Best Practices for Network Security

In today’s business world, data security is more important than ever. With the rise of cyberattacks and data breaches, it’s critical that businesses take steps to protect their network and their data. But what are the best practices for network security? And how can businesses ensure that their networks are secure? We’ll answer those questions and more below. The first step to keeping your network safe and secure is understanding best practices and how to implement them.

Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability

Robust network security requires understanding the difference between data confidentiality, data integrity, and data availability. Data confidentiality means that only authorized users can access sensitive data. Data integrity means that data cannot be modified without authorization. And data availability means that authorized users can access data when they need it.

These three concepts — confidentiality, integrity, and availability — are known as the CIA triad. They form the basis of all information security efforts. To ensure that your network is secure, it’s critical to ensure that all three components are in place.

Prevention vs. Detection

In network security, prevention is about stopping attacks before they happen using technology like firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Detection, on the other hand, is about identifying attacks after they’ve happened and taking steps to quickly mitigate the damage.

Having comprehensive prevention and detection systems in place is a critical component of implementing best practices for network security. And remember that no matter how strong your prevention measures are, there will always be someone who finds a way to bypass them. So it’s critical to have strong detection measures in place so that you can identify attacks quickly and take steps to mitigate the damage.

Best Practices for Network Security

And finally, there are a number of basic concepts that all businesses, regardless of size, should understand when it comes to network security. Before more complex measures are implemented, make sure you have these essential best practices in place:

Ensure all desktop and laptop devices have automatic updates for the OS and trusted software programs turned on so that all programs and operating systems are up to date at all times.
Train all employees in basic security principles (including strong, unique password usage and basic Internet security etiquette).
Require 2 step-authentication and utilize strong passwords unique for every account.
Provide firewall security and ensure your WiFi is secured, encrypted, and hidden. Keep your router password protected.
Install a comprehensive security suite on all desktops, laptops, and devices using the network. Security suite should include multi-layered protection through anti-virus, anti-phishing, safe browsing, and firewall capabilities.
Limit administrator account usage and availability and create separate user accounts for all employees.
Back up data regularly and securely.

In-House vs. Outsourcing

Understanding network security principles is the right starting point. But what’s the best move when it comes to actually implementing best practices for network security? You can manage network security in-house, or you can outsource your company’s network security to a trusted provider.

Some companies start by using an in-house approach to network security because it appears to have lower costs up-front. But over time, those costs rise. Managing network security in-house means that you are responsible for the ongoing costs of personnel, training, tools, and infrastructure.

In-house network security also means that you bear all the risks and costs of any future data or security breaches. The cost — whether from downtime, data loss, repairing or replacing damaged technology, or loss of customer trust in a data breach — incurred from even a single network security failure can be significant. Multiple security breaches or failures can cause catastrophic damage. That’s why many businesses choose to outsource their network security needs to managed IT and tech experts like CPI Technologies.

CPI Technologies provides end-to-end managed network security to keep your data safe and secure, and your technology fast, responsive, and reliable. When you choose CPI Technologies to manage your network security, you’re freed up to focus on what you do best: running your business. We’ll focus on what we do best: providing thorough, responsive managed IT and security services to cut downtime and keep you running smoothly.

Our network security program includes 24/7/365 real-time threat detection, a centrally managed malware suite, ransomware protection, spam filtering, compliance standardization, audit preparation, and instant response and remediation. If you’re ready to make the switch, or if you have more questions about our network security options, we’re always ready to help. Contact us today.

Since 1963, CPI Technologies has been offering IT services and office technologies custom-designed to meet the specific needs of our customers. Our services include Managed IT, Managed Print Services (MPS), Electronic Document Management (EDM), data backup, network security, VoIP phone systems, and more. We also offer top-of-the-line office equipment, including printers, scanners, fax machines, shredders, folders, collators, and all-in-ones. Let us show you how we can increase your office’s efficiency and productivity. To get started, please request a quote or give us a call at 800-337-2679.