How to Protect Your Network from Hackers

Monica Morris • November 28, 2018

Small and medium businesses are more attractive to hackers because they adopt cloud technologies faster, are easier to breach and also have valuable data. Even with a large number of attacks against businesses, many still don’t take security as seriously as they should.

While any business network can be compromised, planning ahead can help prevent or reduce its impact. The cost of IT downtime is high and an unlucky business may not recover from a network attack.

We discuss some protective measures for networks below.

Deploy the Right Software

Update all your business software to block vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of a network breach. Also, make sure your back up system is working. Every important file should be regularly backed up to multiple source and locations on automated mode.

Make sure you have firewall and SSL installed on your server and also regularly scan your operating systems for malware and malicious code. Only useful apps should be left on your system to reduce the points of vulnerability.

Lock Down Your Network

Most businesses have a wireless network through which employees are connected. WiFi is popular because it is convenient to set up and use. However, WiFi can be a strong magnet for hackers. Thus, you cannot be lax with your wireless network security because confidential and business info can easily be stolen through it.

Disable your router’s SSID and never use a default password. Your routers firmware should be updated to the latest versions. Insecure authentications such as WEP and WPS should never be used. Moreover, limit router configuration access to key staff.

Use Robust Anti-Malware Programs

Hackers discover new vulnerabilities as old ones are blocked. However, a good anti-virus program that is up to date can still block many attacks based on similar signatures. Anti-malware programs with network scanning functions are preferable because malware will usually spread through an unsecured network before they find a suitable host. Audit all your network infrastructures to know what assets need to be protected.

Secure Data Storage and Transmission

Even if you operate a closed network, watch out for eavesdroppers in your network. Hackers are after valuable data that can be easily stolen. You can make your business a hard target by encrypting all the files on your system and the packets transmitted through your network. Data such as credit card, SSN and bank details of employees or customer must be encrypted. A good solution for a business with highly sensitive data may want to consider utilizing full disk encryption such as Bitlock for PC and FileVault for Mac. End to end encryption of business communication should also be implemented.

Educate Your Employees

Many cyber attacks involve social engineer and phishing.  That is, a hacker pretending to be who they are not and getting a company staff to hand over important files or system access. The human element can render a sophisticated security system useless. You must train your employee to recognize common ways of attacks and the best response to them.

You should set up a company network policy which will guide your staff behavior when dealing with sensitive data and suspicious requests.

From the above, you may conclude that setting up a secure network is complicated and you would be right. The good news is that there are managed service providers (MSP) such as ourselves ( SDTEK ) that can help your business stay safe. Signing up with an MSP will remove worries about covering your bases on network security. With 24/7 security monitoring, they can easily detect and block hacking attempts.

Services such as network monitoring, backup and disaster recovery and other  cybersecurity task s should be outsourced to an IT support company. You may not feel any harm at the moment from a computer hacker, and there really is no way of telling when a hacker may strike. The best thing to do is to be prepared. Keep your network safe from hackers with the help of an expert – this is a security measure you will want to invest in for the safety of your company and your most sensitive information.

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In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity is more than just a necessity—it's essential to business survival. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and evolving in sophistication, leaving companies vulnerable to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. A robust cybersecurity strategy is critical to safeguarding your business from these growing threats. One of the most effective ways to enhance your cybersecurity defenses is by leveraging the expertise of professional IT support services. The Importance of a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy Every business, regardless of size or industry, is a potential target for cybercriminals. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, ranging from financial losses and operational downtime to legal liabilities and damage to your brand's reputation. This is why developing and maintaining a robust cybersecurity strategy is more important than ever. A strong cybersecurity strategy helps your business: Protect sensitive data: Safeguarding customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Ensure compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC2, to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Maintain business continuity: Minimizing disruptions caused by cyberattacks and ensuring quick recovery when incidents occur. Build customer trust: Demonstrating to customers and partners that their data is secure, which can lead to stronger relationships and business growth. While some businesses attempt to handle cybersecurity internally, IT support services offer a more comprehensive, proactive, and scalable approach to protecting your business. Cybersecurity Services Provided by IT Support Teams IT support services can significantly enhance your cybersecurity strategy by offering a wide range of specialized services. Here’s how they contribute to protecting your business: 1. Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Audits One of the first steps in strengthening your cybersecurity strategy is understanding where your business is most vulnerable. IT support teams conduct risk assessments and vulnerability audits to identify potential weaknesses in your network, applications, and infrastructure. These assessments provide a clear picture of your business's risks, enabling you to take targeted action to mitigate those risks. 2. Implementation of Security Protocols Once vulnerabilities are identified, IT support services implement security protocols tailored to your business’s needs. This may include: Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Establishing barriers that prevent unauthorized access to your network. Data Encryption: Ensuring that sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest, protecting it from cybercriminals. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding extra authentication layers ensures that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data. Endpoint Protection: Securing all devices (laptops, desktops, mobile phones) connected to your network from malware and other threats. Applying these and other security measures can help IT support services fortify your defenses against internal and external threats. 3. Ongoing Monitoring and Threat Detection Cyberattacks can happen at any time and often occur when businesses are least prepared. IT support services provide 24/7 monitoring to detect suspicious activity in real-time. Through advanced monitoring tools and threat intelligence, IT teams can quickly identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate into full-scale attacks. This proactive approach to monitoring reduces downtime, prevents data breaches, and minimizes the impact of cyber incidents. IT support teams can continuously update and patch systems to address emerging vulnerabilities, ensuring your cybersecurity defenses remain current. 4. Incident Response and Remediation Even with robust security measures, no system is entirely immune to cyberattacks. When an incident occurs, the speed and efficiency of the response are critical in minimizing damage. IT support teams are equipped with incident response protocols to quickly isolate affected systems, investigate the root cause, and restore normal operations. With a well-coordinated incident response plan, businesses can significantly reduce downtime, prevent further data loss, and recover quickly from attacks. 5. Security Awareness Training for Employees Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, with many attacks originating from phishing schemes, weak passwords, or social engineering. IT support services provide security awareness training to educate your staff about the latest cyber threats and best practices for staying safe online. Training employees on recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and securely handling sensitive data can dramatically reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a security breach. 6. Compliance Support For businesses in regulated industries, staying compliant with data protection regulations is not optional—it’s mandatory. IT support teams can help ensure your business meets all necessary compliance requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, or SOC2. This includes maintaining audit trails, ensuring data encryption, and implementing security controls to protect sensitive information. By working with IT support services, businesses can avoid costly penalties and demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data. Conclusion A strong cybersecurity strategy is vital to any business's success in today’s digital world. By partnering with an IT support service, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity defenses through risk assessments, security protocol implementation, continuous monitoring, and employee training. These services protect data and help ensure business continuity and compliance with industry regulations. If your business wants to strengthen its cybersecurity posture, now is the time to consider working with an IT support provider. Doing so lets you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and focus on growing your business with peace of mind. Ready To Strengthen Your Cybersecurity With SDTEK? Don't leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats. At SDTEK, we offer comprehensive IT support and managed cybersecurity services designed to protect your business and ensure seamless operations. Whether you need risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, or incident response, our team of experts is here to help. Contact SDTEK today for a free consultation and discover how we can enhance your cybersecurity strategy and safeguard your business. Protect your data, reputation, and future—partner with SDTEK now!
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