IT Security

Top 10 Solutions for Small Business Network Security – Checklist

Research conducted by Verizon reveals that about 61% of all data breaches in 2016 targeted small businesses while the rest targeted big corporations and other institutions. Verizon further reports that as of 2017 90% of all small businesses had not implemented proper network security checklist measures. This is unfortunate considering that losses incurred in case of an attack forced most small businesses to go under.

Microsoft, Google, and other IT companies often release new updates to seal the weaknesses of their software. These updates are designed to strengthen your systems and make it harder for hackers to breach your network. As such, check whether your software systems are updated. Additionally, be sure to be on the lookout for new updates and always implement them as soon as they are released – it will not cost you a thing!

2. Hardware Updates

The underlying hardware hosting your IT and network programs is just as important in your network security checklist as the software. Hackers realize this; that is why they are always upgrading to newer, more powerful computers with higher processing powers. You, too, should keep up with the developing times by upgrading your hardware systems whenever necessary. It will not only boost your networks’ security but also improve overall performance.

3. IT Security Systems

Updated software can only do so much in keeping hackers at bay. There is also a need for specialized, dedicated IT security systems to add an extra layer of security to protect your users.

There is a wide range of IT security systems. The most basic and common include anti-virus programs and firewalls. These security systems detect malware and other threats to your network and stop them in their tracks before they occur. Of course, different types and brands of IT security systems have varying capabilities, so go for nothing but the best.

It would help if you also considered using a VPN to keep your communications safe. A VPN encrypts all data so that it is irrelevant to eavesdroppers who may get past your firewall and other security systems.

4. Data Backups

Data is easily lost for a myriad of reasons let alone hacking. For instance, the wannacry attack threatened to freeze victims’ data unless they paid up. Those who did not had their data frozen without hope of recovery. This caused a great deal of disruption as data is becoming increasingly sensitive – some companies have been accumulating data for years now, and they rely on it for planning, marketing, and so much more.

To this end, it is important to always back up your data in a safe place outside your business’ network. You should consider getting a secondary server solely for data backups. You can also backup your data on the cloud. Backups should be done regularly – daily backups are recommended for sensitive data.

5. Periodic Audits

When did you last have your business’ IT systems audited? Unfortunately, most small businesses do not realize the need for auditing their network and IT systems. Lack of auditing essentially leaves them in the dark on the status of their network security.

Auditing your IT and network systems is necessary to uncover any underlying loopholes. These loopholes can then be sealed before hackers exploit them. Auditing also enables you to identify outdated software and hardware. Finally, auditing helps improve not only the security but also performance of your network and IT systems. Auditing should be conducted at least twice every year – exceptions should be made in case there are imminent security threats in network.

6. Employee Training

Every employee who has access to your business’ network and IT programs is integral to IT security. To this end, all your employees should have (at the very least) basic training about cybersecurity. This is especially important for businesses that lack an in-house IT department. Employees should know the rules of engagement online especially with regards to your clients’ data as well as basic responses in case of a network breach. Most importantly, however, you should ensure that only authorized users have access to your network and IT systems as many network breaches occur internally.

To this end, your business should have a clear ICT policy known to all your employees. You should also consider getting your employees to attend ICT learning seminars to keep up with developments in cybersecurity.

7. Password Safety

The Verizon 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that 63% of all data breaches are caused by weak or lost passwords. Passwords are difficult to keep track of as everyone with access to your business’ network system has one. To this end, there is a need for a comprehensive password policy.

The best way to keep passwords secure is by changing them periodically – this can be weekly, daily, or even hourly depending on the issue’s sensitivity. You should also educate your employees on the best practices for passwords – for instance; they should know how to make their passwords stronger through creativity. Finally, every employee should be held accountable if his/her password is breached.

8. Mobile Devices Security

A 2016 research by Tech-Pro reports that 59% of businesses allow their employees to bring their own devices to work. Additionally, many of your employees will not think twice about accessing your business’ network using their mobile devices while on the go. This is convenient and even unavoidable, but it also increases the risk of threats in network security many times over.

To this end, it is necessary to ensure that your business’ IT security systems also apply to your employees’ mobile devices. As such, ensure that they have installed formidable IT security systems and utilize strong passwords. Otherwise, it is recommended to ban the use of personal devices for work purposes.

9. Wireless Networks Security

According to Intel, a majority of all network breaches occur through an open wireless network such as your company’s open Wi-Fi networks. To this end, you should always keep a close eye on your open networks and look out for unidentified and unauthorized traffic. Additionally, you should consider employing the use of security systems such as a firewall to keep foreign traffic out.

10. Data Breach Response Plan

Sometimes even the most impeccable prevention measures cannot keep you safe from dedicated hackers. You should accept this and plan for it by coming up with a mock of a data breach response plan. This plan should be focused on salvaging as much as possible in the case of a data breach – response time matters in mitigating damages caused by security breaches. Everyone in the organization should be well aware of this response plan.

Leave Nothing to Chance!

Are you among the millions of businesses waiting for the next wannacry to happen? Do you find it difficult implementing all these factors in your network security checklist? That is understandable, you can easily get past it using ExterNetworks’ managed IT services.

ExterNetworks is a managed service provider dedicated to keeping your business’ network, and IT services safe from the best of hackers. ExterNetworks will monitor your systems closely to detect breaches and shoot them down before they can occur. The platform utilizes the best IT security technology and accounts for every factor, so you can put your mind at ease and concentrate on other pressing issues. It also offers a range of complementary services including uptime maintenance, uptime support, and IT help desk services. Visit ExterNetworks to learn more about what they have to offer!