Why Your Business Needs Network Security

As the business world becomes more dependent on information technology, safeguarding every aspect of your organisation’s online information is a key concern. In this article, we explore what network security is and what it means for your business.

Each second, a massive volume of data is exchanged among countless computers and other devices worldwide. While this has its upsides, there are some risks you need to be on the lookout for to stay safe. To make it worse, with many of us having to work at least partially from home due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are more exposed to cyber threats than ever.

To help you fully understand the significance of network security, our team pieced together this article. We also share the different network security solutions you could leverage to protect your sensitive business data from “bad actors” (hackers).

What Is Network Security?

The term network security combines a vast array of technologies, processes, and devices. In a nutshell, network security refers to a set of rules and configurations to safeguard the integrity, accessibility, and confidentiality of computer networks and information. It is achieved by using a combination of hardware and software technologies.

Regardless of your organisation’s size, infrastructure, or industry, you need to take specific measures to shield your network from the ever-changing threat environment out there. Attackers constantly look to exploit vulnerabilities across various areas in your network, including data, apps, devices, users, and locations.

What Are the Layers of Network Security? Because cyberattacks can occur at any point in the network security layers model, there are several aspects you need to be aware of when securing your networks. The three essential network security controls are:

Physical Network Security: These controls are geared towards restricting unauthorised users from physically accessing network components like cabling cupboards, routers. This can be attained by using biometric authentication or locks.
Technical Network Security: These are controls meant to secure data stored in or passing through your network. Not only do you need to protect your data and systems from external threats, but also malicious employees.
Administrative Network Security: These controls consist of policies and procedures that regulate user behaviour, including authentication processes, access levels, and so on.

How Can You Secure Your Network? Now that you know all about the different layers of network security controls, you can better understand the following security strategies:

Network Access Control: Comprehensive access control policies are critical to preventing bad actors from gaining access to your network. And they need to be set at the smallest level for both users and devices.
Antivirus and Antimalware Software: They shield your network against multiple malicious software like viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and worms by continually scanning and tracking files.
Firewall Protection: Firewalls form a barrier between potentially dangerous external networks and your organisation’s network. By defining a set of rules, administrators can control traffic into the network.
Virtual Private Networks: VPNs link your network to a remote endpoint or site such as an employee working from home. Data is encrypted between the two points, and the user needs to authenticate before accessing your network.

Looking for Reliable IT Support to Help You Secure Your Network?

An unsecured network puts your business at risk of suffering massive financial and reputational losses. Luckily, our security specialists at Steadfast Solutions are eager to help you create a safe, reliable network. We serve businesses throughout Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.