This post will teach you how to secure your company network from common computer network cyberattacks and lessen the risks associated with current business networks.
The network of your company’s IT infrastructure is the sole way to access it. Anyone with access to your network or WiFi can see your whole business infrastructure. You can hack computer networks using scripts and network tools. As a new hacker, you may be surprised to find pre-packaged hacking scripts and applications online.
NETWORK SECURITY CHECKLIST
Even though unsecured networks are particularly vulnerable to breaches, businesses rarely conduct Network Security Audits. This network security checklist and recommended practices are provided to help you secure your computer network. The checklist is in a spreadsheet at the conclusion of this post.
FIREWALL
A firewall protects a computer network against intrusions. Firewalls monitor and control network traffic depending on rules you set. Firewalls separate your company’s internal network from the internet. Items linked to firewalls include:
- You installed a firewall to protect your internal network.
- The default password for your firewall device has been made much more secure.
- Your default access list stance is “Deny All”.
- Before a firewall rule takes effect, an authorised person reviews and approves it.
- Alerts are instantly recorded and investigated.
- You only use protocols that require authentication.
- You quickly remove unused firewall rules.
NETWORK APPLICATIONS
Only your network’s weakest link poses a security risk. Your network must be secure for servers, desktops, and mobile devices. The following are best practices for network security:
- Buy network equipment only from reliable resellers.
- Don’t trust untrusted software or updates.
- Ensure that all your network devices are using WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II).
- Use a standard setup for all devices to maintain consistency and manageability.
- Your network gear should be listed with its model and serial number, as well as its location and serial number or service tag.
- Unused ports should be disabled.
SOFTWARE PATCHING MANAGEMENT
A software patch can be used to update programmes, repair security flaws, and improve usability and performance. Software vendors also issue patches to repair bugs. System software patches are applied in a planned and predetermined manner.
The patch management checklist is as follows:
- Using licensed software ensures that flaws are repaired and new versions are issued.
- New software and security patches must be applied immediately.
- Remove unsupported software from web-connected devices.
- Use a patch management tool.
- A Managed IT Services Provider can usually build a patch management solution to your company’s needs.
- Businesses are constantly threatened by malware. Malware is distributed in three ways:
- Emails intended to deceive recipients
- Attackers typically pose as trustworthy individuals or representatives of reputable organizations to lure users into downloading malicious attachments.
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
It’s safe to argue that your users are your network’s weakest link. It’s usually better to avoid a cyber attack than to deal with an infection or ransomware. As a result, you should keep your users updated with tools and training. Make sure your processes contain checks and balances in case of a cyber-attack.
- Everyone should have their own username and password.
- A strong password policy will ensure that all users have secure passwords.
- Implement 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
- A person with authority must document and approve all user accounts and rights.
- Only use admin accounts for administrative tasks.
- When no longer needed, user accounts, especially administrator accounts, should be deactivated.
- Use just one permitted remote access technique.
- Permit only authorised remote access. Instead of one account per user, create numerous.
- Use virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect your device and connection when using public networks.
- Create a separate WiFi network for guests and company-owned devices to avoid network interference.
- Educate your staff on the risks of cyberattacks and how to avoid them. Educate them on phishing and what to do if infected.
We need an IT policy.
Your IT policy is the first step to cybersecurity and network security. An IT policy defines your company’s plan for employee roles, tools, use cases, data security, IT security, and governance. A clear set of rules benefits everyone. This guide can be used whenever you have questions or concerns concerning IT operations.
- Conduct penetration tests to identify dangers.
- Use phishing audits to assess your users’ preparedness for phishing attacks.
- Encrypt any devices leaving the office.
- Run vulnerability scans on a random sample of your workstations to check their security.
- Back up your company’s data regularly.
- Test your backups’ functionality by restoring them.
- Unplug all wifi gadgets (Wireless Protected Setup).
USE NETWORK SECURITY TEST GUIDE
The lack of security on many network devices (routers, switches, and firewalls) makes them easy targets for cyberattacks.
Several procedures must be taken to safeguard your network from various threats. It’s a big job, but it’s one you should prioritize and invest in. This network security quickstart tutorial might help you get started quickly.
To secure your corporate network, you must handle numerous aspects of your IT architecture. With these approaches, your network is always safe. Modern commercial networks are not 100% secure.
As technology advances, so does the risk of security breaches. It’s important to keep up with the latest network security risks and responses. Network security audits are a great method to keep your checklist current. By completing this checklist, you may eliminate the bulk of network security threats to your company.
