Today’s networks are complex. Businesses continually add more devices and integrate more systems and applications, and workers are increasingly working from multiple locations. It’s already difficult for businesses to optimize their networks let alone keep them protected from the evolving cyber threats in today’s landscape. The size and sophistication of cyberattacks have made it more challenging to properly protect your network. Don’t let network security challenges keep you up at night. Learn about the key aspects of security you should focus on right now to protect your network at all times.
What Is Network Security?
Network security is the protection of the devices, applications, and users in your IT systems from cyber threats. It has several goals, including preventing unauthorized access, detecting and preventing malicious viruses or other cyber threats, and ensuring proper access is granted to network resources when needed.
Why Businesses Need to Focus on Securing Their Networks
No matter the size of your business, preventing damage to or theft of your network and data must be top of mind. No longer just an “IT” matter, network security involves everyone in a business working to reduce risk and ensure continuity. Simply buying antivirus software or having a traditional firewall in place is no longer enough.
Common Network Security Risks
When analyzing your company’s network security, keep in mind these common risks:
Improperly Installed or Configured Software
Misconfigurations can be one of the most detrimental things to your network security. Research by Gartner sites that 90% of companies will configure their cloud environments incorrectly. Those misconfigurations can leave vulnerabilities in the network and make companies more at risk to an attack.
Outdated Firmware or Software Patches
Having out of date firmware and software patches can leave your systems vulnerable to known risks. Businesses should have a strong patch management process in place and remain consistent in applying patches.
Improper Password Management
Not enforcing a strong password management policy, could result in compromised credentials and data breaches. Some of the most common password mistakes include using a simple password, reusing passwords, and not using multi-factor authentication.
Not Monitoring Network Traffic
Your network needs to be monitored 24/7. If you don’t have the resources to make that happen, then working with a managed services provider is a good idea. By monitoring your network continuously, you’ll be able to monitor threats and address them quickly.
Gaps in Physical Security
While many businesses are aware of the cyber risks to their network, there are physical risks and vulnerabilities that should not be ignored. Your physical security could be compromised if badges are not used properly, resulting in authorized access to your network infrastructure.
Unauthorized Devices Gaining Access to Your Network
While a VPN is a great tool to enable remote work, it can also provide the access hackers they need to infiltrate your network. If you don’t have the proper tools and monitoring in place, unauthorized devices can gain access and often doing so without anyone noticing until it is too late.
How to Increase Your Network Security
Start to increase your network security right now by focusing on these four areas:
Install Next Generation Firewalls
In addition to blocking unauthorized access and stopping malicious traffic, a next-generation firewall can also help you optimize your network by better understanding your network traffic including the top applications running and websites being visited.
Control Network Access
Controlling access to your network is more than just adding password protection. Today’s access control is based on planning and creating policies for managing access. Policies can be based on a user’s role, authentication, and endpoint configuration.
Use Antivirus Software
Immediately defend your network against new attacks and security threats. Most modern antivirus software will mitigate risks from viruses, phishing emails, and programs designed to hide in your network and stop you from accessing your information.
Implement Network Segmentation
By dividing your network into segments, you reduce the risk of a broad network attack and improve overall network security by limiting movement from segment to segment. In addition, performance can improve because access to segments can be granular, focusing on specific business needs.
Get Visibility Into Your Network Security and Performance
Want to get an in-depth view of the state of your network security and performance? Sign up for TPx’s Cyber Threat Assessment Program (CTAP), which is a completely free security assessment of your network. Our team will provide detailed insights into your network performance and security and outline what you can do to improve your network.
Reach out to our security experts to learn more about our managed network services or to participate in our free CTAP.