A secure network is a cornerstone of running a successful business online. With the threat of hackers looming over businesses and individuals who use the Internet on a daily basis, it’s easy to see how protecting your data must be a priority.
But knowing how to prevent hackers from breaking into your network can seem complex and overwhelming for many business owners. Understanding the following tips provides your business with greater protection to reduce the risk of security issues.
Start With Your Passwords
Your passwords are the most basic components related to your security. Default passwords should be changed as soon as possible. Leaving your network password unchanged increases your security risk over time.
It’s important to educate the members of your organization on the importance of proper password use. Encourage your entire team to use secure passwords.
Your business can implement a password policy that helps employees manage their passwords.
Use Firewall Protection
The use of firewalls allows your business to restrict any data that moves through your network. This includes both incoming and outgoing data. Firewalls can be customized according to the unique needs of your organization.
You need to define your needs and objectives in order to establish the right firewall protocols for a secure network. Failing to configure your firewall allows unwanted intruders to gain access to your data.
Firewalls let you set protocols that define which traffic is allowed through. Take the time to analyze the type of traffic that’s relevant to your business so that you can properly configure your firewall protection system.
Web Filters Protect Your Network
Web filtering lets you place restrictions on websites that are accessed from within your network. It enhances online security and prevents access to content that’s inappropriate or could put your data at risk.
Web filtering makes it easy to limit file sharing and monitor any exchange of data using a category system. Your system’s administrator can define the categories to filter websites and pages based on your needs.
Keep Your Team Educated on Security
Many employees and management remain unaware of the many risks your network faces each day. The number of reports of hacking and security breaches highlights the need for greater security at work and at home.
Your organization must be informed on the latest issues in data security. It should be familiar with the many risks associated with email, phishing scams, and the transfer of sensitive data.
Ongoing education of your team members allows you to prevent your business from becoming vulnerable to hackers.
Test Your Network
Don’t assume your network is secure unless you’ve properly tested it. You need to implement penetration tests on a regular basis to ensure that you’ve protected your system using the tips included here.
Penetration and attack testing lets you identify the most vulnerable entry points within your network. Any parts that can be accessed by internal and external users will make it more vulnerable without the proper protection.
Taking the time to identify vulnerable entry points is essential to preventing hackers from accessing your data. Testing should be properly implemented and include internal and external tests to verify that all perspectives have been analyzed.
Using these tips helps you prevent hackers from breaking into your network. Understanding the need for password security, firewalls, and web filters to control your data makes it easy to prevent security risks.
What security issues have you faced in your own business? Let us know what aspects of your network need more protection in the comments below. We can provide you with the resources you need to create a more secure and dependable network for your business.
