Part 3 will discuss Advantages of Network Security and Methods of Strengthening Network Security.

Advantages of Network Security

Aside from helping to prevent data breaches as previously discussed, network security strengthens the defenses of your entire organization. The following lists the advantages of network security:

• Money Savings – Having an unsecured network can result in losing revenue, compliance penalties, legal fees, business penalties, etc., and is a potential nightmare for a company’s bottom line.

• Time Savings – Lots of people believe that strengthening the defense of IT systems will take longer and be more difficult than just fixing them after an event. In reality, data issues and failures will decrease your company’s productivity, business, and future growth.

• Operational Improvement – A secure and optimized network will increase efficiency, productivity, and manageability.

• Compliance Enhancement – Nowadays the majority of industries are overseen by a regulatory agency that establish cybersecurity guidelines and rules. Improving the security of your network strengthens compliance efforts.

• Catastrophic Data Events Prevented – A strong and secure network security system that utilizes several defensive strategies will help prevent catastrophic data events, which can lead to serious economic losses.

Methods of Strengthening Network Security

Antivirus Software – Implementing anti-virus solutions should also be part of every company’s network security strategy.

Data Backup – Backing up data regularly would mitigate the economic damage from a catastrophic data loss.

End-User Training – Almost 50% of data breaches happen due to employee carelessness or negligence. Training staff regularly regarding cybersecurity and network security practices is essential to defending against cyberattacks.

Hybrid Enterprise & Public Cloud Storage – Hybrid cloud systems provide an organization the convenience of Internet-based public applications and the security of using a private cloud.

Password Updates: Implement a solution that generates very strong and random passwords and requires that passwords be changed regularly.

Setting Access Controls – Implement password-protected or identity verification access controls.

Update and Install Security Patches – A computer’s operating system and software are much more vulnerable if it is not regularly updated, and security patches are not installed in a timely manner.

Virtual Private Network – A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows only authorized users to access a network.

Web Content Filters – Content filters shield company hardware from malware and viruses by preventing employees from accessing malicious websites and providing alerts.

WPA II – Strengthens Wi-Fi security, making session hacking much more difficult.

Alpha Business Support

Choosing an expert computer technology-support provider is an important decision for your business. Alpha has been a trusted partner of many companies in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis areas since 1990. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha today at (410) 295-9500.