Network & user security simplified: A guide for businesses across the globe!
We hear more about cybersecurity today than ever before. This is possibly because large organizations have suffered massively because of hacking attempts and data breaches. While the immediate financial loss and drop in revenue can be managed, recovering from image & repute damage can take a long time. Big brands are spending huge on bug bounty programs, where they hire ethical hackers and experts to find cybersecurity vulnerability within their system. However, some of the smaller steps can go a long way in ensuring basic security of networks, data, and systems. In this post, we are sharing a guide for network & user security.
It’s also imperative that you train your employees on how to effectively and securely use company tools, such as scheduling software. If employees use these solutions with no regard for security, it could result in a potentially devastating data breach for your company.
5 steps to improving network security
- Ensure that all systems and devices are behind firewalls. Firewalls work as a barrier between your devices and untrusted networks.
- Focus on network segmentation, which is basically about separating security networks. For example, HR could be placed on one network, and security on another, so that compromise on one doesn’t impact others.
- If employees are using the company resources and systems remotely, ensure that they are using VPN. Pay for the most reliable VPN out there.
- Consider using a device that can find and track all possible attempts towards network intrusion, so that an immediate response is created and preventive steps can be taken.
- Do regular tests, and if required, hire cybersecurity experts to test and scan your networks and systems. There is no better way to work on security than finding possible vulnerabilities.
5 steps to improving user security
- Train your people on all aspects of cybersecurity. Frontline employees often make silly mistakes that leave data and system vulnerable to hackers.
- Change all default password and other credentials immediately. This should be a practice across all levels.
- Ensure that you have an active system for access management. For example, whenever an employee leaves an organization, his rights should be revoked immediately.
- Create guidelines for password creation. A strong password is not just long, but should be strong. Insist on using special characters, uppercase & lowercase letters, and numbers.
- Use the lockout feature. After someone has unsuccessfully attempted at logging into an account for more than three times, ensure that the account is locked for at least 24 hours.
With a few extra steps, cybersecurity shouldn’t be a major concern for your company. Just don’t wait for a breach or hacking attempt to happen before you develop policies and practices.