Every industry leveraging the internet needs to institute viable network security features to keep away unauthorized access, viruses, and other potential threats to their network security.
Beyond keeping your network safe, good office network security features also help your network operate better.
These seven tips will help in the process of optimal office network security:
1. Consider Passphrases With Numbers, and Special Characters
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 2017 affirms that the new password policy framework requires a memorable password between 8 and 64 characters — with at least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number, and special characters excluding & % # @ _.
Pick extended characters you can remember without them being revealed in any document that could leak out in the open. Use at least 15 characters — the longer the password, the harder it is to guess. And whenever it appears that you can’t remember it, consider password reset.
Also, try to refresh your passwords at least once every year.
2. Ensure Date Encryption With a Virtual Private Network
A virtual private network works as a long cable connection between your office server and your remote. VPNs encrypt network traffic and hide your identity from online surveillance software or cyber-attacks.
So, if you surf the internet with a VPN, the selected VPN server becomes your data source. Meaning that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and websites you visit will not be able to uncover your true identity. And even if someone tries to lay their hands on your data, it will be useless to them.
3. Update Your Antivirus Software Often
Good antivirus software will identify, quarantine, and eliminate active malware such as viruses, worms, and ransomware. Keeping your antivirus software updated often will make your computers equipped to combat new attacks.
Antivirus software is relatively easy to install and update. Suppose you do not have one yet. While it may not require high technical support, it is very efficient in securing devices and files.
You may also consider enabling automatic virus definition updates to position your network on top of the latest malware.
4. Regularly Backup Data
Sometimes you might be caught off-guard. You may not be able to explain it, but sometimes it happens, and your network may be at dire risk. Besides, other situations such as system crashes, a hard drive failure, or corruption would also warrant backing up your data regularly. And that is critical to securing your business information and documents.
Invest in a physical external hard drive with sufficient storage to back up every critical piece of data. And also, leverage cloud storage, removable media. Consider your address books, videos, emails, spreadsheets, financial databases, and every necessary document.
5. Use Multi-factor Authentication or 2FA
Multi-factor authentication is a method of authentication done electronically to offer user access to an application or website after providing two or more proofs to an authentication mechanism.
The MFA strategy helps to further secure office data and financial assets from being penetrated by unauthorized activity. It adds a layer of security to the widely used username and password combination. You’ll be required to input an extra form of ID such as a face scan, fingerprint, personal identification code, or a code generated by an app.
6. Avoid Auto-Connect To Public WiFi
It can become a juicy spot for potential hackers as easy as it may seem to build that WiFi connection. While you may have occasions where public WiFi becomes the most available option to check your email quickly, do not start that connection without a VPN to encrypt your data.
Also, encrypt your login details by enabling the Always use HTTPS option, disable Airdrop for everyone on your iPhone, and turn off sharing your office folders and files.
7. Change Every Default Admin Logins
It could be on your new wireless router, modem, or a website with generic admin login Information; consider changing it speedily to boost your office network security.
Creating new admin passwords will secure your data and provide you with private login when you need to perform specific tasks on your PC. Besides, you will be able to recover it quickly if you lose it.
Conclusion
As a bonus tip, stop broadcasting your SSID. Your WiFi router broadcasts your SSID at intervals for network surfers. Disable the feature and provide the SSID and password to customers and clients to improve your office network security. You may also be able to prevent unwanted viewing of your private network by offering a guest SSID.
