Securing Your Business Network: 5 Simple Steps for 2024
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is crucial to prioritize the security of your business network and not neglect it. Cybersecurity incidents affect various sectors and evolve constantly, making headlines weekly. Reports of malware, cyber-attacks, ransomware incidents, data breaches, and vulnerabilities are published daily, which can be a matter of concern for business owners responsible for monitoring them. With an oversupply of security strategies, frameworks, tools, and techniques available, determining which actions to prioritize can be challenging for IT managers and leaders. Protecting your business network from cyber threats should be a top priority to ensure your business’s continuity and reputation. Deploying robust security measures can defend your organization from growing cyber threats. This year, improve the security of your company network with these five practical methods:
- Updating the Antivirus Software
Regularly updating antivirus software is crucial for effective cyber threat defence. Cybercriminals constantly develop new malware and attack techniques, making it essential to keep your antivirus software current. By enabling automatic updates, your software stays equipped with the latest threat intelligence and malware definitions without requiring manual intervention. This proactive approach ensures that the devices are protected against the evolving threat landscape, providing robust security against the newest forms of malware and cyber-attacks. Regularly updating your antivirus software is imperative to maintain optimal protection and safeguard your digital assets from potential security breaches.
- Upgrading your Password Technology
The foundation of network security often focuses on the strength and complexity of passwords. Conventional password systems are gradually vulnerable to sophisticated hacking methods. To enhance security, businesses should upgrade to advanced password technologies, like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and password managers. MFA enhances security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors for network or system access. On the other hand, password managers assist in generating and securely storing intricate, unique passwords for each account, reducing the risk of password reuse or easily guessable passwords.
- Invest in a strong VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) employs encryption to protect your network, ensuring online privacy for all users. VPNs conceal your Internet Protocol (IP) address, making it extremely difficult to trace your online activities. Above all, VPN services create encrypted, private connections that offer more privacy than even guarded Wi-Fi hotspots. A VPN safeguards your activities, data, browsing history, communications, and other sensitive information from potential intruders. It also secures your files when using public Wi-Fi networks. Businesses with remote workers who connect to public wireless networks need a VPN for security.
- Double-checking your passwords
Despite having antivirus and anti-malware software, employees may still engage in risky actions like clicking unsecured links or downloading harmful files unknowingly. Implementing a secondary system where all downloads undergo scrutiny by IT support before accessing the system can strengthen network security against potential employee errors. Additionally, having a robust Cyber Incident Response Plan and Playbook in place helps easily detect and isolate malware within the network, allowing for fast mitigation. These cyber resilience practices are essential for maintaining security in today’s intimidating threat landscape.
- Training Employees regularly
Despite advanced network security measures, human error and vulnerability to deception persist as ongoing threats. Hackers exploit this reality extensively, with phishing accounting for a significant portion of ransomware attacks in 2020—around 54%. Additionally, 27% of attacks stemmed from improper user actions. The human factor is often considered the weakest link in security chains. Negligently clicking suspicious links and opening emails can result in data breaches and significant compromises. Therefore, prioritizing cybersecurity awareness training for staff and executives is crucial.
