How secure is your company network? Are you at risk from cybercriminals who want to steal your data or even shut down your business? Let us discuss ways how to avoid network security threats in today’s digital workplace.
The threat landscape has changed dramatically over the last decade. Hackers now have access to a wide range of tools and techniques to attack networks. They can easily bypass firewalls and other security measures designed to prevent unauthorized access.
As the number of devices connected to corporate networks increases, so does the likelihood of a breach. Companies should take steps to reduce their exposure to these threats. Here are some ways to stay safe.
Network Security Threats in the Digital Workplace
1. Network segmentation
Segmentation is a basic security concept in which you divide your network into separate, isolated segments. This enables you to protect critical assets while keeping other parts of the network open for business. For example, you can separate your production network from user workstations and limit access to sensitive data or applications. You can also separate your public-facing Web servers from internal servers used only by employees.
2.Data encryption
Encryption scrambles data so that it is unreadable by anyone without a key to decrypt it. Implementing encryption on laptops and mobile devices protects the data even if thieves or hackers get hold of them. Encrypting data on a server makes it harder for attackers to steal that data when they breach the network perimeter. It also reduces the risk of information leakage in case of a breach.
3. Two-factor authentication
Most cyberattacks today are carried out through stolen user passwords, so strengthening password security is crucial for security teams. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection beyond passwords by requiring users to enter a code generated by their smartphone or another device to log in to their systems.
4. Preventing data leakage
One of the most common network security threats is data leakage. Data leakage occurs when sensitive information is accessed or stolen by unauthorized users. This is a particularly big concern in BYOD environments where employees bring their own devices to work.
Even without BYOD, employees still access company resources from personal devices regularly. To prevent data leakage, companies should enforce strict network access controls and require that all hard drives and flash drives are encrypted.
5. Compliance with security standards
In recent years, several high-profile attacks have made headlines for their shocking scale and sophistication. These breaches have cost companies billions of dollars in fines and legal fees, not to mention the damage done to their reputations.
In response to these incidents, many governments and industry bodies have introduced new regulations designed to strengthen cyber security and combat malicious activity online.
6. Employee education
Your company’s network may be as secure as Fort Knox, but that won’t stop a determined hacker if your employees are sloppy with their passwords or fail to follow other security protocols like using two-factor authentication or not plugging in USB drives they find lying around the office. Employee education is an essential part of any cyber security strategy because your people are your first line of defense against attacks on your IT infrastructure and sensitive data.