15 Ways to Secure Your Enterprise Network
It’s no secret that data breaches are becoming more and more common. In fact, a 2017 study found that the average cost of a data breach is now $3.62 million. And with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into effect in May 2018, the stakes are even higher. So how can you protect your business from becoming the next victim? By taking steps to secure your enterprise network. Here are 15 ways to do just that: 1. Use a firewall. 2. Establish strong access control measures. 3. encrypt all data. 4. Use intrusion detection and prevention systems. 5. Conduct regular security audits. 6. Keep all software up to date. 7. Educate employees about security risks. 8. Restrict physical access to servers. 9. Conduct regular backups. 10. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 11. Implement two-factor authentication. 12. Store sensitive data in a secure location. 13. Dispose of data securely. 14. Use strong passwords. 15. Monitor activity on your network. By taking these
1. Utilize a firewall
Your enterprise network is critical to the success of your business. Here are 15 ways to secure it and keep it running smoothly. 1. Utilize a firewall A firewall is a critical part of any network security strategy. It can help block malicious traffic and prevent unauthorized access to your network. Be sure to configure your firewall correctly and keep it up to date. 2. Use strong passwords Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your network. Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Change them regularly and never reuse the same password. 3. Enable two-factor authentication Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring two factors, such as a password and a code generated by a mobile app, to access your network. This makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your network. 4. Encrypt your data Data encryption is a critical part of security. It can help protect your data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Be sure to encrypt all sensitive data, especially if it is being stored or transmitted over the network. 5. Implement a strict access control policy Access control is a security measure that limits who can access your network and what they can do once they have access. Implement a strict access control policy to restrict access to only those who need it. 6. Monitor your network activity Monitoring your network activity can help you spot suspicious activity and take action to prevent it. Use tools like a intrusion detection system to monitor your network for signs of malicious activity. 7. Keep your software up to date One of the best ways to secure your network is to keep your software up to date. Regularly install security updates and patches to close holes that could be exploited by hackers. 8. Educate your employees Your employees are a vital part of your network security. Educate them on security risks and best practices. Help them understand how they can protect your network and themselves. 9. Use secure protocols When transmitting data over the network, be sure to use secure protocols such as SSL or TLS. These protocols can help protect your data from being intercepted by unauthorized individuals. 10. Physical security Physical security is also important. Be sure to secure your network equipment and data centers. Only allow authorized personnel to access these areas. 11. Secure your wireless network If you have a wireless network, be sure to secure it with a strong password and encryption. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your network. 12. Use a VPN A VPN can help add an extra layer of security by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. This can make it more difficult for hackers to target your network. 13. Back up your data Regularly backing up your data can help you recover from a security incident. Be sure to store your
2. Create strong passwords
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, it is increasingly important for enterprises to take steps to secure their networks. One of the most important steps is to create strong passwords. There are a number of ways to create strong passwords. One is to use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Another is to use a passphrase, which is a longer string of characters that can be easier to remember than a traditional password. Additionally, it is important to change passwords regularly and to Avoid using the same password at multiple sites. There are a number of tools that can help enterprises create and manage strong passwords. One is LastPass, which is a password manager that can generate strong passwords and help keep track of them. Another is 1Password, which offers a similar service. Creating strong passwords is one of the most important steps that enterprises can take to secure their networks. By using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and by changing passwords regularly, enterprises can make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to their networks.
3. encrypt data
As more and more businesses move their operations online, the need to secure their network infrastructure becomes more pressing. One of the most effective ways to do this is to encrypt data. Encryption is a process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format, using a key or password. This makes it much more difficult for unauthorized users to access sensitive information. There are a number of different ways to encrypt data. One common method is to use a cipher, which is a mathematical function that rearranges the order of the data. Another is to use a code, which substitutes one piece of information for another. Encryption can also be done at the file level, meaning that each file is encrypted individually. There are a few things to keep in mind when encrypting data. First, it is important to choose an encryption method that is appropriate for the type of data being encrypted. Second, the key or password used to encrypt the data should be strong and difficult to guess. Finally, it is important to have a backup of the encrypted data in case the original is lost or corrupted.
