You may wonder what these numbers are, right? But it is surprising for you to see that these numbers are a clear representation of the compromised data. And what’s more astounding is that these numbers only state the data breaches of Oct 2023 alone. However, according to the statistics, it brings the year’s total to over 5 billion. Horrific right?
However, to avoid becoming one of the victims, it is essential to implement robust network security and Zero Trust models like Zero Trust Network Access, which don’t trust any user or device and verify them every time before granting them access. How to protect your network, several best practices implemented in your business. To know them, keep reading this article.
Best Practices For Network Security
Here are some of the network security protection measures and practices that will help you to get better network security controls and overall safety:
1. Performing a Comprehensive Network Audit
- Timely and regularly evaluate security vulnerabilities.
- Assess the necessity of unnecessary applications.
- Verify the status of ports.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of virus/anti-malware software and malicious traffic detection tools.
- Review backup procedures to ensure data protection.
- Conduct assessments of third-party vendors to identify any security gaps.
2. Implementation of Network and Security Devices
- Deploy a firewall and web application firewall (WAF) to safeguard websites.
- Utilise IDS/IPS, SIEM and DLP software for security monitoring.
3. Disabling File Sharing Features
- Enable file sharing on private servers.
- Disable file sharing on employee devices to minimise risks.
4. Keeping Antivirus and Anti Malware Software Updated
- Ensure that desktops and laptops have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software installed.
- Regularly update software with rules and security patches for protection.
5. Securing Routers
- Place routers in locations like rooms or closets.
- Install video surveillance or CCTV in server/network rooms for added security measures.
- Configure routers to change default passwords and network names as a measure.
6. Using IP Addresses
- Impose IP addresses on critical devices and servers to better monitor unauthorised access attempts or suspicious activities.
7. Establishing a Network Security Maintenance System
- Perform backups to ensure data integrity.
- Make sure to keep your software up to date regularly.
- Plan out when you will change network names and passwords.
- Prepare a document outlining the network security maintenance system and share it with the team.
8. Implement network segmentation and segregation
- Split your network into trust zones to contain security incidents and minimise their impact.
9. Establish Security Governance
- Create and communicate a security governance structure.
- Compliance offers guidance for safeguarding against risks.
- Regulatory bodies like ISO and PCI SSC emphasise organisational security roles.
10. Educate End Users
- Raise end-user awareness about the importance of network security.
- Ongoing education integrated into the company’s culture is crucial.
- Combat the propensity of employees falling prey to attacks that mimic normal communications.
11. Stay Informed
- Treat network and security as an ongoing effort.
- Stay updated and ahead of changes in the threat environment.
- Understand how cyberattackers adapt their methods.
- Keep up-to-date on advances in threat identification and mitigation.
- Apply learnings from past incidents to limit negative effects from future events.
Wrapping Up
Network security is essential, primarily if you operate a business and handle critical data in this digital world.
However, it is also essential to access security protection services from reliable companies like InstaSafe and others that provide trust models and services like Multi-Factor Authentication, which safeguards your networks and business operations in this vast and fast-evolving online world.