Consider this network security checklist in assessing your business’ overall network security health. Thus, make any necessary adjustments to keep security optimum.
Network Security Checklist
Businesses rarely conduct Network Security Audits, although unsecured networks are extremely vulnerable to intrusions. As a result, we’re releasing our network security checklist with you, along with security best practices, to assist you in securing your computer network.
1. Use a VPN
Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are a network security best practice that establishes a secure connection to a private network. The more secure the connection, the better your network’s security.
2. Implement a Firewall
A firewall is a software or hardware designed to restrict unauthorized access to and from a private network. In addition, a firewall is among the most important security practices for keeping your business safe from cybercriminals and hackers.
3. Encrypt Your Data
Full-disk encryption (FDE) encrypts all of the data on a hard drive (full-disk), with passwords protecting individual user accounts. Also, with FDE enabled on your business’ PCs, laptops, and other portable devices, if your device is lost or stolen, your data is protected. Encrypting your data also prevents cybercriminals from accessing your sensitive information.
4. Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software protects your business’ PCs, laptops, and other devices by scanning for malware or malicious software that could allow hackers to gain access to your private network.
A good antivirus program will automatically update its virus definitions — the list of viruses it can identify — so you don’t have to worry about updating the software yourself.
5. Install Firewall Software
Firewall software is another critical security practice that protects businesses by blocking unauthorized access to their private network. The more robust the firewall, the better your network’s security health.
6. Patch Your Software
Software vulnerabilities are used by cybercriminals to exploit unpatched computers and applications, allowing them to gain access to sensitive information and disrupt business operations.
Make sure you’re installing all available patches for all of your organization’s computers and applications as soon as they’re released — and apply those patches as soon as possible after they’ve been released to help ensure that your system is protected from external hacking attempts.
7. Update Your Virus Definitions Regularly
Your computer’s virus definitions should be automatically up to date regularly; so you don’t have to worry about missing an update and potentially becoming vulnerable to a new virus or malware. If your computer’s definitions aren’t automatically up to date, make sure you check for updates once a week and apply them as soon as possible after their release.
8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires users seeking access to a network or computer system to identify themselves by providing two means of identification: something they know (e.g., password) and something they have (e.g., access code). It provides an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access and is thus advised for businesses with sensitive and valuable data and information – like yours.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several things that businesses need to do to keep their network and data safe and secure. So if you’re looking for a more thorough network security audit, consider outsourcing professional services.
