The subject of cyber security is heavily featured in the news lately, where there’s more than enough evidence to prove that threats to cyber safety and privacy are real. Small businesses, large companies, and independent business owners who make the mistake of thinking they don’t need to follow trends and advances in the security field take a risky gamble, especially as it’s relatively easy and even lucrative to update your security standards. Precaution is the best cure, and you owe it to your customers, your employees, your employers, and your shareholders to provide a safe environment.
Track the Behavior of Network Users
Who’s using the company network? Who’s using a company PC, laptop, or mobile device? Tracking software isn’t a bad idea if your business handles sensitive or private information, or if you suspect any employees of bad behavior. Tracking the behavior of anyone using the network allows you to not just see who’s doing what, but it also allows you to identify any unknown or unauthorized users.
Bring in Outside Security
If you are at all worried about the loyalty of one or more of your employees, consider bringing in outside expertise. Hiring a cyber security company to come in and sweep computers, hard drives, modems, and routers will not only reveal traitorous behavior, but it will turn up — and dispose of — any viruses or malware, as well. Also, the security company can then implement improved defenses on all of the devices the company uses.
Guard Against Internal and External Threats
Image via Flickr by Ed Ivanushkin
Your first thought is likely to protect your intranet, network, and business from external threats, and that is paramount. To do that, it is crucial to protect your company’s gateway layer. This is the point where all the computers and devices on the company’s network connect to the outside world—the Internet. Viruses and malware sneak in through this layer, unseen and insidious. No one will even realize there’s a problem until it’s affecting files and software. To prevent this, you need a security device that filters web content and features gateway anti-virus protection.
Your defense doesn’t stop there. Internal threats are just as worrisome, if not more so. It’s somewhat harder to provide internal protection because you have no control over the way employees use their company computers and devices. Updated anti-virus software helps manage the problem, but email protection is also essential. Malware filters in through websites and downloads, but virus-laden emails are even more threatening.
Improve Your Encryption Standards
Anti-spyware technology is just as vital as anti-virus applications. Encryption is critical for a safe — and safeguarded — work environment. Choose an impenetrable firewall, especially if you deal with sensitive information of any kind. That also keeps outsiders from gaining access to your private network. In addition to keeping your Wi-Fi network and passwords hidden, keep the SSID, or Service Set Identifier, safe from prying eyes. In the interest of additional security, password-protect anything that offers the opportunity.
What are you doing to keep your network safe?