Here at Creative Network Solutions, we are Preston’s leading IT support and network services experts. From secure remote access services to business VoIP, we are the team you can count on. And this is our guide to everything you should know about the network security mistakes that businesses should aim to avoid.
What are the biggest network security mistakes?
There are a number of common network security mistakes that are made by businesses of all shapes and sizes. But what are these mistakes? And how can your business avoid these? Well, there are several including:
- Lack of data backups- Backing up your data on a regular, periodic basis is crucial for any company or business. Back ups of your company data can mitigate risks in the event of a disaster or following a cyber crime, allowing your company to recover faster and reducing the financial and reputational losses you could otherwise suffer. If you do not have off site backup systems in place, or cloud backup in place, this is the number one thing you should set up to help keep your data and company safe.
- Lack of password security- Your passwords, and those of your employees are the first line of defence for your company. Without a password, people should not be able to access your network at all. However, as the first line of defence, passwords are also the first target for hackers and criminals online. While even the most difficult passwords are at risk of being cracked when worked at for a long period of time, basic passwords are incredibly easy to be guessed or cracked in no time at all. Social engineering can also be used to gather information to guess basic employee passwords. This is why a strong password policy should be enforced, asking employees to use 12 to 16 characters with a combination of letters, numbers, uppercase letters, and special symbols. These should then be changed on a regular basis.
- Lack of professional quality security software- Security software is crucial for any company or business, no matter how large or small. And this means that your company should not be running on free anti-virus software, and should instead be using professional level security. From anti-malware software, to firewalls and email security software, your company may need to use a range of professional security tools to maintain a high level of network security. Unfortunately, too many small businesses are neglecting this step, leaving them open to all manner of cyber attacks.
For more information or advice about your network security, systems, why not get in touch with the experts today, here at Creative Network Solutions.