With recent news of attacks on sites such as Wells Fargo and Twitter, improving network security should be a top priority for any company. And when you’re a small business, such an attack could mean the difference between staying afloat and not.

So – how should you go about improving network security around the office?

Here’s our consultation:

  • Start with the basics: Encrypted pages, virus protection, and password security for email, network sites, documents – these should be the very first elements that have network security. If you don’t have them, apply them immediately, and if you do, make sure the requirements are extremely stringent.
  • Keep current: No system can be completely secure given the dynamic nature of technology, but that’s not an excuse to do nothing. Read about current attacks to know what hackers are up to, and apply security software updates and patches regularly to stay ahead of the hacker curve.
  • Monitor the situation: Once you have scheduled security tasks in place, you can still be the victim of attacks. However, by implementing network monitoring software and reviewing the details daily, you can prevent attacks or minimize them before they become large threats. Also, you can also use the information to find loopholes in your network system and close them up.
  • Third party vendors: Depending on the size of your business, you may not have the time and resources to implement the necessary measures and keep on top of them. If not, consider using a third party vendor whose expertise lies in network security. They can dedicate themselves to the safety of your business while your employees can focus on revenue-generating projects. That’s a win-win.
  • Get it in writing: Even if everyone understands the procedures in place, people naturally become complacent. Therefore, put your network security policies in writing and make sure every employee follows it. Periodic reviews of the document will allow you to make changes when needed. As a side benefit, potential clients will know that you are serious about security – which includes their data too.

No business can be completely safe from attacks, data or identify theft, or viruses, but you can make it difficult for attackers to penetrate your network. Preventive measures, combined with constant monitoring and formal documentation, can make all the difference. Of course, as a managed IT service provider, we recommend that every small business consider working with a reputable b2b IT vendor that can offer monitoring, support and consultation. But no matter how you go about improving your company’s network security, keep in mind that it’s an ever-evolving process and not a one-time tune-up.