What is network security?

Your network is the interconnection of all your devices that allows you to access and exchange data. The trouble is making sure that others outside of your authorized users are not accessing the information in your network. The simplest way this is done is by requiring a password to authenticate users. Your network security key, or simply your network’s wifi password, is the front-line for preventing unauthorized users. However, network security protection takes more than just a wireless password. You need a variety of policies and practices in place to prevent unauthorized access as well as the ability to monitor and modify current access to your network and the devices connected to it.

Strong network security fundamentals

The most important aspect of your network security methods should be the prevention of threats. Your security system should be set up correctly to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network in the first place. Secondly, you should have a thorough monitoring system for full visibility to identify any potential threats. Lastly, you should have protocols in place to respond to problems and threats immediately. Using the proper network security devices and solutions help you maintain a secure network. Having a small business doesn’t exclude you from these potential threats, either. In fact, 71% of cyberattacks in 2015 occurred in businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Here are some best cybersecurity practices for your business to follow.

How to manage network security

Like we said earlier, passwords are the easiest way to authenticate a user, but they aren’t foolproof. All it takes is something as simple as a disgruntled ex-employee to wreak havoc on your network security. Here are a few examples of other common threats to your network’s security:

• Social engineering: These types of attacks are done by manipulating people into giving up personal information that could help the attacker access confidential information. These can take the form of emails from “friends” asking you to click an infected link or download a file. Always take the time to consider the legitimacy of emails or websites before inputting information or clicking anything.
• Phishing: This is a type of social engineering that plays on people’s trust, and is one of the most common ways attackers access a network. It might be a seemingly real person or company asking for help, looking for a donation towards a charity, or even posing as a boss asking for personal information. Protect yourself by authenticating the identity of a company or person before giving away any information.
• Malware: This is malicious software such as viruses, spyware, and other threats that infiltrate your devices. These programs can damage your devices or access personal information like financial accounts and more.

What can you do to manage these threats? Here are some ways to prevent and protect your network:

• Firewalls: One of the most basic components of security, firewalls are a first line of defense against threats. You can manually set rules and permissions while blocking access to specific sites. Here’s our post or more info about the benefits of firewalls and what can happen if you don’t have one.
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems: By having these systems in place, you can scan the traffic on your network to identify and block attacks.
• VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that creates a secure connection between your network and another over the open internet. This allows users to send and receive data without the security risk. VPNs can be really helpful, but here’s what to do if they aren’t working.

At Electric, security is integrated into everything we do at all levels from the device, to its applications, to the full network. The Electric platform takes care of your security headaches by implementing the latest best practices in the industry. We ensure that your data remains secure, even from us. Find out how Electric can work for you.