15 April 2024

Alex Chapman, network services and security specialist, Britannic

Usage of the network has changed considerably with hybrid working being commonplace, employees using their own devices for work and downloading new software and applications independently to help them be more efficient in their roles.

The technology landscape is becoming like an overgrown garden, too crowded and increasingly difficult to manage, exposed to cybercrime and threats which target and infiltrate your network like weeds bringing your business down, costing you money and your reputation and breaching data regulations.

Tending to your network

Like a garden your network security cannot be left unattended, and you cannot take it for granted that your software updates will happen automatically. Network security requires nurturing and maintenance, it is an evolving process that must be viewed as a key strategic element of your business.
Follow our top tips to ensure your network is safe and secure to keep the weeds out:

Educate and awareness

Educate your employees on the importance of security and ask them to regularly change their passwords ensuring they are difficult to guess and include letters, numbers, and symbols. Reminders should be set to notify employees to regularly update their passwords. A must for an extra security layer is a multi-factor authentication into all devices used by employees.

Also, make them aware of the severity of human error on systems and how it can lead to vulnerabilities in the network providing animation for hackers. A shocking 47% of businesses in a CNBC report stated that human error such a loss of a device as the reason for a data breach at their company.

Taking back control

Ensure that all employees do not download applications to use for work even on their own devices. ‘Shadow IT’ is breaking company security policy and prohibited, they can only use company approved applications and software for work. This will enable you to gain back control on who is using what and when.

Never assume

Don’t assume that the automatic software updates on the systems you use are enough; they are not. WiFi router’s firmware needs to be manually updated and software updates including security patches are vital.

Virtual private networks (VPNs)

For hybrid working it is vital to deploy a VPN which enables employees to securely access the corporate network when working remotely. It also mitigates cyberattacks because it encrypts data by adding on another layer of security when employees are using their home wireless network or another public internet access point.

Backups are still recommended

It may seem ‘old hat,’ but the National Cybersecurity Alliance still advises SMBs to store copies of their files offline. Better to be safe than sorry!

Deploy antivirus

This is crucial to ward off cybercrime ensuring the antivirus software is installed correctly on all devices used by employees for work and is regularly updated automatically and manually.

Secure your WiFi

Two easy steps to secure WiFi are to change the routers default name and password and encrypt the wireless network to WiFi Protect Access 3 (WPA3) which is advised by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Plus constantly check that all devices connected to it are also secure.

Strategic approach

As with all technology it is advised to have a security strategy and work with a consultative technology partner who can advise you on what solution to have for your needs and to see where you can utilise your existing investments. There are many options available for different requirements and levels from security from an entry level next-generation firewall (NGFWs) to integrating comprehensive security protection with SD-WAN networking capabilities, endpoint protection or a SASE solutions.

AI powered capabilities such as Secure Web Gateway, Zero Trust Networks Access and CASB, Firewall as a service with a secure SD-WAN are all managed from a single UI with a unified agent and operating system. Hybrid Mesh Firewalls (HMF) are a unified security platform that provides protection to a multiple areas of enterprising IT including multi sites and data centres, public and private clouds and for remote workers, and is centralised with unified management.

Nurture and maintain your network

By devising and deploying a cybersecurity strategy and solution that is nurtured and regularly maintained and updated and educating employees on the importance of security you will have a network that will stand up to the adversity of the cybercrime threats trying to infiltrate it. Protecting your employees, your reputation and your business.