With how ubiquitous the internet and networking have become in business settings, businesses face more threats than they ever have before. The increase in the number of computers and smartphones in use in a business also increases the vulnerabilities by expanding the network footprint. So, what can businesses do to ensure their connections are secure?
Disable File Sharing
Data has become valuable and is typically what people are after when they breach a network. File-sharing can be an essential collaboration tool, but it opens up your network to attacks. Anyone with access to your network can take files out and use them for whatever purpose they have.
It is essential to block file-sharing across employee devices. The only devices that should be able to access the network and take files out or add them should be devices given by the company. They should also only be able to talk to your private servers, and you can make files available as and when employees need them.
Set Up a Firewall and VPN
A firewall should be a priority for any business that stores user data, and it should be installed on all your devices, especially your server. You should also have a web application firewall set up. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts the connection between your devices and the server and your devices and the internet, making it harder to execute main in the middle attacks. A VPN is especially essential if you have employees who work remotely or travel often and need access to the server when out of the office.
Establish a Security Maintenance Plan
You may be too late if you are dealing with a breach after it has happened because the malicious actors have already taken what they need. They may have also left backdoors that they can exploit again, which are not always easy to catch. All businesses should have a security plan in place that helps stop these breaches before they happen.
Businesses can hire companies that provide IT support for businesses. A managed IT support company can ensure regular backups, give you reports of vulnerabilities and threats, ensure your software is always up to date, and change your network credentials. They can also monitor the network for unauthorised access to stop any attackers. The goal is to be proactive, not reactive.
Update Router Information
When you buy a router, the first thing you need to do is change the username and password. Many routers come with generic usernames like “Admin” and a password that anyone can guess. After the initial setup, you should also change the username and password periodically.
Second, you should change the router’s name. This is the name people see when they try to connect, and it will be the first thing they will look for when they want to connect and get into your network.
Doing these few things can make your business connection a lot more secure. Don’t forget to do a periodic network audit to find out if there are additional issues you should be aware of.
