You’ve heard the anecdotes and probably some real horror stories as well: hackers can suddenly bring a computer network crashing down or work undetected for months, stealing personal information.
The harsh truth is that given time, any system can be hacked. Hackers are always looking for new ways to breach systems, and eventually they find them.
However, you're not helpless. Like most thieves, hackers tend to look for easy targets. They scan systems in search of known vulnerabilities and out of date security software.
In essence, rather than break down a door, most hackers search for one that is unlocked—and when they find it—they walk right in.
Stay ahead of hackers with the following precautions and solutions.
Antivirus software: Install and update software designed to recognize and disable the malware hackers use to gain access to your network. Train employees to use this software as needed.
Patch Management: Keep systems updated by having a patch management strategy. These updates protect you from new hacker software and other malware such as worm related attacks.
Password protection: Insure that network passwords have unique, difficult to guess sequences. Avoid standard dictionary words or anything personal that can be easily guessed such as family or pet names. Change passwords on a consistent basis.
Network security is an ongoing job: One of the biggest mistakes in network security is to “set and forget”. Often a business will take strong measures to set up their network security, and then assume the job is done and they have nothing to worry about. Six months later the network is compromised. Hackers are always updating the malware they use to attack networks, so you have to stay one step ahead, which means constant vigilance.
Install a Firewall: A business network needs to have a dedicated firewall appliance controlling Internet access. Insure that your business has one of these in place, and not just a network address translator (NAT), which is not really a security device.
Consider physical security: With so many concerns about hackers coming in through the Internet, you might forget the risks of someone physically removing a sever from you premises. Have a locked and secure server room with limited access. If you don’t have a secure physical location, consider having your server hosted by a service provider that can co-locate it in a secure data center.
Network security has its costs, but they are minimal in comparison to the devastation that can occur if a hacker gains unfettered access to your vital business information.
In the world of digital information we now live in, having the right network security in place and up-to-date should be as common a practice and locking your door at night.