Many businesses, both big and small, are not well-protected against cyber threats, and hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to break in. Even with the best equipment, software, and professional help, there are still things you can do to make your network security better. Here are some simple tips for any business wanting to improve its network security.
Network security means keeping your data safe from attackers and ensuring that users can access the resources they need. It involves all the activities that protect your network and data using both hardware and software.
Managing network security is crucial for staying secure. This includes regular checks, watching for unusual activity, and quickly responding to security incidents. Let’s take a look at why computer network security is important and tips to improve it.
Why is Computer Network Security Important?
Computer network security is vital because it protects our online activities and ensures the safe transmission of sensitive information. It keeps confidential data like financial records, personal details, trade secrets, and intellectual property secure from unauthorised access and eavesdropping. By preventing tampering and data corruption, network security maintains the accuracy and reliability of information.
Network security uses strong access controls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and encryption to prevent unauthorised access, protecting against data breaches and cyber-attacks. It helps reduce financial losses that can come from security breaches, such as recovery costs, data loss, reputational damage, and legal penalties.
Additionally, network security defends against various cyber threats, including malware, viruses, ransomware, phishing, and social engineering attacks, keeping networks and users safe. It also helps organisations comply with industry regulations and standards related to data protection, avoiding legal issues and penalties.
Let’s look at some tips to improve computer network security!
10 Tips to Improve Your Computer Network Security:
Even with the best equipment, software, and professional help, there are still things you can do to make your network security better. Here are some simple tips for any business wanting to improve its network security.
1. Regularly Update Your Software and Hardware:
To keep your network safe, update your software and hardware often. Software updates fix security issues, so enable automatic updates for your operating system, apps, antivirus, and firewall software. Check for updates manually if needed. Replace outdated or faulty hardware like server, routers, and switches. Consult tech support or experts to know the best time to upgrade, especially when manufacturers stop supporting specific hardware or software.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication:
Strong passwords are crucial to network security. Use passwords with 8-12 characters, including upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information and change passwords regularly. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than one way to verify your identity, like a password and a code sent to your phone.
3. Monitor and Test Network Security:
Keep an eye on your network for any unusual activity and test its security regularly. Use tools like network analysers and intrusion detection systems to spot potential problems. Periodically test your network with vulnerability scanners and ethical hackers to see how well it stands up to attacks.
4. Train the Employees:
Teach your employees the best practices for network security, including password management, email security, and data protection. Regular training ensures everyone knows the rules and their responsibilities. Since people can be the weakest link, implement tools and rules to prevent accidental or intentional data leaks. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) helps stop sensitive information from leaving the company's network and includes software for managing data transfer and copying.
5. Always Double-Check Downloads:
Even with antivirus software, employees might still download harmful files by mistake. To prevent this, IT support should review downloads before they enter the network.
6. Administer Proper Backup and Recovery Plans:
Back up your data regularly and store it securely, such as on an external hard drive or in the cloud. Have a plan to restore your data quickly in case of a disaster like a cyberattack. Make sure to also test your backups to ensure they work.
7. Encrypt Data:
Encryption ensures that only the intended recipients can read the data, protecting sensitive information from being intercepted during transmission. This is crucial for keeping your data safe and secure.
8. Segment and Isolate Your Network:
Divide your network into sections to prevent problems in one area from affecting the others.
9. Install Anti-Malware and Antivirus Software:
Ensure all devices have up-to-date anti-malware software. Enable real-time scanning to catch and block threats as they happen.
10. Install Firewall and VPN:
Firewalls are essential for network security, blocking harmful traffic from entering your network. Consider advanced firewalls for better protection. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect your data with encryption and keep your online activities private.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve your computer network security, protect sensitive information, and ensure your network stays safe from cyber attacks.
Conclusion:
Keeping your network secure is essential to protect important information and keep your business running smoothly. By updating your software and hardware regularly, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, watching your network for any issues, training your employees, checking downloads, having backup and recovery plans, encrypting data, dividing your network into sections, and using anti-malware software, firewalls, and VPNs, you can greatly reduce the risk of cyber threats.
If you want to learn more about cybersecurity, Future Connect Training offers a great Cyber Security Course. This course covers everything you need to know to protect your network from cyber-attacks. This training can help you and your team stay safe from hackers and keep your data secure.