In 2020, the average cost of a data breach was a massive $3.86 million. Yet, many companies still don’t take IT network security management as seriously as they should. This negligence can have disastrous consequences.

Network security is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and vulnerabilities. So, how can you secure your company network? This article provides key insights to improve your company’s cybersecurity posture.

Understanding the Basics

To ensure your company’s network security, you must adopt tools, policies, and practices that safeguard data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Confidentiality is crucial as you’re legally and ethically bound to protect customer data. If your network isn’t secure, cyber attackers may access this sensitive information.

Data integrity is also vital. You depend on network communications and data transfers daily. Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of stored and transferred data is essential. If the network malfunctions, causing incomplete or corrupted data, it becomes unreliable.

Lastly, data must be available when needed. Slow or inaccessible networks hinder employee productivity. Various threats can compromise data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and insider threats. Each threat is unique and demands specific countermeasures.

Implement multiple layers of protection against these threats, such as firewall configuration, vulnerability management antivirus protection, and other intrusion detection systems. A multi-layered approach eliminates single points of failure.

Implement Strong Access Controls

Implementing strong access controls is vital for protecting your company network. Knowing who can connect ensures cyber criminals can’t access sensitive data. However, it’s not as simple as allowing employees access and blocking everyone else. Cyber criminals often use stolen user credentials to pose as legitimate users.

Thankfully, there are ways to protect against these attacks. First, implement role-based access controls, where workers only access parts of the network needed for their job. If extra access is required, they must explain why. This limits the damage attackers can cause if they hawhack an employee account.

Additionally, have a strong password policy combined with authentication protocols like two-factor authentication. This adds security by requiring identity verification through another channel, such as a text message with a login code. This method requires two devices to be compromised for an attacker to gain access.

Remember, regular security audits and reviews are necessary to maintain effective access controls over time.

Enhance Security with Data Encryption

Consider using data encryption. Encrypting data ensures it’s unreadable without the right decryption key. It adds extra security, as intercepted data is useless without the key.

However, encryption’s only effective when properly used. So, train your employees in correct encryption and decryption.

IT Network Security Management is Vital

Clearly, a well-structured it network security management strategy is vital in today’s business world. To ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, strong access controls are needed, such as multi-factor authentication. For highly sensitive data, consider using strong data encryption protocols.

Implementing robust security isn’t always easy, especially for non-tech companies. Partnering with a professional managed IT services company might be wise.

Inception Network Strategies is here to help you cut through the complexity and get your network secured. We have over 2 decades of experience in helping small businesses like yours keep their company networks operational and secure.

IT Network Security Management Guide: Workplace Edition