Avoid These 4 Errors When Establishing Your Network Security
Before splurging on some cutting-edge network security solution, ensure that you have the basics in place. A data breach affected nearly one-third of businesses in the past year, with many stemming from common errors like:
- Feeble passwords.
- Obsolete software.
- Lack of proper training.
- Excessive permissions.
By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can reduce the attractiveness of your organization as a target for cybercriminals. In this article, we will delve into these essential network security principles and provide guidance to ensure your data remains secure from threats.
The four most prevalent network security errors
1. Inadequate passwords
Due to convenience, employees might resort to using simple passwords or reusing the same password for multiple accounts, both of which pose a risk to your organization.
A determined hacker can easily bypass a feeble password, and if that password is shared across various accounts belonging to the same user, the hacker can swiftly infiltrate your network.
Here are a few straightforward measures to mitigate the usage of unsafe passwords:
- Establish and enforce stringent password policies within your organization.
- Educate employees on the dangers of simplistic passwords and how to create more robust ones. Passwords should be sufficiently complex, incorporating a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and should also be changed periodically.
- Update your business software to mandate password complexity standards.
- Implement an enterprise-level password manager for centralized control.
- Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA), which necessitates two or more authentication factors for account access, such as a password and a code sent to the user’s email or phone.
Addressing this network security vulnerability is not overly complex, but it requires commitment to disseminate and enforce these policies throughout the organization. Simply sending out a password policy via email is insufficient – there needs to be a designated individual responsible for ensuring compliance.
2. Outdated software
Software update prompts may seem intrusive, leading individuals to postpone them to avoid disrupting their workflow. However, outdated systems create vulnerabilities to ransomware attacks – akin to leaving the doors wide open.
The unfortunate reality is that such network security breaches are entirely preventable. Keep all software up-to-date and patch any known vulnerabilities promptly. Failure to do so could enable a hacker to exploit these weaknesses and gain unauthorized access to your network.
To tackle this issue, bear the following in mind:
3. Inadequate training
The human element of network security should not be overlooked. Even if all technical protocols are meticulously followed, a single employee’s error, such as downloading a malicious attachment, could compromise the entire network.
Some of the most expensive ransomware attacks in history have originated from a simple phishing email. Hackers are adept at leveraging all available tools to infiltrate networks for their benefit.
Are your employees aware of the precautions to take when accessing company accounts from public locations? Have they received guidance on safeguarding themselves and the business on public Wi-Fi?
An uninformed employee could inadvertently expose your business to significant risks by taking seemingly harmless shortcuts, working remotely without appropriate security measures, or mishandling sensitive files. It is imperative that employees are educated on the basics of digital security.
To initiate the process of educating employees:
- Train employees on recognizing and evading common threats like phishing emails, unsecured networks, and social engineering attacks.
- Conduct cybersecurity training sessions for all personnel. Remember, this is an ongoing process. Regular training helps to maintain awareness of risks, enhancing adherence to security policies.
- Ensure that employees are aware of whom to contact if they have interacted with a malicious link or downloaded an unsafe attachment. The sooner your IT team is informed of any issues, the better.
SEE: Guidelines for Developing an Effective Cybersecurity Awareness Program from TechRepublic Premium
4. Excessive permissions
Granting users permissions exceeding their role requirements is a recipe for disaster.
Firstly, this practice opens the door to internal network security threats, where excessive permissions lead to an employee causing a data breach, data loss, or other damages. Whether the employee’s actions are intentional, negligent, or inadvertent is inconsequential – the harm is done.
Secondly, if a hacker seizes control of a highly privileged account, they can easily move laterally across systems and extract sensitive data while circumventing your access controls.
Loose access control regulations heighten the risk of mishaps or attacks, magnifying the potential severity of either scenario.
To curb excessive permissions and enhance network security:
- Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to restrict employees to only the necessary access levels for their roles.
- Adjust permissions when employees change roles or depart from the organization.
- Conduct periodic audits to ensure appropriate management of access rights.
Steps to Secure Your Network: The Essentials
Maintaining robust network security is crucial for safeguarding your company’s digital assets. If you are embarking on this journey, consider these practical measures:
- Deploy network firewalls.
- Install antivirus software.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication.
Bolstering your network security stance is an ongoing endeavor. The aforementioned steps represent the fundamental aspects. Refer to the linked resources for in-depth coverage of each facet.
Implement network firewalls
Visualize a network firewall as a sentry for your network, vetting all incoming and outgoing data to prevent malicious content from breaching your system. Without a firewall, your network becomes vulnerable to various cyber threats, potentially resulting in data compromises.
Hardware firewalls are physical devicesFirewalls positioned between your network and internet connection—these barriers are excellent for safeguarding an entire network. These protective shields can be procured from computer hardware vendors or online marketplaces such as Amazon, Best Buy, or Newegg.
Software firewalls, on the other hand, are integrated into individual devices. Numerous operating systems are equipped with default software firewalls like Windows Firewall; however, you can also acquire more sophisticated versions from software providers or download complimentary editions from sources like Norton or McAfee.
Both hardware and software firewalls remain widely utilized to this day, and these classifications can be subdivided into eight varieties of firewalls, each serving a distinct function. To comprehensively shield your network and ensure that legitimate users do not encounter impediments, it is imperative to formulate firewall regulations.
Implement antivirus and anti-malware software
Subsequently, deploy antivirus and anti-malware utilities on all corporate devices. These utilities serve as the primary defense mechanism against malicious entities like viruses and ransomware.
Select a reliable antivirus solution and ensure it autonomously updates to proactively combat new threats. Furthermore, routinely scan your devices to detect and eradicate any harmful software.
Malwarebytes is a respected provider of complimentary anti-malware tools, while Norton is renowned for its antivirus modules.
Utilize a Virtual Private Network
If any team members work remotely, having a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is indispensable to uphold security and confidentiality. A VPN establishes a secure, encrypted link over the internet, a critical measure when utilizing public or unsecured Wi-Fi connections.
This encrypted conduit ensures that the information transmitted back and forth remains shielded from prying eyes, making it arduous for cybercriminals to pilfer.
To ascertain the premium choice of top VPN providers, focus on the following pivotal facets:
- Rigorous encryption: Opt for a VPN employing 256-bit encryption, akin to the encryption standards employed by financial institutions and the U.S. military.
- Non-retention policy: Select a VPN provider that values data privacy by refraining from logging your online activities.
- Dependable performance: Opt for a VPN with expedient servers and unrestricted bandwidth to safeguard against internet slowdowns.
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