The average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million, according to the International Business Machines Corporation. Not only can these breaches be financially damaging, but they can also ruin your business’ reputation and even destroy it entirely. This is why you need strong network security: so you can protect your data no matter what methods cybercriminals use to try to steal it. No matter the size or industry of your business you need to take the following steps to ensure the safety of all your data.
Understand Risks to Network Security
The first step to improving your network security and keeping your data protected from attacks is to understand how cybercriminals will target you. This way you can identify any vulnerabilities you may have to take the necessary steps to strengthen them.
Weak Password Security
One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to break through your network security is by guessing weak or often used passwords. If you want your passwords to be difficult to crack, make sure they are longer than 12 characters and are use at least one each of letters (capital and lowercase), numbers, and special characters. These might be difficult to remember but using a password manager like LastPass can securely store all your credentials so you can access them whenever you need to.
Outdated Software and Systems
Failing to update operating systems, applications, and software can leave holes in your network security for cybercriminals to exploit. To avoid this, enable automatic updates for all software and devices to ensure your business is always protected by the latest security patches.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common and effective cyberattacks targeting businesses. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick people into providing login credentials or downloading malware. This aspect of network security requires regular employee training on the latest cyberthreats and how to defend against them.
Use Network Security Tools
Now that you are aware of the potential cyberthreats to your network security, you can start using the proper tools to defend against them. Start by installing a firewall on your network. This device monitors all network traffic, blocking any unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through. You’ll also want to make sure you have a strong antivirus program that detects and removes malware before it can harm your systems. Similarly, intrusion protection systems (IPS) can add another layer of network security by monitoring for and blocking any malicious activity that made it past your firewall.
Since working remotely has become so common, your business needs to have strong network security in place to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting unsecured networks. Home networks, airports, coffee shops, and any others outside your office should not be trusted. To protect your business data no matter where you are, use a virtual private network (VPN). This network encrypts internet traffic, keeping your sensitive business data private even when employees work outside of your secure location. Just make sure your VPN uses multifactor authentication (MFA) to ensure it’s really your employees trying to log into your private network.
Backup Your Data
When disaster strikes, you need to ensure your business is ready. Whether it’s a data breach or natural disaster, you must be prepared in case you lose your important data. Regularly backup all your data to two different media types and keep at least one copy offsite. This way if your primary location and data are lost, you have a backup you can retrieve to resume operations. Preparing for the worst-case scenario is crucial to keeping your network security strong no matter what happens.
Monitor and Respond to Security Threats
Optimizing your network security isn’t a one-time task, it takes continuous effort to ensure your business is always protected. In addition to your other tools, use an intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor all of your network traffic and computer systems for signs of malicious activity or policy violations. Make sure you enable real-time alerts so you can be notified immediately of threats to your network security. If you’re worried you don’t have the time to regularly monitor and respond to every alert, consider using a trusted IT provider who can handle any cyberthreats that come your way.
Ready to Upgrade Your IT Knowledge?
If you want to protect your business from cybercriminals you need to use the latest network security measures. This requires you to stay up to date on ways cybercriminals target businesses and methods you can use to defend against them. Sign up for our free weekly e-course to get regular steps you can take to keep your business cybersecure.
