Your company network is the backbone of your business. It’s how you keep track of your finances, communicate with customers and suppliers, and manage your operations. But if the network isn’t secure, it can be easily hacked, leading to disastrous consequences for your business.
Unfortunately, data breaches and network attacks are becoming more and more common among small businesses. According to statistics, over 43% of attacks involve small businesses and startups. This is why it’s important to ensure that your company network is as secure as possible.
Here are some tips on how to do just that and keep your data safe:
Use a Firewall
A firewall is a software program that helps protect your computer from unauthorized users who might try to gain access to damage or steal information.
Firewalls inspect all traffic passing between networks and enforce security rules. These may include allowing or blocking specific traffic based on origin, destination, type, and content.
By doing so, it protects the networks from malware and cyberattacks. There are several different types of firewalls, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, hardware firewalls are typically more effective than software firewalls at blocking traffic. However, they can be more expensive to implement and maintain. Ultimately, the best firewall for a given organization will depend on its specific needs and budget.
However, all organizations should consider using a firewall to help protect their networks from hackers. It should also be kept up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Implement Network Segregation
Network segregation is the process of dividing a network into smaller, more manageable sub-nets. This helps limit the spread of an attack and makes it easier to identify suspicious activity.
You can implement network segregation in a number of ways, such as using virtual LANs (VLANs) or physical network separation. For example, you could use different VLANs for different types of traffic. For instance, guest, employee, and management access could each be given their own VLAN.
Or, you could physically separate your network by using different network switches for different types of traffic. For example, you could use a switch for guest Wi-Fi access and another switch for employee access.
Use Encryption
Encryption makes it difficult for hackers to access sensitive information if they manage to breach your network. It’s the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format.
You can either encrypt data at rest, which is stored on your network, or data in transit, which is data that’s moving across your network.
If you want to encrypt data at rest, you can use full-disk or database encryption. Full-disk encryption is when you encrypt an entire hard drive. Database encryption is when you encrypt specific fields in a database, like credit card numbers or social security numbers.
To encrypt data in transit, you can use a Virtual Private Network or SSL/TLS. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a server. SSL/TLS encrypts data as it’s being transmitted from one network to another.
Restrict or Disable DHCP
DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a system that allows devices on a network to automatically obtain an IP address. By disabling DHCP, you can prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to your network.
If you’re not sure how to disable DHCP on your router, contact your ISP or the manufacturer of your router for assistance. Implementing these security measures can help prevent network breaches and keep your company’s computer network safe from hackers.
Use Strong Passwords
One of the most important ways to protect your company’s computer network is using strong passwords. This may seem like common sense, but many businesses overlook this simple step. Using strong passwords can prevent hackers from easily gaining access to your network.
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating strong passwords:
- Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your company name
- Change your passwords regularly
- Avoid using personal information like your birthdate or social security number
If you follow these simple tips, you can help protect your business network from hackers. Don’t let a simple password be the reason your company falls victim to a breach. Use strong passwords and keep your network safe.
Use a Virtual Private Network
A VPN creates an encrypted connection, or “tunnel,” between your device and the internet. This tunnel prevents anyone from seeing what you’re doing online. That includes the websites you visit, your ISP, and even the government.
A VPN also hides your IP address. Your IP address is like your home address. It’s a unique number that identifies your device on the internet.
When you connect to a VPN, you use one of their IP addresses. This makes it look like you’re browsing from a different location, which can be useful if you want to access geo-blocked content.
With a VPN, you can protect your company computer network from hackers by preventing network breaches.
Talk to a Professional
Cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving field. Hence, it can be difficult to stay on top of all the latest threats. The best way to protect your company’s computer network is to talk to a professional.
These professionals can assess your needs and recommend appropriate security measures. There are many different types of business network security solutions available, and the right one for your company will depend on several factors.
These factors include the size of your network, the type of data you store, and your budget. The right IT services will help you protect your data and keep your business running smoothly. Please don’t wait until it’s too late; take advantage of these services today.
Protect Your Company Network Today
Are you ready to protect your company network from hackers? By following the tips above, you can prevent network breaches and keep your data safe.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a professional about business network security solutions. They can help you to find the right solution for your company’s needs.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action today. Did you like this article? Check out other posts on our site for more informative tips.
