When it comes to network security, small and medium businesses (SMBs) with minimum resources find it difficult to handle. It is not necessary to always have a big IT security infrastructure to keep the data and information secured. All it needs is the proper planning and execution of security measures at the company level.
SMBs need to be on their toes to ensure proper network security. Here is a checklist that you can follow and implement when ensuring network security for your business.
- Up-to-date inventory
- Updated software and operation systems
- Protect user accounts
- Employee training on security
- Email security
- Firewalls
- Data recovery
- Cyberthreat awareness
- Response programs
Up-to-Date Inventory
Making a list of the inventory of all the equipment, solutions, devices, hardware, desktops, routers, and other items allows the SMB to know what they have. If any changes appear to the inventory list keep updating, constantly. In case of an emergency, the inventory can help the leadership team to analyze and prepare strategies based on the available resources.
Updated Software and Operating Systems
Constantly updated softwares and operating systems in an organization helps reduce the threats at bay. As new threats keep coming, updation is the only way to keep the data and information secured. Automatic updates, patches, security updates, etc can be automatically updated.
Protect User Accounts
A business use multiple accounts for all level of management. Deploy account restrictions, limit access, and monitor access by the users to gain insights and provide better protection. SMB can recommend the employees use unique passwords, 2-step verification (2SV), recovery accounts, and backup codes to protect their user accounts.
Employee Training
All employees need to be properly trained on security and threats to the organization. Create security awareness training programs to encourage them. It helps them to spot issues at the early stages and make proper reports or avoid falling victim. Audit and test employees on security risks and practical knowledge at periodic intervals.
Email Security
Different types of cyberthreat enter the business network through emails. Prepare scanning programs that can check both the incoming and outgoing emails for viruses, malware, and ransomware. Look out for phishing scams and train employees on how to avoid them.
Firewalls
Establish firewall systems for your SMB network to secure the link between the internal link and outside traffic. Firewall monitors the access attempts to your internal server or systems by outsiders. Based on the capabilities of the business, they can prefer to install either a software or hardware firewall for protection.
Data Recovery
Loss of data due to unforeseen reasons can be tragic for SMBs. Always have a backup data plan ready for such cases. From encrypting the data to storing it in multiple locations, SMBs can employ multiple methods to secure the data.
Cyberthreat Awareness
Even if software updates and endpoint security programs secure the system and data, it is not complete without awareness. Keep refreshing the knowledge on the latest cyberthreat landscape and issues.
Response Programs
SMBs should prepare a response program to react to multiple threats that can affect the company. Issues like network security, phishing scams, hacking, cybersecurity, data breaches, access theft, and data recovery need a different set of instructions to recover from. Ensure that you have response programs pertaining to each issue ready.
Let us know what are the threats that your business has faced and how did you tackle it in the comments below.
