Strong network security is the cornerstone of protecting your business from cybersecurity threats. Criminals are not afraid to go after small and mid-sized companies, happy to steal from anyone they can. However, you have several tools at your disposal that you can use to bolster your security and protect your network from bad actors.
If you want to improve your network security, we have 5 key steps you can start taking today to better protect your business. With these strategies at play, you will find it easier to relax, knowing you have strengthened your security, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
1. Get Back to Basics with Password Best Practices
Establishing the basics is one of the first steps to solid network security. You want to ensure you have equipped your system with a firm core level of cybersecurity.
You should begin by using a password manager. With a password manager, you can automatically store your passwords for various sites. Rather than trying to remember several different passwords, you only have to recall a single password — the one to your password manager.
When you use a password manager, it is easier to make sure that everyone in the organization uses password best practices. Employees do not become tempted to use easy passwords or duplicate passwords between sites because they cannot remember all their different passwords.
Similarly, you also want to bolster password security by setting up your business-based systems to require periodic password changes. Using password best practices boosts security throughout the system.
2. Stay on Top of the Latest Cybersecurity Best Practices
Cybersecurity is a dynamic industry with best practices that regularly shift and evolve so they can adapt to the latest cyberthreats. Therefore, you can boost your network security by staying on top of these latest advancements and discussions.
Pay attention to security news and how it impacts businesses like yours. Make security adjustments and adaptations a priority within your organization.
As we head into 2023, here are 9 Cybersecurity Lessons we learned in 2022.
3. Use a Layered Cyber Protection Strategy
At your organization, you will want to construct a layered cyber protection strategy. Having multiple layers of protection strengthens your network because it creates fewer opportunities for security holes.
Layers will differ a bit between businesses; however, you want to make sure yours include components such as:
- Cybersecurity training for employees to deter phishing
- Password management to teach best practices, enforcement and strategies for tracking the changing passwords
- Virus, malware and spam protections installed and running
- Network monitoring software that helps to watch for suspicious activity
- Regularly reviewing procedures to ensure they subscribe to the latest best practices
4. Have a Plan for Emergencies
As you build your network security, prioritize having a plan for emergencies. Know what you and your business will do in various emergency scenarios. For example, you might face a natural disaster that threatens the physical infrastructure of your IT system and forces everyone to work from home. You might also encounter a cybersecurity attack that results in ransomware holding your data hostage.
Knowing what you will do in these different scenarios can help you respond faster to problems, restore your data and get back online sooner than other businesses. The faster response can help minimize your network’s damage and improve your overall productivity.
5. Work with a Network Security Expert
Finally, know that network security management works best when you leave it in the capable hands of a professional team. Protocol Networks has engineers who have dedicated their careers to securing networks and keeping businesses safe. Therefore, we can put that insight to work for your business. From staying on top of the latest trends to drafting emergency response plans, we have what you need to improve your network security.
Strengthen Your Network Security with Protocol Networks
Your network security plays a critical role in the growth and success of your business. Setting up this system effectively can help you keep out cyberthreats and protect the sensitive information and data your business handles.
At Protocol Networks, we are here to help you strengthen your network security. If you are ready to start learning more about what you can do to boost your cybersecurity, reach out to us now to book a meeting.