How Secure is your Network?
In today’s modern age, businesses have reliant on the capabilities of today’s modern computer networks. From book-keeping, R&D modeling, to marketing, computers help complete critical tasks at the speed of modern business. With so much business data being stored digitally on todays computer systems, business information systems have become prime targets for thieves & hackers. As a result, when computer systems go down, whether because of system failure or malicious intent, the financial impact to a business can be catastrophic. Therefore, following network security best practices can help protect your networks from intrusion and data from compromise.
Sigma Data Systems Tips for Network Security Best Practices
Following these tips and network security best practices will help protect your network from modern threats. However, it is only the start of the conversation about protecting your business in a digital world. Sigma Data Systems is here to help. Request your free cybersecurity assessment today and get SigmaSecure.
Never use Public and/or Unsecured WiFi.
With telecommuting and remote offices becoming commonplace, many business’s computer systems frequently leave the office. While public WiFi hotspots found in airports, coffee shops & restaurants may be convenient, they are frequently unsecured and inadequately protected. Consequently, Hackers often target them as a means of attack. Therefore, network security best practices strongly discourage the use of Public and/or unsecured WiFi for this reason.
Accordingly, network security best practices suggest equipping road warriors with private cellular hotspots and/or cellular modem cards for connecting business devices back to the main office.
Not sure what equipment your road warriors need? Contact Sigma Data Systems at 302-274-0441 or E-mail us for a free cyber security assessment.
Use Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware Software.
Viruses, Malware & Malicious Software can infect your business systems through a variety of methods. Hence, left unchecked, these programs can steal your business data, encrypt or delete your files or worse. As a result, these programs can cost your business thousands of dollars in remediation costs or lost business revenues.
Therefore, network security best practices recommends installing Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware Software on ANY device connecting to your network. Likewise, implementing a Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware solution that provide complete protection for all types of devices is critical.
For example, portable devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones are often high threats because they frequently leave the office and the protection of the network perimeter. Therefore, proper protection on mobile devices is critical.
Not sure if your systems are properly protected? Call Sigma Data Systems at 302-274-0441 or E-mail us. We can help your business implement the proper Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware Solution it needs to protect its business systems.
Install a VPN.
With telecommuting and remote workspaces becoming commonplace, Network security best practices recommend using secure, encrypted connections when connecting to your business network.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections allow telecommuters to connect to your business’s network securely, establishing encrypted tunnels between the remote device and main network. Furthermore, this may help keep the remote device protected, and your critical business data secure.
Network security best practices suggests using a VPN connection for any device connecting from outside business network perimeter.
Not sure if your systems are properly protected? Call Sigma Data Systems at 302-274-0441 or E-mail us. We can help your business implement the secure VPN solution it needs to protect its business systems.
Deploy a Business Grade Firewall & Security Appliance
Firewall routers are the critical gatekeepers of any network. Modern business has become dependent on reliable Internet. As a result, the age of “always on Internet” has consequently resulted in “always on threats”.
Network security best practices recommend using a good business firewall security appliance to protect your business network. These devices can intercept inbound threats before they reach your network.
However, Firewall routers are not all created equal. Consumer “home” routers sold by many consumer electronics stores are woefully inadequate for protecting a business network effectively.
For that reason, network security best practices strongly discourage using inexpensive consumer firewall routers to protect a business. A consumer firewall may have attractive price point, but it’s not worth the risk it poses to your business.
Furthermore, the money saved is insignificant compared to the costs of re-mediating a cyber- incident.
In short, buy a firewall security appliance designed for business.
Install OS & Program Updates Proactively.
Nothing is perfect in life, and neither is computer software. As a result, Operating systems, applications and programs may all may all contain programming bugs or critical vulnerabilities. Consequently, hackers will often utilize these issues to achieve malicious goals.
Therefore, software vendors frequently release patches & updates for its products to fix these issues.
However, these patches only work if they are installed.
Network security best practices strongly recommends proactive updating. To protect critical business systems, install all critical OS updates regularly. Likewise, patch critical business applications as well. Therefore, proper patching is a critical step in keeping hackers out of your critical systems.
Not sure where to start? For Managed IT Services, contact Sigma Data Systems at 302-274-0441 or E-mail us for help.
Backup your Data
Network security best practices strongly recommend businesses install and regularly utilize some backup solution for its critical business data. Regular backups can help protect your business in the event of a cyber incident. Data loss can come in a variety of forms, both accidental or malicious. For example, simple accidents such as spilled coffee, power surges or a fire can cause more damage & data lost than some cyber attacks.
Consequently, having a complete and current backups will allow your business to restore its systems more quickly, mimizing downtime. Moreover, loss of productivity and business revenues are reduced as a result.
Not sure if your systems are properly protected? Call Sigma Data Systems at 302-274-0441 or E-mail us. We can help your business implement the secure backup solution it needs to protect its critical business data.
Encrypt sensitive business data
Network security best practices strongly recommend encrypting sensitive business data. For example, customer records, trade secrets, and financial information should be encrypted o help prevent data theft & compromise.
Moreover, many states have data privacy regulations that often require personally identifiable information (PII) to be protected and/or encrypted. Likewise, if your business accepts credit cards, your systems may also need to be PCI compliant.
Additionally, portable devices are also considered high risk targets for data theft & compromise. Consequently, network security best practices recommend implementing full device encryption on these devices.
Implementing a robust encryption solution will keep your business devices secure and protect critical data from disclosure or theft.
Need help? Call Sigma Data Systems at 302-274-0441 or E-mail us. We can help your business implement the appropriate encryption solutions for your business.