pass these rules are granted access, and those that don’t are kept out.
Firewalls are becoming more and more sophisticated (as are hackers), and some of the newest are integrated network security platforms that employ different approaches and encryption methods, all working to prevent breaches and malicious activity.
For optimum protection, both hardware and software firewalls should be leveraged.
2. Update Passwords Regularly
By now, we all should know that simple passwords, such as “password” and “12345” are easily hackable. In fact, these kinds of passwords take just seconds for a cybercriminal to crack, while more complex passwords, such as “P@ssw0rd!234,” are much more difficult to crack.
In addition to using strong passwords that feature uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers, employees should regularly change their passwords. Passwords should be changed whenever there’s reason to suspect they’ve been compromised, and annually even if they appear to be secure. However, changing passwords too often can lead to confusion and delays, leading employees to reach out to IT for reminders of their credentials.
Many businesses now require two-factor – or multifactor – authentication in order to connect to the network. In addition to entering a username and password, users may also need to enter a code they receive via text or by another means to connect to a system or Wi-Fi network.
3. Lean on Advanced Endpoint Detection
In order to respond to the continually evolving online threats in the world today, advanced endpoint detection and response is technology that uses AI to watch for indications of compromise and react accordingly.
The technology collects and analyzes information from network devices, endpoint logs and threat intelligence feeds, identifying security incidents, policy violations, fraudulent activity and other threats. These solutions employ a high degree of automation that enables security teams to quickly identify and respond.
More advanced than antivirus software, endpoint detection and response is part of a modern, layered and proactive approach to cybersecurity to defend against ever-changing cyberattacks.
4. Create A Virtual Private Network (VPN)
With millions of people today working remotely (a trend triggered by the pandemic), there’s been a massive increase in reported cybercrimes. VPNs create a more secure connection between remote computers and company servers, and provides privacy and anonymity by encrypting the data traffic.
With a VPN, only those authorized to access your systems will be able to do so. A VPN can dramatically decrease the likelihood of hackers finding a wireless access point and wreaking havoc on your system.
Further Reading: Network Security Best Practices for Remote & Hybrid Workers
5. Train Employees
None of your efforts to protect your network and data will be effective if the people using your system aren’t following security best practices. Frequent reminders about risks and the steps to mitigate them can keep network security top-of-mind with employees.
Some organizations hold regular security meetings to help communicate the issues and their importance. Educating employees about how to avoid major security risks or getting victimized by identity theft is possibly the greatest weapon you have in boosting your security.
6. Keep Software & Systems Updated
Software, operating systems and applications all need to be regularly updated to ensure that your organization is taking advantage of the latest security patches (changes made by the manufacturer to “fix” security vulnerabilities). Employees should be reminded to enable automatic updates where possible.
7. Apply Data Encryption Methods
The potential for a hacker to get inside your networks is a major cause for alarm. When you’re “prepared” with file encryption, that hacker (should they get into your network) would only see a lot of nonsensical gibberish. Data encryption methods work to protect sensitive data, both at rest and when in transit, on both Windows and Mac operating systems using software that masks your IP address. It’s important to encrypt all communication channels, such as email and messaging.
8. Secure Personal Devices
Every day, your employees are using their smartphones and other mobile devices to access information while at work. Consider implementing a policy for using personal devices to ensure individuals are following security protocols.
Employees should be required to secure both personal information and sensitive work data by turning off their Bluetooth, avoiding the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi, and following the same advice about using complex passcodes on their personal devices as they do for the organization’s computers.
Learn More: The 5 Best Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Tools
9. Rely on Experts
When you’re managing your IT internally, the pressure is on to make sure you’re adequately protected against hacking and viruses. Despite having all these measures in place and ensuring employees are following best practices, it’s still difficult to keep up with the latest cyber threats.
Enlisting the help of a technology management provider will help you stay on top (or ahead) of the latest threats and keep your system as secure as possible.
Some of the expertise you can expect from a technology management partner include:
- Ensuring maximum system and computer uptime
- Making sure all of your systems’ latest updates are installed
- Resources to help educate employees
- Quick and accurate resolution of day-to-day issues and questions
- Anticipation of issues before they arise
- Monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity
- Maintenance logs of network activity to help detect anomalies and support investigations if a breach occurs
- Regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities
Whether you’re a small business with no internal IT resources or a larger one with a dedicated team, Elevity will apply our expertise and our unique 4S approach (Strategy, Security, Solutions and Support) to ensure that your systems are running smoothly and securely.
10. Check Your Cybersecurity Risk
The first step in your network security strategy should be to get a handle on your current cybersecurity preparedness to understand where you have opportunities to strengthen your defenses.
Simply click the link below to take our free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment. It’ll only take a few minutes to answer key questions about your current security protocols and once complete, we’ll be in touch with a score and potential next steps.
