We’ve been talking a lot about security lately, but there’s a reason for this. We’re not exaggerating when we say you need to prioritize protecting your business. Whether you’re aware of it or not, your business is under constant attack. Many people fall into the trap of assuming their business isn’t worth the time or attention of hackers. They believe their business is too small to be a target. This is simply not the case.
Hackers Are Here
The truth is, hackers specifically target small businesses because of their poor security measures. Many small businesses spend less than $500 on network security, leaving their business and customers unnecessarily at risk for credit card, social security, and identity theft. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for hackers to hold network data for ransom, preventing businesses from accessing their company data and operating normally.
There are several ways for hackers to make his or her way into your network, if you follow the latest security recommendations and best practices, it is possible to secure your business.
Identifying What Network Security Is
Network security is any activity that’s designed to protect the usability and integrity of your network and data. By managing who or what has access to your network, you can protect your business from harm. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways and should not be limited to one solution!
That’s right… a firewall is not enough, though it IS a means of network security that is important to include. True network security is achieved by utilizing multiple layers of defenses to stop threats from entering or spreading on your network.
The Challenge of Network Security
The problem with securing your network is that there’s no easy fix – no “one size fits all” solution! Network security is a bit of a balancing act. You have to have the perfect balance between security, functionality, and ease of use. Otherwise, your security measures will not work or last. Fall too far towards the security side and you’ll see your business suffer from a performance side! Your business will suffer because it will be hindered from operating the way that it’s meant to. Fall too far towards ease of use and you’ll leave your business vulnerable to attack.
Network Security that Works
Network security that combines multiple layers of defenses at the edge of and within the network itself is network security that works. Each layer of defense implements different policies and controls, while still considering the usability of the network its protecting. A well-executed network security system will allow authorized users to gain access to network resources, but block malicious actors from carrying out exploits and threats.
The NIST Security Framework helps to make this possible. It combines a layered approach with a security balance by creating standards, guidelines, and best practices specifically designed to address and resolve security-related risks.
This framework is made up of a critical cybersecurity continuum that protects against and prevents network attacks through proactive processes. Identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover is the framework NIST created at the direction of the White House. It’s meant to be simple, understandable, and comprehensive.
The fact is, there isn’t one security measure that will solve your security risks. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework considers individual tactics (like firewalls and MFAs) that work together to provide total cybersecurity. This is important to every business because, as stated earlier, every business is as risk – all the time.
Making Network Security Work for You
You can prevent network breaches and protect your business by following best practices according to the latest trends in network security.
This, coupled with an understanding of how your business operates and what’s needed in order for it to function efficiently, will lead to a network security strategy that really works. With 24 years of experience as a managed services provider, we, at ABS, have seen it all and we know what to look for. It’s in our DNA! We don’t recommend security arbitrarily. We understand that keeping company data secure is a top priority for any business.
In today’s world, with technology always at our fingertips, you could be putting your sensitive data at risk for cyber criminals to compromise by hacking into email, software management systems, and cloud-based storage systems. That’s why network security matters and why you need a system in place that works for your business! Let’s have a conversation today and see how we can help you “The ABS Way.
