NetworkTigers discusses how essential it is to manage the network security risk of non-network assets.
Securing and managing your network from cyber criminals starts with a well-thought-out strategic plan. The plan’s purpose is to continuously secure your business network from potential threats that could disrupt the reputation and profitability of your business.
Due to the shift to remote working and the globalization of the internet, threats targeting businesses that use the internet for data sharing, web applications, or email are primary targets for ransomware, phishing, and other malicious cyber activities. This means they must be factored into your security plan.
What is network risk management?
Network risk management is a part of securing your organization. Risk management mainly focused on securing other assets and physical property from natural disasters and accidents before the internet age. But nowadays, businesses should consider how the ever-increasing digital connectivity applies to network security.
Network risk management identifies, controls, and evaluates threats to a company’s digital assets, including digital data in transit and data stored on public cloud services or both external and internal servers. As technology evolves, developing new ways to connect with things, places, and employees are also changing.
Unfortunately, cyberattackers follow behind closely, creating more sophisticated ways of accessing confidential data using the numerous points of access legitimate users utilize.
How to optimize network risk management for security and productivity
Because client confidence is critical for developing growth and a solid customer base, you must take the necessary steps to protect your organization and the tools you use to conduct business. That includes managing network risk to maximize the usefulness of cloud computing and the internet while reducing the threats associated with conducting business in places susceptible to viruses, hackers, cyberattacks, and malware.
Eight ways to secure non-network assets
There are some network security best practices you can implement to secure your valuable information and build impenetrable protection against viruses and criminals. Here are ways to secure your network from possible infiltration via non-network assets.
Install firewall
A firewall blocks unauthorized access to networks and computers by controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls are becoming more sophisticated, and some of the newest ones, like the SonicWALL Firewalls, consist of different encryption methods to prevent dangerous activities and threats.
Update passwords regularly
Use strong passwords that consist of numbers, symbols, and letters, and educate your workers to change their passwords regularly. In addition to entering a password and username, enforce two-factor authentication that requires employees to enter a code they receive via email or text to connect to your network.
Implement advanced endpoint detection
To respond effectively to evolving cyber crimes, lean on advanced endpoint detection continually. This technology uses AI to monitor potential threats and react accordingly. The technology gathers and assesses data from threat intelligence feeds, endpoint logs, and network devices, identifying malicious activity and other threats.
Filter spam emails
Phishing emails from criminals are usually written in a manner to entice your workforce to open and click on links that seem legitimate. While spam filters have advanced, spam emails may still land in your employees’ inboxes, especially if the attacker mimics someone they know, like a colleague. In addition to installing spam filter software, sensitize your workers to use their common sense filters.
Create a virtual private network
There has been a significant increase in reported cyberattacks due to millions of employees working remotely in a shift accelerated by covid 19. VPNs create a secure connection between an organization’s servers and remote computers by allowing only those workers authorized to access your network to do so. VPNs can reduce the likelihood of criminals finding wireless access points and damaging your system.
Train your workers
Educating your workers about avoiding getting victimized by identity theft or handling significant security risks is the best weapon you can use to enhance your security. Frequent reminders about mitigation steps and threats can help your workforce follow security best practices. Some companies schedule mandatory meetings to communicate the importance of network security.
Secure personal devices
Implement policies for using personal devices at work to ensure your workers follow security protocols when accessing data. Some tips for securing both confidential work information and personal data include not using unsecured public WiFi and turning off Bluetooth.
Encrypt files
Encryption can protect confidential information on operating systems using software designed to mask your IP address. To know if a website is secured using encryption, look for a padlock icon in the address bar along with “https.”
Work with NetworkTigers
Whether you have a large company with a team or a small company with no internal team, we can help ensure your network is secure, even from non-network assets. Contact us today to know what you can expect from a competent network equipment provider.
