Verizon's research reveals that around 61% of all data breaches in 2016 were directed at small businesses, while the rest were directed at large companies and other institutions. Verizon further reports that in 2017, 90% of all small businesses did not have adequate network security measures. This is regrettable given that the losses suffered in the event of an attack forced most small businesses to surrender.
Small and large companies can stay out of the reach of hackers simply by following best network security practices. Here is an overview of 10 factors that should be included in each small business network security checklist.
1. Software updates
The 2017 global rescue attack, known as Wannacry, affected millions of companies and institutions around the world, including the British NHS. It later turned out that the NHS could have prevented this attack if it had simply upgraded its operating systems.
Microsoft, Google, and other IT companies often release new updates to address weaknesses in their software. These updates are designed to strengthen your systems and make it more difficult for hackers to enter your network. As such, check to see if your software systems are up to date. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for new updates and always roll them out as soon as they're released - it won't cost you a thing!
2. Hardware updates
The underlying hardware that hosts your computer and network programs is as important to your network security checklist as the software. Hackers realize this; That is why they always switch to newer, more powerful computers with greater processing powers. You should also track development times by updating your hardware systems when necessary. This will not only improve the security of your networks, but will also improve overall performance.
3. Computer security systems
Updated software can only do so much to keep hackers at bay. Dedicated and specialized IT security systems also need to add an additional layer of security to protect their users.
There is a wide range of computer security systems. The most basic and common include antivirus programs and firewalls. These security systems detect malware and other threats to your network and stop them before they happen. Of course, different types and brands of computer security systems have different capabilities, so don't look for the best.
It would be useful if you also consider using a VPN to protect your communications. A VPN encrypts all data so that it is not relevant to eavesdropping that may be bypassed by your firewall and other security systems.
4. Data backups
Data is easily lost for a multitude of reasons, not to mention hacking. For example, the threat threatened to freeze victim data unless it is paid for. Those who have not seen their frozen data with no hope of recovery. This has caused a lot of disruption as data becomes increasingly sensitive: Some companies have been accumulating data for years and rely on it for planning, marketing, and more.
For this purpose, it is important to always back up your data in a safe place outside of your corporate network. You should consider obtaining a secondary server for data backups only. You can also back up your data in the cloud. Backups should be performed regularly: daily backups are recommended for sensitive data.
5. Periodic audits.
When was the last time you reviewed your company's IT systems? Unfortunately, most small businesses don't realize the need to audit their computer networks and systems. Failure to audit essentially leaves you in ignorance of the security status of your network.
Auditing your computer systems and your network is necessary to discover the underlying flaws. These flaws can be sealed before hackers exploit them. The audit also enables you to identify outdated software and hardware. Finally, the audit improves not only the security but also the performance of your network and your computer systems. The audit must be carried out at least twice a year; Exceptions must be made in case of imminent security threats on the network.
6. Employee training
Every employee who has access to your company's network and software is an integral part of computer security. To this end, all of your employees must have (at a minimum) basic cybersecurity training. This is particularly important for companies that do not have an internal IT department. Employees should know the rules for online participation, especially regarding their customer data, as well as the basic answers in the event of a network failure. Most importantly, you must ensure that only authorized users have access to your network and computer systems, as many network breaches occur internally.
To this end, your company must have a clear ICT policy known to all its employees. You should also consider engaging your employees in ICT learning seminars to keep up with cyber security developments.
7. Password security
The Verizon 2016 Data Breach Investigations report found that 63% of all data breaches are caused by weak or lost passwords. Passwords are difficult to trace because everyone with access to your organization's network system has one. For this purpose, you need to have a complete password policy.
The best way to protect passwords is to change them periodically, this can be weekly, daily or even hourly, depending on the sensitivity of the problem. You should also educate your employees on best password practices, for example; They should know how to strengthen their passwords through creativity. Finally, each employee must be responsible for the violation of their password.
8. Mobile device security
A 2016 study by Tech-Pro reports that 59% of companies allow their employees to bring their own devices to work. Furthermore, many of your employees will not hesitate to access your company's network using their mobile devices while traveling. This is practical and even unavoidable, but it also repeatedly increases the risk of network security threats.
To this end, you need to ensure that your company's IT security systems are also applied to your employees' mobile devices. As such, make sure that they have installed excellent computer security systems and that they use strong passwords. Otherwise, it is recommended to prohibit the use of personal devices for professional purposes.
9. Wireless network security
According to Intel, most network breaches occur over an open wireless network, such as your company's open Wi-Fi networks. To this end, you should always closely monitor your open networks and look for unidentified and unauthorized traffic. Also, you should consider using security systems like a firewall to prevent foreign traffic from entering.
10. Data breach response plan
Sometimes even the most impeccable prevention measures can't protect you from dedicated hackers. You must accept and plan for it by providing a mockup of a data breach response plan. This plan should focus on recovery as much as possible in the event of a data breach - response time is important to mitigate the damage caused by security breaches. Everyone in the organization should be aware of this response plan.
Do not leave anything to chance!
Are you one of the millions of companies waiting for the next boom? Do you find it difficult to implement all of these factors in your network security checklist? Understandably, you can easily overcome it using ExterNetworks Managed IT Services.
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