Did you know 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses?
Now, as a business owner, you’re responsible for the security of your company’s network. This includes the data stored on your computers and the information that travels through your network.
You see, small businesses often have weak security measures in place. Cybersecurity risks cost businesses billions of dollars each year, so it’s essential to take steps to protect your network. To protect your business, you need to take steps to secure your network from unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.
The best way to do that is by implementing strong network security measures. In this blog post, we’ll discuss ten tips for protecting your business network. Follow these tips and you can rest assured that your data is safe from cyberattacks.
- Keep Your Network Infrastructure Up to Date
Ensuring your network infrastructure is always up to date means regularly installing security patches and updates for your routers, switches, and other network devices. By keeping your network infrastructure up to date, you’ll be able to close any potential security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit.
Another way to keep your network secure is to segment it into different zones. This will allow you to control traffic flow between different parts of your network and prevent unauthorized access.
For example, you can segment your network into a public zone for general Internet access and a private zone for sensitive data. Doing this can further reduce the risk of a cybersecurity breach.
If you have a lot of devices on your network, it can be challenging to keep track of everything that needs to be updated. An excellent way to manage this is to set up automatic updates whenever possible. That way, you can rest assured that your network is always as secure as it can be.
- Educate Your Employees
One of the most critical aspects of network security is ensuring your employees are educated on the risks. According to research, human error is responsible for over 90% of cybersecurity incidents. By providing training and resources on network security, you can help reduce the risk of a breach.
Some network security tips for your employees include:
- Never sharing passwords
- Using strong passwords
- Keeping software up to date
- Reporting suspicious activity
Also, make sure they know not to open suspicious emails, download files from unknown sources, or click on links in unfamiliar emails. Teach them how to spot phishing scams and what to do if they think they’re a target. Employees who are aware of the dangers posed by cybercriminals are less likely to fall victim to a scam.
- Safeguard Your Wi-Fi Network
Your Wi-Fi network is your business’s gateway to the internet – and it needs to be well protected. Be sure to use a strong password for your network and change it regularly. You should also consider using a network monitoring tool to keep an eye on activity on your network and look for any suspicious activity.
Wi-Fi security is critical so consider using a virtual private network (VPN) as well. A VPN encrypts all of the data that travels between your devices and the internet, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept.
If you have employees who work remotely, be sure they are using a VPN when connecting to your network. You can also set up two-factor authentication for added security. This requires employees to enter a second code (usually sent via text message) in addition to their password when logging in.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires two forms of identification to log in. This can be something as simple as a password and a security code sent to your phone, or it could be a more complex process like using a fingerprint scanner or retina scanner. According to research, two-factor authentication can reduce the risk of a cyber attack by up to 80-90%.
Use two-factor authentication for your important accounts, like your email and bank account, and make sure all of your employees are using it too. If you’re not sure how to set it up, contact your provider for assistance.
No matter how it’s implemented, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your login process and makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your network.
- Restrict Network Access to Authorized Users Only
You can restrict access through user authentication, which requires users to provide credentials like a username and password before gaining access to the network. You can also use network security devices like firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to control which users are able to access specific network resources.
By restricting network access, you can help prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data or carrying out malicious activities on your network. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of who has access to your network and what they have permission to do so that you can quickly identify any potential security breaches.
User authentication and controlling user permissions are both critical components of network security. Implementing these measures can help keep your network safe from unauthorized access and malicious activity.
- Set Up Logs and Alerts
When you set up logs and alerts you’ll be notified as soon as something occurs that could potentially put your network at risk. You can set up logs for different aspects of your network, such as traffic, user activity, or system events.
You can also set up alerts to notify you whenever certain conditions are met. For example, you could have an alert sent to you whenever there is a sudden increase in traffic from an unfamiliar IP address. This will help you quickly identify and investigate any potential cybersecurity risks.
- Implement Mobile Device Security
Mobile devices can be a major security risk for businesses if not properly secured. Implementing mobile device security measures can help protect your network from being compromised by a mobile device. According to research, one in three companies suffer data breaches as a result of mobile devices.
Some measures you can take to secure mobile devices include:
- Requiring a passcode to access the device
- Installing security software on the device
- Disabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use
- Disabling location services
- Monitoring device usage
- Installing updates as soon as they are available
If you are not sure how to secure your mobile devices, consult with your IT department or a trusted security advisor. Securing mobile devices is critical for protecting your network and data from cyber threats.
- Secure Your Payment Gateways
Your payment gateways are the most attractive target for cybercriminals. If you process payments through your website, make sure your site is PCI compliant and that you’re using a reputable payment processor. You should also have a firewall in place to protect your network from attacks.
According to research, 60% of companies that suffer a data breach go out of business within six months. Don’t let your company be one of them – secure your payment gateways today.
- Create a Contingency Plan for When Things Go Wrong
No network security plan is perfect, and eventually, something will go wrong. When that happens, it’s crucial to have a contingency plan in place so you can minimize the damage and get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. Your contingency plan should include:
- A list of emergency contacts (including IT support, your ISP, etc.)
- A plan for how to respond to various types of network attacks
- Instructions for restoring your network from backup
Having a plan in place ahead of time will help you react quickly and efficiently when an incident does occur. Furthermore, consider monitoring your network traffic and conducting regular network security risks. It’s important to review your network security strategy on a regular basis to ensure that it’s still effective.
Cybersecurity risks are constantly evolving, so it’s essential to keep up with the latest threats. Reviewing your network security strategy regularly will help you identify any weak points in your system. You’ll have a chance to make necessary changes to keep your network safe.
- Seek Help from Network Security Experts
One of the best ways to protect your business is to seek out the services of a professional network security firm. Professionals will be able to design a comprehensive security plan that takes into account the unique needs of your business.
Check out Be Structured network security services to learn more about the role of experts in keeping your business safe.
The Ultimate Guide to Network Security
By following these network security tips, you can help keep your business safe from cyber threats. Remember to always keep your network updated with the latest security patches and seek help from network security experts when needed. By taking these steps, you can help protect your business from the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity risks.
Did you find this article informative? This information makes it easier for you to make informed decisions for the security of your business. Please subscribe to our newsletter for more informative guides just like this one.
