Data breaches cost the average company 4 million dollars. That massive amount covers everything from patching security holes to conducting investigations to settling potentially devastating lawsuits.
While the prospect of a data breach may seem harrowing, the good news is that being the victim of one isn’t a given when doing business. Being proactive when it comes to network infrastructure security can make a huge difference in bad actor’s ability to gain access to your information.
If you’re unsure of how best to do that, you’re in the right place!
Our team breaks down the low-hanging basics of keeping your network secure. Many of these tips are implementable immediately and could save you enormous amounts of money so keep reading to keep your business safe.
1. Passwords Protect
We’ll open up our network infrastructure security basics with what is perhaps the most obvious tenant when it comes to keeping data safe – Passwords protect.
Whether you’re securing your office’s wireless network or a team member is securing their device, the more proactive people are about not only using passwords but using great passwords, the better you can sleep at night knowing that your data is a little bit safer.
When setting passwords, if possible, use one of the auto-generated, complex ones that your network hardware/software might suggest. If memorizing these strings is too difficult, coach team members on how best to create more memorable, complex passwords of their own.
2. Resetting Passwords is Important
Once armed with a great password, your security responsibilities haven’t ended. The more times you enter a password into an application/device that is connected to your network, the more chances it has to fall into the wrong hands.
Password interceptions can happen via malware or people simply looking over your shoulder as you type it in.
To close windows of opportunity when it comes to password theft, reset your password often. Password resets should be mandated by your IT department on at least a quarterly basis.
3. End-User Virus Protection Matters
When was the last time you put thought into your computer’s anti-virus? If you’re like most, you probably don’t give it much thought.
In 2020, the diligence computer users have around viruses is lower than it perhaps was in the mid-2000s. That’s because operating systems and the internet have become more sophisticated when it comes protections, effectively limiting people’s run-ins with malware.
Despite today’s technology’s natural defenses, you don’t want to sleep on using and maintaining anti-virus software. Make sure the protection you’re using is quality, updated regularly, and is a requirement for your company’s machines to operate.
4. UAC Limits Accountability (in a Good Way)
It’s not often that limiting people’s accountability is a good thing. Believe us when we say though that when it comes to network infrastructure security, the fewer people you have touching things, the safer your data will be.
In operating systems and applications, there are usually user access controls (UAC) that allow IT to limit what people can and can’t do within systems. These limits are implemented based on team member’s responsibilities. By keeping people that don’t need to be accessing certain kinds of data unable to do so, you remove the odds of costly mistakes occurring.
5. Don’t Think of Updates As Optional
The vast majority of updates that are pushed to your operating system are meant to patch security holes. These “holes” are flaws in your system’s code that hackers could exploit to gain access to your private data.
Ensuring holes are filled in is as easy as accepting updates from Windows, Mac, or whatever applications you’re using the moment they’re offered. Cloud applications (like Quick Books) apply updates automatically.
If you’re one of those people that push off updating your systems because of the inconvenience doing so presents, get out of that habit. Procrastinating is negligent and could prove to be costly.
6. A Little Bit of Training Goes a Long Way
We’ve seen IT departments work extraordinarily hard to try and patch every hole and limit every permission they can to keep networks safe only to have a team member make a mistake that undermines those efforts. That’s why one of the most key secure network infrastructure tips we can give you is to invest in team training.
Connect with your team once per year to make them aware of the do’s and don’t of using company machines on corporate networks. Several third-party agencies conduct both remote-based and in-person security seminars for companies small and large.
7. Security Audits Are Worth the Investment
If you want to cover your bases, make an investment in managed IT services coming in and auditing your network security practices. A good agency should be able to come in, assess what you’re doing, and provide you with information regarding whether or not adjustments need to be made.
Security risks evolve every year. An annual audit allows you to stay in the know regarding those risks which is a win for your longevity.
Network Infrastructure Security Should Be a Company Priority
Very few businesses appreciate the gravity of managing their network infrastructure security effectively. Don’t fall into that trap.
Securing your network infrastructure isn’t something that happens on auto-pilot. It takes an active hand and effective guidance.
Our team hopes to have provided you with the latter of those two things. We also wish you luck as you continue investing in your company’s future.
If you’d like additional tips, check out more of the newest information on our blog!
