5 network security issues and solutions
There's no one answer to network security. Keeping your infrastructure safe from hackers requires a combination of solutions, designed to protect you from every possible security issue.
Here we look at the issues you might encounter, and some simple solutions.
Network security basics
Your network encompasses all your connected IT equipment and infrastructure. It includes your computers, routers, mobile devices and wireless communications. These different elements of your network share information and communicate, to allow you to carry out your everyday work tasks.
Hackers can intercept traffic or mimic your organisation to hijack customer communications.
Unfortunately, when hackers manage to get into your network, it means they can do plenty to disrupt your business or steal information. They can intercept traffic and redirect it, mimic your organisation and hijack customer communications or spread malicious software.
Network security is the act of taking steps to protect your data, users and applications. It includes both software and hardware security, and is about stopping harmful web traffic from entering your network.
Blocking hackers requires a multi-angle approach – with multiple security layers and controls. You'll want to look at your internal processes, as well as employ help with technology such as anti-virus software.
5 network security solutions
1) Firewalls
Firewalls are a barrier between your network and potential hackers. It's a bit like a security guard, determining who can or can't enter the network. You receive a notification when an unauthorised source is trying to gain access or make a connection. There are different types of firewalls, and how you install and configure them varies accordingly.
2) Network segmentation
Your network design can help to deter potential cyber criminals. By segmenting different parts of the network, you prevent hackers from being able to spread through your network if they do get in.
How you segment and segregate depends on the size of your network and ways in which it makes sense to split it up. They key is to ensure only part of your network is available.
3) Secure network devices
Maintain security by ensuring only a small number of users have administrative privileges. Sharing details more widely can open the infrastructure up to intruders if behaviours are not properly managed. Disable unencrypted remote administration protocols to add protection.
Internally, implement robust password policies and use the strongest password encryption available. Meanwhile, protect routers and switches by controlling access lists for remote administration and restrict physical access. Back up configurations and store them offline.
4) Monitoring behaviour
Prevent attacks before they occur by monitoring network traffic for unusual behaviour. You can monitor external traffic coming through your firewall and analyse reports to check for different patterns.
This is also useful for identifying unusual behaviour within the network, which could show that someone has already infiltrated the network, or that one of your employees is doing something out of the ordinary.
Anti-virus and anti-malware software can identify suspicious files, scan them and delete malicious code.
5) Anti-virus and anti-malware software
Both of these types of software look at all sorts of data that enters your network and assesses it for known threats or behaviours. They identify suspicious files, scan them and may delete malicious code to prevent it spreading through your network.
Keep your anti-virus and anti-malware software up-to-date. Threats change and develop constantly, so it's crucial your software can tackle the latest advancements.
Keeping your network secure requires constant monitoring and readiness to adapt your protection as new threats emerge. For the best advice about protecting your network, speak to the expert team at Biztech.