Network security is becoming more significant for businesses, governments and other organizations. Cybercriminals are developing new techniques to attack networks, and a network breach can lead to substantial costs and loss of valuable data. Fortunately, there are proven ways to secure your computer network that are easy to implement and highly effective. These solutions will keep your business safe from hackers and viruses.
Secure Web Gateways
By enforcing corporate policy and screening traffic headed for the Internet, a secure web gateway shields a business from risks to its online security and viruses. An on-premises or cloud-delivered network security service is a secure online gateway. By comparing online requests with corporate requirements to ensure that hazardous applications and websites are disallowed and inaccessible, secure web gateways between users and the Internet provide advanced network protection. To give businesses excellent web security, a secure web gateway incorporates crucial security technologies, including URL filtering, application management, data loss prevention, antivirus, and SSL inspection.
Install a Firewall
Firewalls are security devices that prevent unauthorized users from accessing network hosts. They typically come in hardware or software. A firewall can defend against malware and other dangers that aim to take over your device and data by being installed on your computer or network. These threats include viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and more. The firewall inspects all data packets that enter and leave the guarded network based on pre-established rules. These rules distinguish good traffic from malicious and block the latter.
These rules can be configured based on various aspects of the packet information, such as source, destination, and content.
Many organizations have multiple network segments, each with its security policies. The firewall must determine what traffic should be allowed and blocked on each element.
Install Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is one of the most proven ways to secure a computer network. It protects your device from viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and other malware.
Antivirus software protects against threats from emails, web browsing, or software downloads. It scans your computer for threats, warns you about them, and removes or blocks the threat if it’sit’s found.
These programs also limit your access to unauthorized websites that can expose your device to more malicious attacks. It limits your exposure to hackers, trolls, and other cybercriminals that may try to steal your information or control your devices.
A good antivirus program can save your device from costly repairs, lost data and other important files. It should be updated regularly to contain the latest virus definitions.
Encryption
Encryption is an essential tool for businesses that store sensitive data online. It protects the confidentiality of digital information, such as credit card numbers and messages. It uses mathematical techniques to convert information into an unreadable form, called ciphertext, which can only be decrypted with a key.
It is crucial in protecting data from cybercriminals, hackers and other unauthorized parties. It also ensures that only the intended recipients can read confidential information.
Healthcare providers must incorporate encryption features for patients’ sensitive medical information to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Institutions of higher learning must also implement security measures under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to secure student records.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor authentication is a critical security method many websites use to ensure that would-be hackers cannot access online accounts and systems simply by using stolen passwords. Instead, users must provide a second authentication factor — usually something they know, have or are – to log in.
It can be a one-time passcode generated by an app or website or a hardware token that produces a new code regularly. Some of these tokens are small, like a key fob, while others require a user to plug them into a USB port for use with a device. Other security measures are frequently employed in conjunction with two-factor authentication. It helps prevent malware-related attacks, which hackers can use to steal usernames and passwords that they then use to break into computers. It also can help businesses monitor who is logging into their sites and provide users with a secure way to reset their passwords.
Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response
With advanced endpoint detection and response, you can safeguard a computer network in one of the most tested ways possible. This type of security tool is an integral part of a robust security strategy and should be incorporated into every organization’sorganization’s protection plan.
EDR is an emerging category of solutions that use data collected from devices connected to a network to determine how malware and other threats infect them and how businesses respond to these attacks. These tools provide firms with a better understanding of how cybercriminals infect their networks and can also help prevent future infections.
Unlike traditional antivirus, EDR tools can identify threats that aren’taren’t detected by older antivirus software. It allows businesses to protect their computers from Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and other stealthy attacks.
In addition, EDR software helps businesses track users’ activities and monitors their networks for suspicious activity, enabling the company to act before hackers can do damage.
Today’s attack surface is broader and more complex than ever before. Includes the rise of bring-your-own-devices (BYOD) and the proliferation of smartphones and other Internet-connected devices that access corporate networks. These factors increase the risk of breaches, but a robust security strategy can mitigate this threat.
