According to Verizon’s research, 39% of all data breaches in 2016 targeted large corporations and other organisations, while 61% of all breaches targeted small enterprises. According to additional Verizon research, 90% of all small firms lacked adequate network security protections as of 2017. It’s terrible because as a result of attack-related losses, the majority of small firms would have had to shut down.
Using best practises for network security will safeguard both small and large enterprises from hackers. The following 10 items should be on every checklist for network security for small businesses.
1. Computer software updates
Millions of companies and organisations around the world, including the NHS in the UK, were impacted by the infamous Wannacry ransomware assault in 2017. It was later discovered that the NHS should have simply updated its operating systems to prevent this attack.
Updates are frequently released by Google, Microsoft, and other IT businesses to fix issues in software. Your systems will be strengthened by these updates, making it harder for hackers to access your network. Make sure your software systems are updated as a result. Also, keeping an eye out for updates and installing them as soon as they become available won’t cost you anything!
2.Upgrades to the hardware
Just as much as the software, the underlying hardware that supports your network and IT applications should be examined for network security. Hackers routinely update to newer, more potent equipment with more processing power because they are aware of this. You should upgrade your hardware systems as needed to stay current. Your networks’ general usability and security will both be enhanced.
3.Computer system security
Hackers can only be stopped to a limited degree with software updates. To safeguard your users and add an extra layer of security, you also need specialised, dedicated IT security systems.
IT security systems come in a wide variety of forms. Firewalls and antivirus software are two of the most fundamental and widely used types. The malware and other network dangers are tracked down by these security programmes, and they are stopped in their tracks before they can do any damage. It should be obvious that various types and brands of IT security systems have a range of capabilities, so only choose the finest.
You might want to think about employing a VPN to protect your chats as well. Hackers can only be stopped to a limited degree with software updates. To safeguard your users and add an extra layer of security, you also need specialised, dedicated IT security systems. The data transmitted through a VPN is encrypted, making it useless to any listeners who might manage to bypass your firewall and other security measures.
4. Data backups
Data loss happens often for a variety of causes even without hacking. For instance, the WannaCry attack implied that the victims’ data would be frozen unless they paid. Data was frozen with no chance of retrieval for those who didn’t. This caused a great deal of disturbance because data is becoming more sensitive and some businesses have been collecting data for years, depending on it for planning, marketing, and many other uses.
As a result, it’s crucial to regularly backup your data in a secure location outside of your company’s network. Consider making an investment in a second server that will be used only for data backups. Also, you can backup your data on the cloud. There should be regular backups, especially for
5. Consistent Audits
When were the IT systems of your business last audited? Sadly, the majority of small businesses are not aware of the advantages of auditing their IT and network infrastructure. They are essentially blind to the state of their network security due to a lack of auditing.
Your network and IT infrastructure need to be audited to find any hidden vulnerabilities. These flaws can then be corrected before being exploited by hackers. You can find out-of-date hardware and software by auditing. In the end, auditing enhances the network’s and IT systems’ security and performance. Although there should be exceptions if there are current network security issues, auditing should be carried out at least twice a year.