Regardless of the size of your business, your network needs the very best security to protect your data. In the modern world, our computer networks are constantly under attack from hackers after bank details, malicious email content seeking to damage your machines, trojans trying to delete or steal your data and viruses trying their very best to shut your computers down.
The way to maximize your network security is to ensure that you are educated regarding the latest threats to your systems and are armed with up to date strategies to combat these threats. Below is guide to the most important methods of ensuring your security. This is by no means an exhaustive list of network security strategies; however, it would be unwise to ignore these vital guidelines.
Firewall
A firewall is essential if you are serious about your network security. Attackers will scan your network for open ports where they can enter your network and do their damage or steal your data. However, with a firewall in place it acts as the first line of defence and it regulates which ports are open and ensures those that should be closed are closed.
Strong Password Protection
You will be surprised by the number of networks that are protected by a default password that came with the software. It is vital that if you have a fantastic firewall to ensure that you have it password protected but with a strong password. Using numbers and a combination of upper and lower case letters to create a password that is not easily recognisable will go a long way to improving your security.
Hackers Point of View
This tip is often overlooked but is so important. When securing your network it is vital to consider how an attacker views your network. As such, it is imperative that you scan your own network to see which ports are open, especially if they should not be open. You can then return to your firewall and modify your settings to ensure your network is secure.
Minimize Risk
By the use of a VLAN you can create a series of virtual networks with in your network. Each of these can have clear permissions. As such, should an attacker breech one of your VLAN’s then they will be restricted and only able to access the contents of that VLAN without the ability to move beyond its confines.
Use a WFA
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is essential if part of your business is hosting web applications. The WAF will sit between the internet and the application providing a high degree of online threat protection.
With so many high profile threats to network security it is vital that if your data is important (and needs to be secure) then you need to review you network security. It is important that you have adequate protection and are aware of how threats manifest themselves in the modern digital age.
There are no excuses; no places left to hide… if you have left reviewing your network security for over a month then you have risked a malicious attack on your system from one of the 800 new threats emerging daily.
About the author: The impact new technologies have on business is a passion of Wayne Douglas and he shares his experiences with those new to the sector.