Network security is an issue that is increasingly important as businesses and even households shift more workflow processes and key tasks to the network and into the cloud. While some users may find it a challenge to protect even a single digital device, keeping an entire network secure can be a tall order for even the most tech-savvy users. From being able to identify an underlying vulnerability to knowing when to call in the professionals, the following tips can go a long way towards ensuring networks, systems and essential data are able to be kept safe and secure.
Identifying and Assess Vulnerabilities
Lacking a basic awareness of a network setup means that any number of threats may manage to escape notice. A complete assessment of a network setup, endpoint vulnerabilities, as well as any security issues that may originate from within a linked system or device, can provide a wealth of useful information. Being unable to successfully direct security efforts often means that security issues are allowed to go unresolved. Network owners would be wise to ensure that they are able to base their decisions on the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Prioritizing Threats
While no linked network can ever be made 100 percent secure, prioritizing both potential threats, as well as the security responses and solutions needed to mitigate them, can go a long way towards ensuring a network is able to remain safe from attack. Addressing the most pressing security vulnerabilities should always be done before less imminent threats or risks are dealt with. Network owners who have only finite resources to work with stand to benefit a great deal by prioritizing potential threats in order to ensure that the most serious security concerns are given the attention they need.
Automated Security Solutions
Automated software and applications can provide a great way to enhance security. The latest automation solutions mean that lacking the time or manpower needed to properly monitor and maintain a network does not have to become a liability. Even the most diligent conventional efforts to monitor a network are not always as consistent as they could be, but automating core aspects of their security routine and monitoring protocol can help to ensure that all data and attached devices are able to benefit from a superior level of protection. Automation may be especially valuable to network owners and organizations that are struggling to make due with limited IT support, manpower or other essential resources.
Professional Services and Solutions
There is only so much that even a well-equipped organization may be able to do in-house. Seeking out the services of an IT contractor, digital security firm or a service provider that specializes in endpoint detection and response may prove to be the best way to deal with the matter. Business and network owners who may find themselves out of their element when it comes to dealing with digital security would do well to seek help from a third-party provider. Working alongside a qualified and experienced IT provider or security specialist ensures that a wider range of potential network security issues are able to be discovered and addressed before they have an opportunity to create larger or more serious problems.
Maintaining a More Secure Network
Constant vigilance is essential for ensuring that digital infrastructure is able to remain safe from harm. Adopting a long-term view makes it much easier to ensure that maintaining network security may be done without issue. Digital security threats are constantly evolving and allowing network security resources or solutions to fall behind could become a major concern. A stagnant or antiquated approach to digital security could end up costing those network owners who fail to make security and maintenance an on-going concern far more than they might imagine.
Conclusion
Keeping your network secure can be a tall order, but it doesn’t need to be as challenging or intimidating as it initially appears. Don’t be afraid to reach out to outside security sources, and read up on as much information as you can. Following the steps above can help assure you keep your websites, personal information, and other systems safe from cyber attacks.
About the Author: Rick Delgado is a freelancer tech writer and commentator. He enjoys writing about new technologies and trends, and how they can help us. Rick occasionally writes for several tech companies and industry publications. Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this and other guest author articles are solely those of the contributor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Tripwire, Inc.
