Network Security Solutions: Important Things You Need To Know
Introduction
As technologies continue to advance, so do cybersecurity threats. It is your responsibility as a business owner to protect your wireless networks from malicious individuals. You can implement robust network security measures to safeguard your organization from people who want to steal or damage your data.
Here at InfoBahn Communications, Inc., we offer network security solutions in the Philippines to help you protect your precious data and information. Read through the rest of this article to learn more about this specific service.
Most Common Vulnerabilities in Your IT Network
An organization’s IT network is often exposed to different kinds of vulnerabilities. Some common examples are:
Unsecured Wireless Networks
Unsecured wireless networks pose a significant security risk because they can easily be exploited by cybercriminals to gain access to your organization’s sensitive information or launch malicious attacks. Some common forms of unsecured wireless networks are:
- Networks Without Encryption – The lack of wireless encryption protocolscan leave data transmission between networks susceptible to interception and eavesdropping. To mitigate such risks, you can try different types of encryption measures, like Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and WiFi Protected Access (WPA) protocols.
- Weak Authentication– Authentication, which often comes in the form of passwords and codes, is needed to ensure that only authorized workers or individuals can access your wireless networks. However, be sure to implement strong authentication measures and not use easily guessable passwords to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing and connecting to your networks.
- Default Wireless Settings– A common mistake regarding wireless security is failing to change the network’s default configurations. This makes the network easily accessible to attackers because they have plenty of potential vulnerabilities to exploit.
Inadequate Firewall Configurations
Firewalls are computer programs or devices that are a barrier between internal networks and external threats. They come in both hardware and software formats, and network security service providers often recommend them to keep your wireless systems protected.
As you can imagine, failing to use a firewall can expose your networks to different risks, including malware attacks and password breaches. However, installing a firewall is often insufficient because you still have to configure it properly to ensure it will work as intended. Inadequate firewall configurations can lead to various problems, such as security gaps and lack of intrusion detection, among other issues.
Weak Passwords
Despite increased awareness and education about password security, many individuals (and sometimes even entire organizations) continue to use weak or easy-to-guess passwords. This is bad news because hackers and cybercriminals can simply exploit this vulnerability to get access to your wireless network. If they are successful, they can start stealing or destroying your data, causing business downtime, legal repercussions, and even financial ruin.
As someone who runs a business, it is your duty to enforce strong password policies and keep your data safe. Be familiar with common password-related weaknesses, such as:
- Password Reuse– If you use the same password across different accounts or systems, you increase the risk of your credentials being compromised. If one account is breached, your other accounts will also be easily accessed.
- Short and Guessable Passwords– Cybercriminals use bots and AI to commence brute-force password attacks. With these advanced tools, they can crack passwords around seven characters long in a matter of minutes. Ensure your passwords are at least 11 characters long, combining upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Inadequate Password Policies– The absence of password policies contributes to weak password practices. As a business owner, you must remind your employees about regular password changes, minimum length requirements, and other password security best practices.
Ways To Fortify Your Organization’s IT Network Security
You can strengthen your organization’s IT network security in different ways. This includes the following:
Train Your Employees Well
One of the most critical network security factors in any business is educating and training your employees. This is a good way for you to ensure that they can recognize and respond to common cyberattacks and threats.
You can ask professionals or enroll them in training courses. Here are some examples of the critical areas they need to be familiar with:
- Password Security Best Practices– Training about password security helps emphasize the importance of using strong passwords and avoiding password reuse across multiple accounts. It also encourages employees to enable multi-factor authentication and regularly update their passwords.
- Cloud Network Security– Your cloud storage is also at risk of attack. You can train your employees about different cloud network security solutions to familiarize them with ways to protect data stored remotely.
- Proper Incident Response– Incident response training teaches employees how to report security incidents. This is an excellent way to ensure that all security breaches – no matter how minor – will be reported appropriately, documented, and responded to by the right people.
