9 Ways to Boost Your Business Network Security

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Industries are experiencing a growing number of high-profile cybersecurity information security incidents regularly. Every day, numerous new and distinct instances of malware, attacks, and vulnerabilities are uncovered. It can be quite overwhelming if one is observant.

With the abundance of security approaches, frameworks, tools, and techniques available, IT Managers and leaders often face challenges in determining which initiatives should take precedence and the reasons behind those choices. This article aims to explore the most crucial factors that offer the greatest potential for securing information security in your company’s business network.

Refine Your Identity Management Architecture

Information systems and applications rely on access control assumptions, such as the existence of an authoritative user database. Previously, Microsoft Active Directory was commonly used, but now businesses have diverse operating systems and may lack a centralized user information security database.

Maintaining identity management systems is vital, including blocking attackers by removing old accounts and implementing robust onboarding/offboarding processes. Organizing the identity solution has wide-reaching effects, and stronger passwords and MFA tokens enhance security.

Modernize Your Password Technology

Password managers enable secure password practices for all users across your organization. They are not limited to power users or administrators; they are designed for everyone. Supporting technology is essential to expect users to meet rigorous security standards. With password managers, users can easily generate unique, complex, and longer passwords for each account.

Initially, there might be resistance to this change. However, guiding users through the technology and helping them update their critical daily passwords will promote adoption.

Encrypt All Endpoints

Windows, Mac OS, and Linux support robust full-disk encryption. Users usually won’t notice when encryption is initiated. Back up encryption keys securely in case data recovery is necessary. Concerns about data loss, complexity, and performance have been largely overcome. Power users may experience slight latency, but most won’t notice unless the systems are outdated.

Setting a BIOS password can further secure systems. Disk encryption addresses theft or loss risks, especially for mobile devices. Encrypting hard drives and enforcing them through group policies solves this issue. Data breaches from physical theft are damaging, so encryption is crucial.

Backup Your Data To The Cloud.

Cloud backups are affordable, widely available, and easier to implement than traditional methods. They cover server, workstation, and laptop data, protecting against theft and corruption, and ensuring business continuity.

Today’s backup clients are user-friendly, but some providers still have slower restore times. It’s recommended to find a stronger player that operates individually. Cloud backups also address the threat of Crypto Ransomware, allowing reimaging and data restoration even after network infection.

Stop Phishing

Phishing, a common method used by hackers for years, can be mitigated through technology. Hackers now target systems by luring employees with phishing emails, causing significant losses to businesses. Implementing SPF, DMARC, and DKIM on corporate email systems is crucial.

Office 365 and many other vendors offer advanced threat protection and provide user training to identify and report suspicious emails. These measures, along with email security products, reduce the phishing threat.

Implement Unified Security Management

Network and system compromises are inevitable. Robust logging infrastructure is crucial for understanding breaches and responding quickly. Logging access logs, OS logs, endpoint protection logs, firewall logs, DHCP logs, and application session logs is necessary. Seek guidance from professionals for logging requirements.

Logging and event monitoring are both important. Utilize NTP for synchronized time and establish a comprehensive logging infrastructure. Fine-tune monitoring to generate actionable alerts. Lack of monitoring increases the risk. Someone should actively monitor or respond to monitoring systems.

Upgrade to the Latest Endpoint Protection

Endpoint protection software, originally known as anti-virus, has evolved to address malware challenges. Traditional signature-based scanning was easily bypassed, leading to advanced approaches. These solutions allow admins to whitelist safe applications or run unknown ones in isolated sandboxes. They leverage cloud connectivity for accurate threat detection.

Centralized reporting, rule enforcement, and updates streamline management. Modern endpoint protection intercepts and stops malware execution.

Upgrade Your Perimeter and Your Internal Network

Traditional firewalls are inadequate at network edges. Next-generation (NG) firewalls offer essential features for network security. They come in various sizes and prices, such as FortiGate.

Next-generation firewall features features include malware scanning of all traffic, including encrypted traffic, and application control. SSL inspection allows the scanning of TLS traffic. Network segmentation, VLANs, and separating guest networks are also important. Basic perimeter prevention isn’t enough against daily infiltration attempts. NG firewalls and network segmentation enhance security.

Single Sign-on

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication method where users log in once to a central system and gain automatic access to integrated external systems. Many SSO vendors offer similar features, information security relying on authoritative identity management stores.

SSO reduces complexity by centralizing authentication, eliminating the need for multiple usernames and passwords. This saves time for IT teams and end users, streamlining access and enabling automation.

Conclusion

While these techniques alone cannot guarantee absolute security or make a company invulnerable to all threats, they do address the most frequently exploited attack vectors faced by businesses today. By implementing these measures, companies can effectively tackle around 80% of their security challenges, making it an excellent starting point.

Although these recommendations are often straightforward and widely known, the key is to actively adopt and fully implement them within your environment. Taking action and following through with these measures is crucial for enhancing your overall security posture.