It is important to keep intruders away from your network. Sometimes data breaches can occur due to small network intrusion. Thus, it is important to quickly detect and respond to threats. In this article, we are going to talk about network security.

Definition of Network Security:

Network security is a set of software and hardware solutions that will help you in stopping attackers from accessing your networks. The main aim of network security is to create a secure platform for programs, users, and devices.

Network security will prevent unauthorized access to data and assets. It will help you in protecting your network data and infrastructure from threats. You can use it for detecting and responding to software anomalies and suspicious user behavior.

Managing and setting up network task is going to be a complicated and time-consuming task. Network admins mainly use network security tools for monitoring activity.

Importance of Network Security:

Network security will help you in delivering services and processes safely. It will protect your network from these cyber threats:

DDoS attacks: DDoS attacks can slow down your entire network. Attackers can overwhelm your network with fake traffic. Thus, sometimes your entire servers can crash. Network security will protect your network from DDoS attacks.
Malware: Malware infections like worms, spyware, and ransomware can affect your system. Network security will protect your network from different malware.
Insider attacks: These types of attacks occur when your employees either intentionally or accidentally damage the network.
APT: APT or Advanced Persistent Threats attack is very harmful to your network. It can result in data leakage.
Vulnerability exploits: Attackers can target weak points in your applications, login portals, and devices.

Network security will also help you in boosting your network reliability and performance. It will help you in reducing the overhead expense. You can avoid costly downtime by using the best network security tools. These tools will also ensure compliance. Thus, you don’t need to worry about fines and penalties. You can build trust with your end-users and partners.

How to Improve Network Security?

You can follow the below tips for improving your network security:

Regular auditing

Network admins must have a clear understanding of your network map and infrastructure. This will help them in setting up proper defenses. They should know about the models, configurations, and locations of the following network devices:

Firewalls
Switches
Cabling
Wireless access points
Ports
Routers

Your network admin should know about the devices that are connected to your network. They should know about the connectivity path of your network. Auditing and mapping will help you in identifying weak points in your network. Thus, you can focus on improving network performance, reliability, and safety.

Network segmentation

You should segment your network into smaller subsystems. These subnetworks will operate separately. These subnetworks will have their own access rules and security controls.

Network segmentation will ensure that attackers can’t move freely in your network. They might get access to some part of your network. However, they won’t get access to other parts of your network. This will help you in isolating the compromised systems.

Use strong passwords

If your employees are using weak passwords, then attackers can easily crack their passwords. They can use simple brute force attacks for guessing your employee’s password. Attackers will silently gain access to your network. Make sure that your employees are using strong and complex passwords. They should also change their password regularly.

You should also consider using a password manager. Password manager tools will help you in creating strong passwords. Your employees don’t need to worry about remembering and creating strong passwords.

Keep your software up to date

The latest patches and updates will help you in protecting your network from threats. You should use a patch management system for ensuring that all your network tools are up-to-date. If you are working with an MSP, then they will help you in updating all your network tools. Experienced MSPs like Bleuwire will help you in managing software patches and updates. They will ensure that all the network tools are up-to-date.

Zero Trust security

You can use zero-trust security architecture for restricting access to sensitive data. Users will only have access to the data that they need. If your users need access to more devices, then they can contact the network admin.

This security policy will also help you in complying with data security and privacy laws like HIPAA, PCI, and GDPR.

Staff awareness

Make sure that your employees know about their responsibilities and roles. They should act as the mainline of security defense. Thus, you should ensure that you are training your employees.

They should know about social engineering attacks. This will protect your business from simple attacks. Make sure that they are not clicking on strange emails and pop-ups. This will help you in protecting your business from phishing attacks. You should ensure that they are only connecting with secure Wi-Fi networks. Make sure that they are never turning off anti-virus and firewall.

If you have old accounts in your network, then you should delete them. Your employees should know about your network security practices. They should ensure that they are following these security practices. Make sure that they are turning off their laptops and computers when they are not using them. They should communicate with the IT team if something is not working properly.

Make sure that your employees know about your security policies. This will ensure that they can follow these security policies.

Use Honeypots

Honeypots are fake data storages or subnetworks that your security teams can use. These honeypots are also known as decoys. The main of these network segments is to attract attackers. Your regular employees won’t have access to this area. If there is some activity in this network area, then someone else has access to your network.

Honeypots will help your security team identify intruder activities. They can quickly analyze malicious patterns and tactics. Your security team can quickly find weak points in your network and system. It will distract attackers from real resources and servers.

Conclusion

Network security will help you in protecting your business from cyber threats. It will ensure that your IT operations are protected from attackers. You should focus on improving your network safety. The best way to achieve this is by working with a good MSSP. Experienced MSSPs like Bleuwire can help you in protecting your network from attackers. They will help you in implementing the best network security controls. Bleuwire will help you in protecting your business from costly downtime. If you need more information regarding Network security, then you can contact Bleuwire.

Contact us today to learn about Bleuwire™ services and solutions in how we can help your business.