4. create a Whitelist
If you want to secure your enterprise network, one of the best things you can do is create a whitelist. By creating a whitelist, you can specify which devices and users are allowed access to your network, and block all others. There are several benefits to creating a whitelist. First, it can help you prevent unauthorized access to your network. By specifying which devices and users are allowed access, you can be sure that only authorized individuals are able to gain entry. This can help you avoid data breaches and other security issues. Second, a whitelist can help you manage and monitor your network more effectively. By knowing exactly which devices and users are accessing your network, you can more easily keep track of who is using your resources and how. This can be helpful in spotting potential problems or misuse of your network. Third, a whitelist can improve the performance of your network. By blocking unneeded traffic from devices and users that are not authorized to access your network, you can reduce the amount of congestion and improve the overall speed and performance of your network. There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a whitelist. First, be sure to specify the devices and users that are allowed access. Second, be sure to block all other devices and users that are not on the whitelist. Finally, be sure to keep the whitelist updated as new devices and users are added or removed from your network.
5. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an important security measure that can help protect your enterprise network from unauthorized access. Here are five tips for using 2FA: 1. Use a reputable 2FA provider: There are many 2FA providers on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is reputable and has a good track record. 2. Set up 2FA for all users: 2FA should be set up for all users on your network, including Administrator accounts. 3. Use strong authentication methods: The authentication methods you use should be strong and difficult to circumvent. For example, you could use a combination of something the user knows (a password or PIN), something the user has (a physical token or key), and something the user is (biometric data like a fingerprint or iris scan). 4. Keep 2FA keys and codes safe: The keys and codes associated with 2FA should be stored securely, preferably in a password manager or encrypted file. 5. Test 2FA regularly: 2FA should be tested regularly to ensure that it is working as intended.
6. Educate employees
Cybersecurity risks are on the rise, and enterprises need to be vigilant in protecting their networks. One of the best ways to protect your network is to educate your employees. Here are 6 tips for educating your employees about cybersecurity: 1. Teach them about the importance of cybersecurity. Explain to your employees why cybersecurity is important and how it can protect your business from attacks. Make sure they understand the role they play in keeping your network safe. 2. Train them to spot risks. teach your employees how to identify potential risks. This includes phishing emails, malware, and other threats. Show them how to report suspicious activity so you can investigate and take appropriate action. 3. Show them how to use security features. Many employees don’t know how to use all the security features available to them. Show them how to enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and enable secure communications. 4. Educate them about social media risks. Social media is a great way to connect with customers and promote your business. But it can also be a risk if employees are not careful. Teach them about the risks of sharing too much information and connecting with strangers. 5. Encourage them to report security incidents. Make sure your employees know how to report security incidents. This includes lost or stolen devices, suspicious activity, and attempted attacks.Encourage them to report any incidents so you can take appropriate action. 6. Reward them for good security habits. Encourage your employees to adopt good security habits by rewarding them for their efforts. This could include gifts, bonuses, or even just public recognition. show your appreciation for their efforts in keeping your network safe.
7. Stay up to date on security threats
As the world changes, so do the ways that criminals attempt to break into computer systems. Staying up to date on the latest security threats is vital to keeping your enterprise network safe. Here are some ways to stay informed: Follow security industry news outlets: News organizations that focus on the security industry will often report on the latest threats. This can help you stay ahead of attacks and learn about new methods that criminals are using. Subscribe to security newsletters: Many companies offer newsletters that discuss security threats. This can be a great way to stay informed about the latest risks. Attend security conferences: Security conferences are a great place to learn about the latest threats. You can often find presentations from security experts that will inform you about the latest risks. Keep your software up to date: One of the best ways to protect your system from attack is to make sure that all of your software is up to date. Many software vendors will release security patches in response to new threats. By keeping your software up to date, you can make it more difficult for criminals to take advantage of new vulnerabilities. In addition to these measures, it’s important to have a good security plan in place. This should include things like firewalls, intrusion detection, and other defenses. By staying up to date on the latest security threats, you can help make sure that your network is as safe as possible.
15 Ways to Secure Your Enterprise Network 1. Use a firewall 2. Implement network security measures 3. Configure your network devices securely 4. Use strong passwords 5. Train your employees in security awareness 6. Implement two-factor authentication 7. encrypt your data 8. use Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems 9. Use a Virtual Private Network 10. Inspect email traffic for malware 11. Keep your systems up to date 12. Regularly review your security posture 13. Have a security incident response plan 14. Educate your customers and suppliers about security 15. Partner with a security provider By following these 15 tips, you can help secure your enterprise network and keep your data safe.