How to Keep Your Network Secure

Not taking the time to properly defend your network against hackers, spammers and viruses will jeopardize the security of your company’s vital information and data. Even if your company isn’t Internet-based, you likely surf the Web, use email and have a Web site, so it’s still important to protect yourself. Unfortunately, many small businesses don’t take the time to make sure all the proper security measures are in place, so here are the basics of network security.

Basics of network security:

1. You need firewalls. They are a necessity. If you are on a small network, a software firewall, which gets installed on each computer individually, will do the trick. If your network is vast, then I would suggest using a hardware firewall that can be installed on the entire network. It will control access to your network’s computers from a single point, making it more secure.
2. No security software is perfect. In fact, they’re all likely to have glitches here and there. New threats are always emerging, and that’s why antivirus software developers create software patches, which basically patch up holes in the system as they arise. That’s why it’s important to have the latest version of your software installed. It will cover all of the holes that the previous version didn’t.
3. Your server will also have built-in security features that you should definitely use. It can be difficult to configure the security settings, so if you don’t have that kind of expertise, then hire someone who does. It really is a wise investment.
4. Use secure passwords. Sounds simple, right? You’d be surprised by how many people use their names or even the word “password.” If you want your password to be secure, it should have both letters and numbers and utilize upper and lower-case letters. It should also be changed from time to time.
5. If your company deals with credit cards or banking issues, then encryption is incredibly important. By leaving unencrypted financial information on your network, you’re just asking for trouble. Implementing encryption technology is tricky, so have a specialist work with you on it if you don’t feel you can do it on your own.
6. Many small businesses choose to go the way of wireless networks. They’re convenient because they allow you to be connected to the network from anywhere in the office (without being physically connected).Unfortunately this makes them easy targets for hackers. Hackers with scanning devices can easily detect an unsecured wireless connection, and then get on the network as if they were actually in the office.

In addition to the earlier measures, there are certain things specific to wireless networks that you can do. First, change the default settings on your router. As soon as it’s installed, change the usernames, passwords and other information that was set by the manufacturer. Second, use the security measures already on your wireless device. WEP (wireless encryption protocol) is an older, less strong security measure, while WPA (Wifi protected access) is newer and stronger. Regardless of what your wireless device has, use it. Because of the nature of wireless networks, they will always be a target. So make sure that you have at least some sort of security in place.

It’s critical to the safety and security of your company that you take the proper precautions to makes sure that you don’t fall victim to the various threats out there. Hackers and spammers will always find new and inventive ways to break through the barriers, which is why it’s up to you to keep your security measures current through frequent updates.

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