Having a solid understanding of why you need to work on your network security means that you’ve already taken steps on how you can protect your network against these cyber threats.

One of the largest cybersecurity problems that many small businesses face is ignorance. Many hackers and cybercriminals are more than happy to steal this information in all kinds of ways.

In other words, many small businesses aren’t immune from these threats. Cybercriminals see them as easy targets if they pay attention to security compared to their bigger counterparts.

What is Network Security?

This is a combination of hardware, software, and practices that are used to secure the network of a company from any unauthorized access. It is to prevent data loss, phishing, and scams and protect it from ransomware.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the ways how you can make your business network security safe:

1. Perform a network audit

Whenever you’re trying to improve any aspect of your business, one of the first steps you need is to do an audit to know your current position and the areas underperforming. It is especially true with network security.

It’s impossible to improve your network security without knowing its weaknesses. The goal of doing a network security audit is to identify and then assess the following:

• Prospective security vulnerabilities
• How strong is your firewall
• Backup history and schedule
• Anti-virus and anti-malware software
• Unnecessary applications that run in the background
• The overall health of the servers, software, and applications

Moreover, the depth and size of your network audit will also depend on your organization’s size and the number of connected applications and devices running in your network.

Doing a network security audit will allow you to put a plan in place and identify problem areas. You can either do this internally or through a third-party network security provider.

2. Do penetration testing

Also known as pen testing, you’re hacking your system methodically to find as many vulnerabilities as you can and from several vantage points.

A network test will expose any vulnerabilities in your host network and other devices. Throughout the end, you’ll receive a report that has all access points that were problematic in your system.

In the same way, you’ll also get suggestions for the hardware and software improvements you’ll need to upgrade your security.

3. Perform patches and software updates

Keeping up with the latest and constant operating systems and software trends can be challenging. However, it’s essential if you want to have a flawless security system.

Hackers constantly look for security loopholes in outdated software and operating servers. They may also find weaknesses in IT infrastructures. By regularly updating your business software, you can remove these vulnerabilities.

These software updates may include patches designed to address any bugs or loopholes in the software. This will keep that platform stable and safe from malware and other threats.

Your IT team shouldn’t ignore or delay installing these updates. Neglecting software support could delay complete protection, making you feel more vulnerable to attacks. Therefore, your top priorities are installing patches and software updates.

4. Filter network traffic

Allow and deny policies in your websites and apps are no longer viable. Most people expect work flexibility and need it to fulfill their jobs effectively.

Installing advanced firewalls lets you state the rules at a more granular scale. For instance, you allow employees to access private email accounts but block them from sending any attachments from those accounts.

5. Regularly review and update your backup and recovery plan

Imagine what it will be like if your business gets attacked and you don’t have a backup or recovery plan.

Comprehensive recovery and backup plans for your business are vital to minimize potential downtime in case your network gets attacked. It’s also essential for business continuity maintenance.

In case of an attack, here are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself. How long will your site be down? What do you need to do to recover all that lost data?

It’s also worth noting that the longer your site and business are down, the more customers you’ll lose. If you can’t offer value to them, your competitors will. Even if you manage to keep your customers, their trust in your business will never be the same.

Even if you do everything you can to fight a cybersecurity attack, your system could still get broken into. However, a comprehensive backup and recovery plan will keep your business running.

6. Install a firewall and monitor traffic for suspicious activity

Another thing that you need to do is to use an excellent firewall. It ensures that your IT team monitors the traffic through your firewall. They’ll also be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.

It is one of the best ways to find any prospective hacks, malware, and other issues early on. That way, you can easily take the right action.

7. Require a VPN for all remote access

If your employees are working remotely and accessing your corporate systems, they should be required to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN.)

A VPN will build an encrypted tunnel between their computer and your company’s network. Thus, making it almost impossible for unauthorized individuals to view traffic and information sent between the two devices.

8. Train your employees

Your first line of defense for any cyber attack will be your employees. However, most cyberattacks find their way through a malicious link in an email. It is known as phishing.

Educating your employees on what to look for and the importance of protecting your business will prevent or decrease the chance of a cyber attack.

Final Thoughts

Many business networks undergo more pressure than ever before. Cyber security threats are increasing, and the complexity of these attacks means that network security shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The risk for a network breach is too significant, as cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they target networks. So, make sure to keep these tips in mind.