Set Up Firewalls and Antivirus Software
Firewalls and antivirus software are among the most basic components of robust network security. They help prevent unauthorized access by detecting and automatically blocking malicious activities, such as potential malware threats and password breaches.
Be sure to configure your firewalls to ensure that they are working optimally. You can seek help from professionals or rely on your in-house IT department to customize the settings of your firewalls. Similarly, regularly updating your antivirus software with the latest security patches is crucial in effectively detecting and removing malware and other related threats.
Seek Professional Assistance
Training your employees and setting up cybersecurity programs alone can only do so much. In many cases, you have to rely on third-party professionals to help fortify your company’s digital security measures.
When looking for an IT company that specializes in cybersecurity, be sure to check their credentials. Their years of experience help you gauge if they have the skills and knowledge to help you with your specific cybersecurity requirements. You should also determine if they have the necessary certifications and licenses.
If you are searching for such a company, contact us at InfoBahn Communications, Inc. We are your trusted network security solutions provider in the Philippines, so you can rest assured that we have the qualifications to help you.
Understanding Human Factors in Network Security Risks
Technological solutions play a crucial role in safeguarding your organization’s IT networks. However, it is still essential to recognize the impact of human factors – like the ones listed below – on network security risks.
Insufficient Network Security Awareness
Lack of employee awareness and understanding of cybersecurity principles is a common issue among modern businesses. This should be resolved promptly since it can escalate into larger problems, including poor password practices and susceptibility to phishing scams.
As an employer, you have to schedule regular training sessions. This is crucial to ensure that everyone in your company has the knowledge and skills to prevent common cybersecurity attacks.
Insider Threats
Insider threats are another human factor that can pose significant risks to your overall network security. They come in two primary forms, namely:
- Intentional Threats– Individuals with access to your data (employees, contractors, business partners) may intentionally misuse their rights to steal sensitive information or damage your digital systems. They are often driven by different motives, like selling your data to competitors or simply disrupting your workflow.
- Unintentional Threats– Unintentional threats can happen when individuals accidentally share information or when your employees are simply neglectful of their duties to protect your data. Even though they are not deliberate attempts to steal information or damage systems, they are still extremely harmful.
Unreported Incidents
Many organizations face the problem of employees failing to report incidents related to digital security. This issue stems from numerous causes, including a lack of awareness. In some cases, individuals simply cannot recognize security breaches, so they get brushed off quickly. Such a concern can be addressed by regular training, even with the help of network security software solutions providers.
Some employees fear repercussions, too. They hesitate to report security incidents or potential threats because they fear they will be blamed or face negative consequences. This is an understandable concern, and it can be addressed by implementing a security incident reporting protocol.
FAQs About Network Security Solutions in the Philippines
What Do Network Security Solutions Providers Do?
Network security solutions providers can offer various services to protect your organization’s digital assets, networks, and systems. It depends on your requirements as a client, but these companies usually help assess your existing network infrastructure and security posture, monitor network traffic, identify potential vulnerabilities, and provide continuous support.
How Vulnerable Are Cloud Networks and Remote Servers?
Cloud networks and remote servers are vulnerable to cyber threats, but you can mitigate the risks by implementing the right digital security measures. Doing so is a way to help prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, malware attacks, and other kinds of threats.
Are Wired Networks More Secure Than Wireless Ones?
Generally speaking, wired networks can be considered more secure due to physical security and resistance to wireless interception. However, even though this is the case, they are not immune to security risks. They are still vulnerable to various issues, including insider threats, physical access vulnerabilities, and targeted cyberattacks.
Work With Network Security Professionals Today!
Are you looking for a company that can help you improve your cybersecurity posture? You have come to the right place! At InfoBahn Communications, Inc., we provide excellent network security solutions in the Philippines. We have many years of experience in the industry and the proper certifications and licenses, so you can rest assured that we can provide you with the assistance you require.
Contact our team today to request a quote.