Do You Know If Your Network Security Is Actually Protecting You? (Rapid Fire Tools Scans/Audit)
With more reliance on technology and the rapid growth of computer networks, safeguarding your company data and IT infrastructure is critical. Network security is vital when using the internet, local area networks (LAN), and Wi-Fi.
What Is Network Security?
In a nutshell, network security defends your network infrastructure and data from threats like unauthorized access, breaches, misuse, sabotage, etc. It creates a secure environment for computers, programs, and users to perform permitted operations.
Network security enhances the usability and integrity of your network using hardware and software technologies. It prevents various threats from penetrating and spreading on your network. When implemented effectively, network security allows authorized users to access network resources while blocking malicious actors.
Why Do You Need Network Security?
Digitization has transformed most aspects of doing business. Your company might have proprietary information and tons of customer records, including credit card details. Such information is a prime target for hackers intending to paralyze your business or commit economic fraud.
You must protect your network if you want to deliver the services your clients and employees require securely. A robust network security system reduces the risk of unauthorized data access, theft, loss, or sabotage.
Connecting your corporate network to the internet increases your traffic from across the world. While it’s an excellent way to boost your outreach to customers, it makes your network more vulnerable.
Network security enhances system reliability and stability by monitoring suspicious activities that can subvert your network. It allows your customers and employees to enjoy services without lagging or downtimes.
Another reason to implement network security is to protect your computers from malware. It ensures secure data storage and transmission and prevents data interception and eavesdropping by bad actors.
Signs of an Insecure Network
Cybercriminals want their activities to go unnoticed for as long as possible, but they don’t always cover their tracks completely. Below are some telltale signs that your network is not as secure as it should.
- Uncharacteristic user behavior, like logging on the system at odd hours
- Finding your firewall disabled or network security programs deleted
- Anonymous parties changing your user passwords
- Discovering browser toolbars and plugins you didn’t install
- Customers complaining about you sending them spam
- Former employees still logging on to your system
- Discovering unfamiliar user accounts
- Receiving strange error messages
- Getting fake virus messages and offers to clean your computer
- Devices switching between different accounts autonomously
- Computers becoming sluggish for no known reasons
- Employees having an unusual interest in critical systems or sensitive files
A minor red flag can lead to a massive breach that can cost you millions in fines and taint your brand. Alert your IT department if you notice any of these signs.
5 Things You Need to Ensure Network Security
Now that you know why network security is exceedingly essential in your business, here are some ways you can heighten it.
Wi-Fi Protection with WPA2 Encryption
WPA2 encryption is the highest encryption standard available today. It provides Wi-Fi users with the best network control and protects your wireless network better than any other Wi-Fi security method. Be sure to shop for routers that support WPA2 encryption when setting up your network.
Two-Factor Authentication
Another way to enhance network security is by using strong passwords alongside two-factor authentication (2FA). User passwords should be at least eight characters comprising uppercase and lowercase alphabets, numbers, and special characters.
2FA requires the user to complete a second authentication procedure after entering their password. It can be a one-time code sent to the user’s mobile device, which they must enter for the system to grant them access.
The greatest benefit of 2FA is that a bad actor can’t sign it with a stolen password alone. They won’t access your network if they can’t complete the second sign-in part.
Firewall and Traffic Monitoring
Using a high-grade firewall is a best practice, but it isn’t enough. Your IT team should monitor the traffic that passes through it to pinpoint suspicious transactions. It enables you to arrest intrusions, hacking, and malware activities early.
Secure Routers with Updated Firmware
Be careful with the routers you use in your corporate network, as some can be a loophole for hackers. Go for enterprise-grade routers that provide a host of security features, configuration options, and high speeds for end-users.
Additionally, keep up with firmware updates for enhanced security. Failure to update the firmware on time can cause security flaws in your network that might only realize after a security breach.
Virtual Private Networks
Do you have remote workers? How do they connect to your corporate system? Any users who need to access your network over the internet should do so strictly via a virtual private network (VPN).
In simple terms, a VPN creates an encrypted link between remote devices and your system. As a result, no unauthorized parties can view the traffic sent between the user and your network. VPN usage is particularly essential when you have remote workers who handle sensitive information.
Protect Your Network with RapidFire Tools
RapidFire tools is a network security suite that enables you to perform business securely, scan your network for vulnerabilities, and stay compliant with regulations. Here are two features that may suit your business.
Inspector 2
RapidFire’s Inspector 2 runs a thorough scan of all ports on all network devices for known vulnerabilities and threats. RapidFire charges a flat annual price for up to 50 client sites, irrespective of your business size.
Compliance Manager
This tool includes both government and industry-specific standard frameworks to achieve every client’s IT security and privacy needs. Use it to verify your network security status even if your business is unregulated.
Compliance Manager guides users through the entire compliance process, creating dynamic worksheets along the way. It collects the network-accessible data you require automatically.
If your company suffers a security breach or lawsuit, you must prove that you had operational cybersecurity systems. Compliance Manager provides all the evidence of compliance you might need.
Enhance Network Security with Fortress
At MATHE, we provide technology that works for your business and provides a return on your investment. Our services include affordable application setup and configuration, intrusion detection and prevention, data loss prevention, geo-blocking, and website filtering. You also get managed threat response on MATHE IT Fortress.
Schedule a consultation and we’ll soon get in touch.
With over 35 years in the business of supporting and implementing technology for the SME market, and 6 years previously in Corporate IT and Voice. I have seen a great deal of change. The only common thread is I have always focused on the Business Wise application of Technology. We always try to look 5 years ahead of the current technology to make sure our clients are on the right track to meet current and future needs.
