Network security is one of the most important areas on which every organization needs to focus. Every company needs to save their data from network attacks and cyber threats. There are plenty of threats in network security that businesses need to consider.
How To Identify Network Security Threats
It is essential to identify network security threats as soon as they occur and install the necessary tools to counter them in the first place. Let us check some tips to identify and fix the common network security threats for the protection of data in any organization.
Malware/ Ransomware
Malware attacks are common for businesses with weak network security. The ransomware attacks are also becoming popular due to the creation of cryptocurrencies that allows hackers to demand ransoms. Such attacks infect the database, encrypt the data, and corrupt the files that lead to loss of data.
Therefore, a business needs to stay proactive and use a recovery strategy in case of data loss. Moreover, it is essential to have a data backup that business owners can use to recover their data. It is best to install high-quality antimalware tools to counter such attacks on your business data.
Computers Viruses and worms
Most of the computers in homes are affected by some kind of virus or malware. The viruses attach them to a host file and can stay there until removed by antivirus. On the other hand, worms affect files, documents like word files, spreadsheets, etc.
The best way to protect your data from viruses, worms and malware is to install premium quality antivirus software on your computers. To enhance the security of your data on computers, you can use a personal firewall to block access to your network by external people.
Enable the network visibility
The first step to improve your network security is to identify the potential threats and enable the visibility of your network. You can identify a threat only when it is visible. Therefore, you should use the structures on the devices connected to your network to achieve visibility.
Network access
It is essential to control the network access and make it available only to limited people in your organization. Create a network security policy that states the rules for access to your network. Not every person in your company needs to have access to the entire network. Limiting network access can help you evaluate the potential risks, reduce vulnerability, and make it more secure.
Firewall configuration
It is essential to set up a network firewall to control unauthorized access and cyber-attacks on your network. A network firewall checks the flow of data that is allowed to traverse your network. A firewall also prevents reconnaissance assaults but you need to configure it to activate IP scanning and port sweeps.
Physical Assets
Attackers can enter into your network through an outdated antivirus, firmware, device driver or endpoint devices. Network admin should restrict the installation of updates by employees to reduce the risk of random attacks.
However, programs like antiviruses, antimalware and firewalls should be updated as soon as their updates are available. Also, the installation and updates should be done only by the members of the IT team.
Phishing Attacks
These are the attacks specially designed to steal confidential data such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Such attacks target reputed websites, like bank websites, and those which contain sensitive information. They come in the form of phishing emails or instant messages and are designed in a way to look genuine.
It is essential to take care while checking the mails. Educate your employees not to open the emails from the senders they don’t trust and don’t click on the links in such emails. Also, never provide the passwords, credit card details, or personal details on any mobile app or website they don’t trust.
Advanced Persistent Threats
These are the cyber-attacks that involve an attacker code his way into your network and stay there undetected. Also, known in short as APT, it siphons your sensitive information like banking and personal information. APT attackers can use a variety of tools like malware, virus programs, and exploit kits to infiltrate any network and get access to sensitive information.
The best way to avoid such attacks is to segment your network to hide sensitive data. Also, create white lists to limit access to only authorized persons. Doing so will help to detect the usage outside the laid norms and take steps to secure your network from APT’s.
Covertel offers telecommunication and network security services to organizations in Australia. The company has its head office in Victoria but serves across the country. If you have a business in Australia, it can help you identify network security issues and fix them in the first place.
Final Words
These were some ways to identify network security threats in your company. The best way to use these methods is to train and educate your employees about network security so that they can take care of data safety while using the network. Moreover, startups and small businesses should create a security policy for employees to make their networks more secure.
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