Here are 10+ hacks to secure your small business network.
Understanding Network Security
With ransomware attacks increasing at a rate of 400% year on year, and 43% of all cyber-attacks targeting small businesses – network security now needs to take precedence for organizations both small and large.
Network security can be broadly defined as the combination of hardware, software, policies, and practices that are collectively used to protect a company’s network from unauthorized access. All of the steps that you take to protect your network from data loss, breaches, phishing, spam, ransomware and an evolving list of threats comprise network security.
When implemented effectively, network security defends the usability and integrity of your network and data. By 2022 worldwide spending on cyber security is expected to reach $133 billion.
How Does Network Security Work?
Recent data indicates that a new cyber-attack happens every 40 seconds. By implementing multiple layers of defenses at the edge and inside your enterprise network, you can implement network security. Each of these security layers contain security policies and controls.
Network access should be defined in such a way that only authorized users can gain access to network resources while malicious actors are kept out. IT Support Vermont can help you understand network security in depth and put requisite protocols in place.
11 Hacks for Small Business Network Security
1. Firmware Update
Firmware security is known for being notoriously weak compared to other aspects of a computer. In a report from Wired, Xeno Kovah and Corey Kallenberg uncovered vulnerabilities in 80 percent of the PCs they examined, including dominating names in the industry.
Small business network security can often be compromised by firmware failure. Ideally, you should implement a policy wherein updates happen automatically when a firmware is updated to the latest version. This helps you address gaping security holes and ensures the optimal functioning of your hardware.
2. Set Up a VPN
The ability to hide your activity and data is now critical for enterprises to protect against cyber security threats. A VPN enables this crucial feature by creating an extra network security layer. Masking your IP address and encrypting data is particularly useful when your users need to access business files over unsecured or public networks.
This keeps your browsing passwords and history protected from anybody trying to pry into your activity. A VPN also allows you to set up an endpoint server on your cloud platform or office for the management of remote connections.
This is another highly useful feature for enterprises who allow for remote work, especially in the pandemic scenario. Managed IT Services Vermont can help you set up your enterprise VPN.
3. Choosing a Firewall
A firewall is a critical tool in ensuring the security of your network. Most enterprises already deploy a standard external firewall. For additional protection you could also install an internal firewall along with it.
Some firewalls are effective not just in filtering network traffic based on IP address, but can also effectively detect and block malicious network requests. In order to maintain your firewall effectively, you should always keep it updated.
4. Hide your SSID
If you are on a wireless network to conduct your business, you should make it a practice to hide your SSID (service set identifier) on your routers. Never use a name that can immediately help an outsider identify you or your location.
5. Training Employees
Human error continues to be one of the dominating factors in all data breaches. Why you cannot completely do away with the risk of your employees falling for cleverly engineered social engineering attacks, downloading malicious files accidentally, or being manipulated in other ways, there are ways to mitigate the risk.
Educating your employees can help them recognize the signs of abnormal behavior including being asked for information, including sensitive information such as credentials and more. They should have the knowledge to practice safe network access, safe device access and safe password policies. IT Consulting Vermont can help you implement effective cyber security training.
6. Penetration Testing
IT penetration testing, or pen testing, is the process of breaking into your own network to test for vulnerabilities from multiple vantage points. You should regularly perform pen testing to discover vulnerabilities in your host network and network devices.
If you do not have the requisite resources to conduct penetration testing in house, consider reaching out to cyber security experts or managed service providers. The testing results should give you a detailed overview of the problematic access points, and suggestions for hardware and software improvements in order to improve your security posture.
7. Antivirus Software Installation
Antivirus software is highly effective in blocking adware, malware, and viruses. Despite extensive training, employees are prone to errors and careless behavior when it comes to safe computing practices.
A single click on a malicious link can be enough to compromise your entire network. An antivirus software significantly minimizes chances of infection by proactively detecting and preventing any malware from getting installed in your systems.
8. Implement Mobile Device Security
With the rising popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, mobile devices also pose a significant security threat to your network. In order to mitigate the network security threats that come with BYOD, you should ensure that you have the right policies in place to govern authorized access.
You should also invest in mobile device management tools to help you effectively manage and monitor all mobile device inventory and security. Remember that careless use of any electronic device connected to your network could lead to significant data leak or loss. Training employees in safe BYOD practices can go a long way in mitigating the risks associated with mobile network security.
9. Data Backup
Even with completely foolproof network security, hackers may still gain access to your network. This is why it’s critical to have all your data backed up securely and regularly. Ideally, you should always have an alternative offsite backup check for its efficacy and availability at regular intervals.
10. Create an Effective Disaster Recovery Plan
Having a disaster recovery plan (DRP) in place can help your business survive through the most damaging of breaches. A detailed and effective DRP has extensive procedures and protocols for different kinds of attacks and disasters.
Truly effective disaster recovery plans assign specific roles and responsibilities for each employee at your organization in case of a breach or a disaster. S/he will be prepared for the eventuality and know exactly what to do and how to do it.
11. IT Outsourcing
Outsourcing your network security needs to a managed service provider has several benefits. First and foremost, you get access to a pool of cyber security experts with decades of relevant experience in ensuring network integrity.
Managed service providers also make it very cost effective for you to leverage top of the line security software and hardware that you may find prohibitively expensive otherwise. MSPs take the full responsibility of remote management of your servers, monitoring your network and responding to emergencies no matter when they happen.
Additionally, they can also take on the responsibility of recruiting and training relevant talent in IT security.
Note: This is a post by Steve Loyer
About Steve:Steve Loyer is the president and CEO of Tech Group, LLC. IT Outsourcing Vermont company. With over 25 years of sales and service experience in network and network security solutions, Steve has earned technical and sales certificates from Microsoft, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Citrix, Sonicwall, Symantec, McAfee, Barracuda and American Power Conversion.