Managing and securing your network from threat actors begins with a well-designed strategic plan. Consider contacting IT Support Virginia for a strategic plan that is both effective and secure.
The purpose of the security strategy is common across any organization today, that is, to continuously secure the network from threats that could potentially disrupt the profitability or reputation of your business.
Due to the globalization of the internet and the shift to a mobile workforce, threats targeting organizations who utilize the internet for email, web applications, or information sharing are prime targets for phishing, ransomware, and other nefarious cyber activity to name a few.
Network Security Management is critical and undoubtedly a must-have for your organization for these and many other reasons.
Today we’ll be discussing managed network security best practices. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep your network secure and protect your data.
What is Network Security?
Network security is a broad term that covers a multitude of technologies, devices, and processes. In its simplest term, it is a set of rules and configurations designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks and data using software and hardware technologies. Every organization, regardless of size, industry, or infrastructure, needs some form of network security solution in place. Small businesses and enterprises are not immune to today’s cyber threat landscape and will require similar cyber defenses to protect them from the evolving cyber world.
Modern network architecture is complex and is facing a threat environment that is constantly changing and attackers that are always trying to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Many kinds of vulnerabilities can be used to exploit security flaws in different areas, including devices, data, applications, users, and locations. Many network security management tools and applications are in use today that are designed to detect, respond to and manage network threats and exploits and comply with regulatory requirements. When just a few minutes of downtime can cause widespread disruption and massive damage to an organization’s bottom line and reputation, these protection measures must be in place.
Network security best practices
1. Perform a network audit
The first step to securing a network is to conduct a comprehensive network audit to identify the weaknesses and take corrective action. Performing a network audit determines and assesses:
- Presence of security vulnerabilities
- Unused or unnecessary applications
- Open ports
- Anti-virus/anti-malware and malicious traffic detection software
- Backups
2. Secure your routers
A security event or a network security incident can occur just by hitting the “reset” button on the network router. It’s crucial to consider moving your router to a more secure location like a locked room or closet. You may also install video surveillance equipment and CCTV in the server or network room. In addition, the router should be configured to change default passwords and network names, which attackers can easily find online.
3. Create a security-centered culture
This involves educating and training the staff on the importance of network security to ensure they understand the implications of lack of network security, how they can help secure corporate networks, and other security issues.
4. Update antivirus and anti-malware software
Businesses purchase desktop computers and laptops with the latest version of antivirus and anti-malware software but fail to keep it updated with new rules and updates. To ensure that antivirus and anti-malware are up to date, you must ensure that the device is running antivirus with the latest bug fixes and security updates.
In many instances, when a user visits a website or downloads a file, they are required to download and install an antivirus or anti-malware program on their computer. These programs detect malicious content and prevent it from infecting the computer and spreading to other devices. This is known as protection, and the antivirus or anti-malware is known as the “antivirus.”
Conclusion
The threat landscape is continuously evolving; therefore, security must be agile. For instance, defense in depth, where security controls were laid out in layers, is no longer considered sufficient to protect the IT infrastructure. Instead, a defense in breadth model — where multiple controls are deployed at every layer of the open system interconnection (OSI) model — or a combination of the two approaches is more effective.
While there is no proven technique for establishing a resilient network infrastructure, with any luck, the above recommendations on network security best practices will get you started in the right direction.
Post courtesy: Strategic Solutions, IT Support Provider in Virginia.
