The facts surrounding cybersecurity can be downright scary, and protecting your system is critical. Yet, it’s hard to know how to secure a network, especially for small- and medium-sized organizations that don’t have a full-time IT staff to oversee system maintenance. Fortunately, there are a number of computer network security best practices that business owners can implement today to secure their data and build more impenetrable protection against hackers and viruses.
1. Install And Monitor Firewall Performance
A firewall is a piece or set of software or hardware designed to block unauthorized access to computers and networks. In very simple terms, a firewall is a series of rules that control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Computers and networks that “follow the rules” are allowed into access points, and those that don’t are prevented from accessing your system.
Firewalls are becoming more and more sophisticated (right along with hackers) and the latest are integrated network security platforms that consist of a variety of approaches and encryption methods, all working in tandem to prevent breaches.
2. Update Passwords At Least Every Quarter
Hopefully, by now your employees know to avoid default passwords or phrases like “password,” “12345” and their dates of birth. In addition to using passwords that feature both letters, symbols and numbers — and some uppercase letters — for added security, require employees to regularly change any personal passwords used on systems that have access to business networks (your business will have its own, but many computers also allow personal passwords).
Let employees know that when choosing passwords, substituting letters with similarly shaped characters, like “pa$$w0rd” for “password,” is a bad idea. Hackers are onto that trick!
Every quarter is the recommended frequency, but more often is better. However, there is a fine line: changing passwords too often can cause confusion, leading employees to reach out to IT for reminders of their username and passwords (and we all know how much IT likes getting calls like that!).
3. Train Your Employees
All the tools and tricks in the book won’t do much good if the people using your system aren’t following computer security best practices. Frequent reminders about the risks and the steps to mitigate them will help keep network security top of mind. Some organizations work these kinds of updates into mandatory meetings to help communicate their importance. Educating employees about how to avoid major security risks is possibly the greatest weapon you have in combating cybercrime.
Some organizations work these kinds of updates into mandatory meetings to help communicate their importance. Educating employees about how to avoid major security risks is possibly the greatest weapon you have in combating cybercrime.
4. Shut Down Computers When Not in Use
When is the last time you shut down your computer after a long day at work? When your computer is sitting idle overnight while connected to your company’s network, it becomes more visible and available to hackers. By shutting down your computer, you’re limiting their access to your network. And if they’ve already gained access, you’re disrupting their connection.
5. Get professional help
All above steps You can do Yourslef. But if You need more adavanced solutions, and design full strategy plan for Your company, contact Us using form and our expert call You back very soon.