Security threats challenge several enterprises across the globe. Network security threats are no joke for every enterprise. They’re fatal if they occur. Unsecure networks can lead to critical data loss, harming your reputation or competitive edge. You can also lose your clients’ trust.
If an attacker gains access to your enterprise’s valuable information, they may initiate transactions that lead to loss of finances. For such reasons, building a secure network is an excellent strategy to avoid such losses.
A secure global network is crucial for your enterprise. It stipulates a strategic approach that protects your network against threats. Thus, here are six must-follow steps you should know:
1. Form A Dedicated Network Security Team
You increase the chances of creating a long-lasting strategy if you consult experts. You may enlist the help of an expert, such as a Wan service provider or others, to identify the risks and threats associated with your systems. Hiring experts is an excellent approach to carrying out a clean sweep of your network and compiling a detailed report.
Your security team should include your in-house information technology experts or IT-managed service providers. Involving your in-house team is crucial since they interact with your system frequently. Their insights can help in the diagnosis and analysis of your plans.
2. Assess The Risks And Vulnerabilities
It’s a great business call to identify the assets and systems working on the network. This way, you can predict the threats likely to hit your enterprise. It helps you design strategic approaches that stand the test of time. Additionally, your threats and risks assessment will expose your network’s vulnerabilities. Below is a list of common network security threats:
* Trojan Horse: The attackers hide behind a legitimate program and trick users into running it willingly.
* Phishing: It involves tricking the recipient into clicking on a malicious link. It results in installing malware on your computer, where they can monitor your operations and attack when you least expect it.
* SQL Injection: It’s an advanced security threat where the attackers use malicious codes to access private data. They target data-driven applications. It’s a dangerous threat since they can go to the extent of initiating transactions on your website.
* Man In The Middle: These are cybersecurity threats where the attackers eavesdrop on the communication between two targets and compromise one. They often occur when they hijack your Wi-Fi or internet protocol address.
Identifying the risks and vulnerabilities helps you develop a solid network security approach. Although it can be hard to keep up with all the risks, carrying out a risk assessment can help you prepare for the worst.
3. Create Security Policies
Well-designed security policies guarantee the success of cybersecurity strategies. The risk assessment should bring out some of the expected threats. With such insights, it’s easier to develop network security policies that can act as preventive measures or contingency plans. Some of the approaches you can include in your project are:
* Clean desk policy where no unauthorized personnel can access enterprise data
* Log management, where only people with codes and passwords can access the enterprise’s data
* Virtual private network to limit access to the enterprise website in specific regions
* Standard procedures and policies for end users accessing enterprise information on their devices
* Frequency of password changes and making strong passwords make it hard for hackers.
* Server security policies to monitor and control internal server equipment.
The security policies outline the structure and architecture of the network. It gives procedures everyone in the enterprise should adhere to and helps contain the risks and reduce cybersecurity attacks.
4. Test And Try The Policies
It’s best to ensure your strategies are perfect for threats and attacks. Before implementing them, you can evaluate their prowess by launching some tests. The test helps you discover any weak points and work on them. You can also make some changes to the policies to make them appropriate for your enterprise.
5. Launch The Security Procedures
Launching the procedures is the final step in building a secure network. In its launch stage, the security policy is ready to handle the threats on your systems. Implementing the strategies ensures you have a fallback plan in case of hitches on your network.
6. Train Your Employees To Protect Your Network
One great contributor to cybersecurity is the human factor. One mistake from your team can open your system to attacks and threats. Thus, training your staff is one sure way to ensure your network security approach stands the test of time. There’s a high probability they might not understand all that is in the security policy. With regular training, you can be confident they’ll practice some preventive measures. This way, they can be ready to tackle some threats.
Conclusion
Building strategic approaches is the best way to stay on top of network security concerns. It helps create a security culture for your enterprise and ensures you protect your network. However, keeping up with the threats and attacks on your network isn’t a walk in the park, especially with other responsibilities. Hiring experts to manage your network concerns would be an excellent idea.
