Cybercriminals are constantly developing ways to attack your network and steal your valuable data, targeting every level of your infrastructure looking for a way in. This means that your approach to cybersecurity must be holistic and cover all the bases to avoid a potentially business-ending data breach.
Here are some general best practices you can follow to secure your network from end to end and prevent attacks from slipping in.
Stay current with all your hardware and software
Thanks to advanced cybersecurity tools and their developers, newly discovered vulnerabilities in hardware and software are typically patched quickly, and new features are developed to counter emerging threats. However, you can’t benefit from these developments if your IT is out of date.
You don’t have to stay on top of every new vulnerability or attack method that is discovered to stay safe from them. But you do need to regularly update your software and firmware to ensure you are benefiting from the manufacturer’s latest improvements. Set a schedule to manually check for and apply available updates, and don’t rely on automated tools.
Implement network segmentation
No defenses are perfect, but if your network is infiltrated, you can ensure attackers don’t get the keys to your whole castle. Network segmentation limits access between systems so that an attack on one does not spread to another.
For example, if your guest Wi-Fi network is compromised, your company network stays safe if it is properly separated. Segmenting also helps isolate sensitive systems like finance or patient data, reducing the risk of lateral movement if a breach occurs.
Encrypt, encrypt, encrypt
Whether it's in transit (like an email) or at rest (like a stored file), your data should always be encrypted, as cybercriminals will try to access it at every point in its journey. Use secure encryption tools for communication and apply disk encryption to all laptops and mobile devices in case they are lost or stolen.
Think action, not reaction
Real-time monitoring tools help you detect unusual activity before it turns into a full-blown breach. Endpoint detection, automated network monitoring, and intrusion detection systems all help you stay one step ahead.
If you don’t have an in-house IT team, consider outsourcing to a managed IT provider with a 24/7 security operations center (SOC). This gives you access to expert monitoring and incident response without the cost of building or maintaining the infrastructure yourself.
Address the human element
Human error is still one of the biggest cybersecurity risks out there, as one click on a phishing email can open the door to ransomware or data theft despite all your security software.
Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training to empower your employees to be the first line of defense against cyberthreats. Your training should include instruction on how to:
- Spot and report suspicious activity.Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Prevent careless sharing of credentials over email or chat.
- Secure devices at work, on the go, and in the field.
Provide training at least twice a year to onboard new hires and provide refreshers and updates for everyone else.
Seal off all points of entry
Every device on your network is a potential point of entry. Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even printers need to be secured. Use endpoint protection software that includes antivirus, anti-malware, and application controls.
Additionally, mobile device management (MDM) tools allow you to remotely wipe lost or stolen devices, enforce password policies, and control app installations. Implementing MDM is ideal if your team is hybrid or remote.
Build layers of defense
A single firewall won’t cut it anymore. You need multiple overlapping defenses to catch threats that might slip through. This layered approach includes:
- Firewalls (network- and host-based)
- Antivirus and anti-malware tools
- Spam filters for email security
- Application whitelisting
- Zero trust access controls
Each layer adds another line of defense and helps contain threats quickly if one control fails.
Get guidance from cybersecurity experts
You may not have the time, expertise, and resources to implement and maintain a holistic and effective cybersecurity posture, but if you partner with a managed services provider like outsourceIT, you don’t have to. For an affordable, fixed monthly price, our experienced cybersecurity team will craft custom protections for your business’s network and keep everything maintained at peak performance.
Contact outsourceIT for a free security consultation, and we’ll show you how we can keep you safe while you focus on your business’s core operations.
