5 Useful Network Security Tips for Small Business

5 Useful Network Security Tips for Small Business

5 Useful Network Security Tips for Small Business

Any business, despite its size, is at risk of cyber attacks. Small business enterprises are no longer spared from these kinds of attacks. Latest statistics say that over 40% of small businesses are at risk of attacks by cybercriminals. It is important, therefore, for these enterprises to take enough precautions when it comes to ensuring security of their network systems.

Businesses can no longer take the security of their computer systems for granted. It is good to put proper measures in place to avoid any kind of losses that come as result of a weakness in protecting systems. Large businesses have even gone to an extent of having experts who can frequently check their networks for any form of threats.

The world of cyber security has gone ahead to design courses targeted at training individuals on how to hack in to their own systems to check for vulnerabilities. One such course is Ethical Hacking Training offered by cyber security training firms. It is important for small businesses to also take this direction in order to protect their network systems.

Here are 5 tips to help you keep your business secure from any form of cyber attacks:

  1. Regularly Update Your system Software

Old software versions are more vulnerable to security threats. It is easier for cybercriminals to hack outdated software systems. The best thing is to make sure all your computer programs are up-to-date. If you must replace the hardware components of your Systems to keep your business safe, then it is wise to do so. Protect your system from malware and viruses by constantly updating your computer software. It is also very important to keep your PCs antivirus updated.

  1. Train Your Employees

Training your employees to take proper measures to keep your systems secure is very important. Make sure they understand the risks involved if they are careless in handling the company accounts. Downloading content from unsecure sites, giving out business information to scammers and sharing your computers with people outside the business are some of the things that open your systems to vulnerabilities. Human error can bring down your business if you are not careful about how you or your employees handle accessibility to systems data.

Train them to always use strong passwords as well as update them regularly and on proper sharing of systems files and handling of back-ups. This way, you avoid losses that may come as a result of mistakes that can be avoided.

  1. Employ Security experts

These days, there are professionals who handle computer security issues. It is important for any business to incorporate the help of these experts in their business.  Now days, there are people who are trained to hack their own systems to check for any loopholes or weaknesses in the system. These professionals are commonly known as Ethical Hackers. They are trained to hack in to their own systems to check for any kind of possible threats and to put in place measures to counter those threats. Their training involves knowing how a hacker attacks by doing exactly what the hackers do, then give solutions.

Employing or once in a while contracting these experts to check your systems is no longer an option but a necessity. Make sure you have such kind of provisions in place if security to your business systems is very important to you.

  1. Use Virtual Private Networks(VPN)

Hackers steal information from ill-equipped shared networks. A virtual Private Network is a safe and secure way of sending information across such shared platforms. It incorporates the use of connections specifically devoted to your network system. It uses connections and data encryptions that provide virtual peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.  VPNs also mask your enterprise IP address, thus establishing secure connections in the process.

It is not wise to use public networks such as WI-FI to send sensitive information as hackers might intercept the information and use it maliciously. It is best to get a VPN provider that can offer a secure network that protects online sharing of data.

  1. Incorporate the use of a two-step authentication system

Two-step identification, also known as TFA, involves the use of other methods in addition to passwords and usernames. Signing in to accounts mostly involves the use of usernames and passwords. A two step verification method adds another layer to the security of the system by making the user add more information that is more personal to them. Example is answering security questions that they had previously set. This ensures that the person allowed to login in to the account is the actual owner. A malicious person cannot gain access in to such a person’s private or business information. Small businesses should take such precautions to safeguard their data.

Conclusion

Security to your business systems should always be a priority. You cannot afford to lose data over human carelessness or by use of unsecure network systems. Your small business enterprise will immensely benefit from adoption of precautionary measures taken to protect personal or enterprise data. Having these measures in place would pay in the long run.

 

 

 

 

 

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