Network Security- What is at Risk?

October 14th, 2013 by admin

This is a world of information exchange and nothing has become more important to the business world than securing their data from theft or damage. Technology is relentlessly evolving by the second, which makes keeping up with constant challenges of network security incredibly critical. Whether offering Internet access to patrons, protecting irreplaceable data, or providing an online shopping experience, it is critical to implement sound processes to effectively protect your resources through network security.

Accepting the reality of significant risk is the first step that many old-school businesses must get used to. There is always a degree of risk, deciding just how much is acceptable in a given situation is important. Until recently, IT departments held the primary responsibility to maintain security within the walls of their company networks. At the rate of change and challenge it is nearly impossible to maintain that degree of security in-house for large corporations. Today there are businesses whose primary business is to provide network security, keeping it held tightly under lock and key, often with guards. Not every size business can afford such grand specialty security and so there are varying levels of security available. Network Security can even come in the form of “Cloud” computing and storage.

Risk begins right at the login and password access, software installation and the particular hardware and software available within the facility. Wherever the security is located, it needs to be monitored and updated frequently. Managing security means understanding the risks and deciding how much risk is acceptable. This differs greatly from each organization and business. Getting to100 percent secure is unlikely and some acceptance of that can avoid undue stress. Focusing on major vulnerabilities that can be addressed within reason and within your price range is the most logical approach.

Anytime your network is connected via Internet, with or without your knowledge, a channel is open to the enormous amount of information and some risk of unwanted access to your system. With the Internet being communal in nature can provide malicious users easy access where they are not invited. The Internet can only be secure to the level of network security of that particular system.

Why Is It Necessary?

• Easy Access - Lack of security on your part is a problem that can spread to other innocent users if someone were to literally take control of one of your computers. (Yes, that is very possible) One malicious person can use any machine to launch a host of problems for you and for other innocent third parties through your machine.
• Privacy Piracy - Obviously, we hear about protecting your personal information all of the time. When you have client information on your systems you are entrusted to secure that information with great regard. If their records are compromised, you’ve just compromised a trust between you and your client, with potentially serious outcomes.
• Time Crunching - The process of finding and eliminating a virus, worm or other malware from your system takes significant time, experience and often-major financial resources. It is very common to have to have your system completely rebuilt or your machines replaced. Restoring data from backup memory may or may not include everything up to that date. Successful recovery from such an attack can take days, weeks, and months of valuable time.
• Preventing Loss - A few basic things to prevent a major or minor event from occurring and to speed up recovery would be the following:
1. Produce a Network Diagram - A network diagram represents your hardware (PCs, servers, switches, routers, printers, etc.) and all of the connections between them. The diagram must also include key information regarding the model and configuration for each piece of hardware (e.g., name, IP address, function, etc.). For network, list the speed / protocol for each link.
2. Comprehension - Assess and evaluate everything that happens on your network. Know exactly who uses your network? What kinds of hardware and software are being used? Be aware of what types of security policies, measures and technology are already in place. Get professional advise to improve.

What is Protocol?

Just like a fire-plan in a building, make sure that the staff understands the process and procedures to follow if there are any breaks in security. What is the protocol? Ensure that required staff or private consultant receive appropriate training. Be willing to seek outside IT support that can provide professional knowledge to protect your network.

Network security is a part of our daily life now. If everyone is doing their part to protect their own systems, it creates a safety barrier that will slow the predatory behavior of malicious network criminals.

Posted in: Business Solutions, Communications, Computers, Data Network & Internet Access, Ethernet, Fixed Wireless, Home Office Solutions, I.T. Services, IT Solutions, Security, Technology, Telecommunications, VoIP, Web/Tech