Security for an Insecure World

Cyber risks are increasing and cyberattacks are becoming even more powerful. A cyberattack can be a setback for a multinational enterprise, whereas it can be ruinous for small and medium-sized firms. A small business might simply go out of business if it loses important confidential business data, including valuable trade secrets, or compromises sensitive consumer data. 

Network security might appear to be intimidating and time-consuming, ranging from antivirus software installation to firewall configuration and password protection techniques. The best way to start is by evaluating which sections of your infrastructure are insecure. To stop viruses, bugs, and cyber threats from your network infrastructure, a robust multi-layer security solution should be developed. 

The magnitude and complexity of the latest cyberattacks should serve as a warning to businesses that relying on antivirus software for security is no longer sufficient. 

Businesses should instead build a multilayered cybersecurity architecture that guarantees comprehensive protection against cyberattacks. A layered security service includes multiple tiers of security that, when combined, makes it highly challenging for intruders to infiltrate a network. Although if one security mechanism fails, the next one will block the attack. 

Check out some of the Top Security solutions that your business must have to secure IT infrastructure from cyber threats: 

Endpoint Antivirus Solution 

It is particularly important to equip your workplace network with endpoint antivirus software. Top antivirus manufacturers work tirelessly to find new threats and keep their software up to date. Although some antivirus solutions outperform others, it is indeed important to choose an antivirus package with a formidable reputation and ignore freemium at all costs. 

You should possess two tiers of antivirus protection. 

1.  Firstly, install software on your email server or incoming email gateway beforehand to detect email threats sent to the firm. 
2.  Secondly, every Computer system must have its antivirus installed to capture malware that might have escaped the above level of protection. This protects against viruses on Flash drives and external storage devices as well. 

IT Network Firewalls 

A firewall is essential for every business network. It could either be part of your antivirus technology or a standalone solution. 

Firewalls restrict cybercriminals and unauthorized users from accessing your network. They are configured to permit specific types of internet data while limiting others. 

Firewall configuration is sometimes extremely complex; therefore, it is a great idea to get your configurations inspected by an IT security expert. 

Every network access point, especially personal PCs, should include a firewall. Whenever a file is transmitted over the internet, it is instantly divided into small bits known as packets. Each packet is tagged with a unique number. The packet maintains a record of where it came from and where it is going. 

By using data, a specific feature called a packet filter can prohibit data from getting received or sent from unauthorized or vulnerable IP addresses. 

Software Installation, Patching, and Upgradation 

Computer operating systems are complex, and cyber criminals are always innovating new methods to bypass their security features. This is the reason major software firms such as Microsoft and Apple offer important security patches regularly. Whenever a firmware patch is available, it is always recommended to update it as soon as possible to minimize the possibility of a cyber-attack. 

Businesses should avoid using outdated operating systems like Windows 7 because of their numerous vulnerabilities and inadequate maintenance. Furthermore, it is important to uninstall old and outdated software that is no longer in operation, because cybercriminals might easily break into outdated applications. 

Secured Network for Internet Access 

To interconnect users to respective core servers, most businesses employ an integrated local area network (LAN). If employees have unlimited internet access, the entire system is open to cyberattack. One technique to avoid this is establishing a separate secure network for servers and other applications connected to the internet. This is known as a DMZ network. 

A DMZ network permits unique policies for web traffic to be implemented, protecting the less-secure internal LAN from intrusion. 

Network security can be improved by following the "principle of least privilege." This implies that access to multiple services is restricted to those who require it, based on their IP address or login credentials. 

Verifying the Credibility of Files & Data 

To get into a business’s infrastructure, a cybercriminal would keep modifying a file or repeatedly use a piece of software. One method for identifying such attempts is to evaluate the file's checksum - a long digital number created dynamically from the contents of the file. 

Each unique file is assigned a unique checksum, which is used to confirm that the file did not get damaged while being transferred from one computer to another. If the file has been hacked, the checksum alters, indicating that something is incorrect. 

The checksums of commonly used software packages are validated and permitted into the system. Similarly, known malware is detected and rejected by its distinct checksum. Any files with undocumented or questionable checksums can be isolated for verification and deleted from the business network to stop them from connecting to the network. 

Detecting Possible Intrusions 

Despite the use of innovative network security solutions, your infrastructure might encounter cyberattacks at some point. If the above occurs, you must have the technology in place to detect the intrusion immediately to execute corrective measures to terminate the intruder and safeguard your network. 

One technique to spot an effective strike is to keep an eye out for abnormal online activities. This could indicate the transfer of compromised data. Thankfully, routers and firewalls record all internet traffic. These statistics keep track of the size of each file, where it originated from, and the IP address to which it was transferred. The logs are then automatically examined and compared to regular internet traffic if any anomalous data transmission is reported and prevented. 

Start Upgrading Your Network Security Now 

Is your business network missing one or more of these important security solutions? There is no better time than now to reinforce your network's security and address security gaps before a hacker discovers them. 

Apart from the humiliation of compromising confidential client data, you might face significant financial consequences and damage to your company's brand value. 

You can prioritize your operations, develop an action plan, and address the most significant issues immediately. 

Contact us today to schedule a security assessment for your company. We will propose the best IT security solutions to restore gaps and keep your network protected and safe. 

This network security inspection can be performed either once or twice a year to keep track of your ever-changing IT demands or technological advances. For further information, submit an online inquiry at info@vareli.co.in.