It is also important to apply network security for small businesses. While many small businesses believe this is unnecessary, cybersecurity is a must, and no longer an option. If you want to thrive and further grow your business, you should think again, and apply network security.
So to help you start, here are ways small businesses can apply network security.
How to Apply Network Security for Small Business
1. Install a firewall.
To have a secure network, you need to install a firewall. Firewalls can be expensive, but they can also be free and easy to use.
The firewall is responsible for protecting your network from external attacks. While it can be costly, you might as well start with this one first. A good firewall will block incoming traffic and make sure that outgoing traffic is also secure.
This way, you will only allow the right people to access your network. It may sound like overkill at first, but you will thank me later when your business becomes big and you have sensitive information contained inside your network.
2. Hire a security consultant to do a risk assessment for you.
This involves having someone check your business and determine what kind of security measures you need. Also, he will assess what level of security is of priority for your business. This is the most effective way to start securing your business network. Because it involves an expert that can do it effectively without costing you a lot of money if you don’t have any idea how to go about doing so on your own.
If you do decide to do one on your own, make sure that you know what you are doing, or else it’s just going to cost you more money than you bargained for in the long run. Make sure that the security consultant has extensive experience in performing risk assessments for businesses like yours. Because there are some consultants out there who are not proficient in doing risk assessments specifically for small businesses like yours.
If this is their first time doing this for small businesses, then they may not know what they should look for in terms of risks, which could result in them overlooking some important risks that could potentially harm your business or cause disruption in service if they are not addressed soon enough.
3. Install anti-spyware software on all computers used by employees of the business.
All employees must use antivirus software on their computers so that if they accidentally download something suspicious or click on an infected link online, the malware will be blocked before it infects their computer system or network.
This is also known as spyware prevention measures because spyware can track everything done on the infected computer including passwords, personal information, user IDs, applications used by other people on the same computer system or network, or even online banking information.
The spyware can also make copies of files on the computer and can even be used to steal the identities of others who are using the same computer system or network. This is why you must install security software on all computers used by employees of your small business.
4. Restrict physical access to servers.
Physical access to servers is bad, especially for servers that are hosting your company’s website and data because if an unauthorized person gets their hands on them, they can do a lot of damage. This is why you must restrict physical access to servers and other network devices such as routers and switches.
Conclusion: Network Security Applies in Small Businesses Too
And that’s it. You can apply network security for small businesses, and you must do so because the protection measures have become even more important over the years. As cybercriminals get more sophisticated in their attacks, you must protect your business from them.
