Having solid network security really is non-negotiable for any business. Hackers, malware, and cyber criminals work around the clock to try to exploit vulnerabilities and breach networks for financial gain or pure chaos. Do not make it any easier for them.
Use a Business-Grade Firewall
Consumer-grade routers and firewalls simply do not cut it for business cybersecurity needs. They lack critical security controls, inspection capabilities, and management features. Instead, invest in a dedicated, business-class firewall device to control the traffic flowing into and out of your network.
Configure the Firewall Properly
Once you have a robust firewall, you need to configure it correctly. Enable intrusion prevention, malware scanning, VPN, and other advanced security services. Set access rules to restrict unauthorized traffic and applications, and use the built-in logging to consistently monitor network activity.
Implement Network Segmentation
Do not leave your entire network exposed if one device gets compromised. Micro-segmentation, which sections off separate customer data, financial systems, etc. into isolated segments, contains any threats and limits lateral movement by hackers. VLANs and firewalls create these secured risk zones.
Safeguard Your Wireless Network
Wireless networks are a wide-open door to your business if not secured properly. At the bare minimum, use WPA2 encryption, a long/complex pass phrase, disable WPS, and change the default SSID name. For added security, consider setting up a guest VLAN and wireless access controls.
Prioritize Patch Management
Not promptly installing security patches and updates is one of the top ways networks get compromised. Establish a strict patch management process to ensure operating systems, applications, devices, and firmware are always up to date without vulnerabilities.
Utilize Endpoint Protection
Even with a locked-down network perimeter, threats can still lurk on your devices and spread laterally. Endpoint security software detects, prevents, and responds to malware and cyber threats targeting employee workstations, laptops, and mobile devices.
Secure Wi-Fi Access Points
Wi-Fi access points are an easy entry point for hackers if not configured with security firmly in mind. Change all default passwords, encrypt wireless traffic, disable unnecessary features, and restrict authentication to authorized devices/users.
Encrypt Sensitive Data
Encryption encodes files and communications so that they appear scrambled and unusable without the correct key/password. Using data encryption at rest and in transit protects sensitive files and communications if attackers intercept them.
Prioritize Cloud Protection
As businesses migrate apps and infrastructure to the cloud, securing cloud environments has become crucial. According to the good folk over at Hillstone Networks, cloud protection tools provide unified visibility across cloud platforms while enforcing security policies and blocking threats.
Develop Incident Response Plans
Despite your best efforts, someday a security incident or breach could occur. This is why having detailed response and recovery playbooks are essential for quickly containing the situation, mitigating damages, preserving evidence, and restoring normal operations.
Conduct Security Audits
It is easy for network vulnerabilities and oversights to slip through the cracks over time. Conducting periodic audits and penetration testing by an objective third-party identifies holes in your defenses so they can be remediated swiftly.
Provide Security Training
Employees are the biggest cybersecurity vulnerability that hackers look to exploit through phishing, social engineering scams, and poor security habits. Implementing a continuous security awareness training program educates staff on staying vigilant.
Conclusion
Network security can seem complex and daunting with so many considerations involved. But the consequences of network breaches, including systems down, data loss, compliance fines, reputation damage, and financial ruin, are far too severe to ignore. Following the straightforward practices above gives you a solid foundation for protecting your vital business assets and data. An ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure.
