As we venture through the growing world of technology, new network security issues erupt daily. And while you most likely won’t be the target of a Russian state-sponsored hacking effort, any company that relies on IT (nearly every company does) to manage some or all of their information and data is at risk.
Does it put a pit in your stomach to think your confidential business data is potentially being accessed by users worldwide who aren’t your employees?
Network security issues can also surface for days and even weeks before you or your technology department might even be made aware of them.
Network Security Issues: Here's the 411
Of course, keeping anti-virus programs up-to-date on all employee computers is a core piece of any security strategy. The truth is, though, many small and medium businesses don't have the in-house expertise to keep up-to-date on security issues.
IT security professionals have a hard enough time keeping up with the latest security threats and counters. It's nearly impossible for a jack-of-all-trades IT person to be able to stay on top of everything.
And with IT security expertise increasingly in demand, it will become harder and harder to keep those experts on staff for smaller businesses.
10 Tips to Prevent Network Security Issues
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has some great advice about cyber security geared for small businesses: 10 Cyber Security Tips for Small Business. We recommend reading and following this savvy advice to the best of your ability.
If this list looks daunting or impossible for your business to accomplish based on your staffing and resources, think about outsourcing your network security to a managed IT services company.
Tip # 1: Train Employees in Security Principles
This first tip may seem a little basic to you and your employees, but establishing fundamental security practices and policies for everyone at your company automatically ensures a secure network.
Establishing appropriate Internet use guidelines that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies is something all staff needs to be aware of. Implementing rules and behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data is a great way to provide your employees with the tools they need to keep the network secure.
Tip # 2: Clean and Update—Cyber Attack Prevention
Updating… something that we all tend to overlook, simply because we don’t feel like installing the latest security updates or “security patches” (for techies). But you must remember to keep your machines clean and the software relevant!
Having the latest and most updated version of security software, web browsers, and operating systems is the best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Make it easy, and set reminders for yourself.
After each update, you can set an antivirus software to run and check your machine. And as soon as key software updates are available, install them. Don’t wait, or it could be too late.
Tip # 3: Provide Firewall Security for Your Internet Connection
A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing your company’s data on a private network. Just like a firewall in your car or a fire door in your business or home, they all work the same way in protecting you from something.
Double-check that your operating system’s firewall is enabled. If you don’t have it, install a free firewall software (available online).
Also, if any employees from your company are working remotely or from home, make sure their system(s) are protected by a firewall. This is something that can easily slip through the cracks, so have those remote employees stay up to date on their firewall settings.
Tip # 4: Create a Mobile Device Action Plan
Mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) can, unfortunately, create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access your corporate network.
Ensure you require all mobile users to password-protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps. This helps prevent criminals from stealing information while the mobile device is on public networks.
Since these devices are portable and aren’t stationed at a specific desk, be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen devices.
Tip # 5: Backup All Company Data
Backing up data is another thing we tend to forget to do, especially since our days are filled with other important work tasks. However, regularly backing up the data on all company computers can and will save you so much frustration later down the road.
Critical data you should back up includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. If you are able to, backup your data automatically, or at least on a weekly basis.
Storing the copies either off-site or on the cloud is also a safe and easy way to keep track of all the data you have.
Tip # 6: Control Physical Access to Your Computers
Your company and all its data are confidential and should only be accessed by you and your employees. Make sure you are preventing anyone who is an unauthorized individual from accessing or using business computers.
Laptops, in particular, are easy targets for theft and can easily be misplaced or lost. So always lock them up or store them in a trusted place when unattended. Also, ensure a separate user account is created for each employee requiring strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.
Tip # 7: Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks
You most likely have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace that always needs to be secured, encrypted, and hidden. Your business Wi-Fi network should also always have a password only your employees can access.
You can also hide your Wi-Fi network for even more protection. To do this, set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the network name to any other location or business nearby. This name is known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID).
Tip # 8: Employ Best Practices on Payment Cards
Working with online banking systems or processors can be risky because of the amount of stored sensitive information your business has online. Your company and your peace of mind need to use the most trusted and validated tools.
You may also have additional security obligations according to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs, and don’t use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet.
Tip # 9: Limit Employee Access to Data & Information
Having just one employee control all access to your company’s data systems might make sense. However, this is not the best way to prevent network security issues.
Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems needed for their job duties and cannot install any software without permission.
Tip # 10. Password Upkeep
This last tip is one of the simplest ways to avoid network security issues because it doesn’t require much time to update or change your passwords. Requiring your employees to use unique passwords and change their passwords every three months is a great way to ensure everyone’s computers are safe and protected.
Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry, such as a security question. You can do this by checking with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account.
The Final Say: Network Security Tips for Your Business
At AIS, we know the importance of keeping your information secure. Start by talking to your IT staff to ensure your company does the minimum to keep your data secure. If you don’t have dedicated IT staff or don't think you can handle your requirements, consider managed IT services.
For more information on everything to do with Managed IT Services, check out our resource page here.
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