In the wake of the recent CrowdStrike tech outage, which affected millions of businesses and consumers across the globe, IT experts are highlighting the importance of enhanced network security.
But in a digital world awash in evolving threats, what exactly does network security mean? First and foremost, the definition extends beyond just physical devices connected in one physical office. Instead, network security should encompass every device that connects to your network—laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, printers, and even routers—whether those connections occur daily or only occasionally.
If it sounds complicated, CMIT Solutions is here to help. Since proactive network security should protect your systems, devices, data, and employees, we’ve compiled the following list of tools that should be included:
- Network traffic analysis. This 24/7 tool scans all inbound and outbound traffic, looking for indications of suspicious activity and protecting business-critical data. Smart analysis compares normal system performance with the results of recent scans. If anything appears amiss, reliable IT support can isolate the aberration and fix it before it affects other devices connected to your network. That includes specific issues seen on one device that could spell trouble for other devices connected to the same network.
- Enhanced system monitoring. Advanced security tools can better understand the risks targeting specific types of software and hardware. Properly deployed intrusion detection tools like SIEM (Security Incident and Event Management) and SOC (Security Operations Center) can identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them. By centralizing data from multiple sources, SIEM enhances the ability to address threats swiftly and bounce back from cybersecurity incidents.
- Smart email protection. Malicious emails are a constant threat to any organization. Hackers bombard our inboxes daily with countless phishing attempts—last week, thousands of municipal employees in Columbus, Ohio, were knocked offline after someone in their office clicked on an illicit link that compromised information. Smart email protection scans incoming messages using a combination of automated learning and human surveillance. These tools can block malicious messages before they land in our inboxes and adjust filters accordingly to watch for fresh threats.
- Device management protocols. Some businesses hesitate to monitor every device used by their employees. But all it takes is one rogue smartphone user downloading one malicious file to threaten an entire office network. Strong firewalls should be able to detect and prevent unauthorized access, and if any irregularities are identified, access is immediately shut off. This applies to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) tools, which are beneficial when managed by experienced IT technicians. However, RDP can also be exploited to infiltrate a user’s computer and change administrative settings, leading to infection from viruses, malware, and ransomware.
- Automatic security patches and software updates. In many cases, simply forgetting to install a critical update can lead to cybersecurity problems. In others, an ill-deployed patch (like the one that knocked CrowdStrike’s operations offline) can actually represent a bigger threat. At CMIT Solutions, our clients receive previously vetted and well-tested patches and updates automatically and during off hours when they won’t affect employee productivity. And if any new update isn’t performing well, we can immediately roll it back to avoid serious impacts.
- Regular, remote, and redundant data backups. Reliable copies of important company data are critical to survive any network security incident. Free consumer backup solutions aren’t enough for most businesses, either. Working with a trusted IT partner, you can securely and reliably back up your data to multiple locations—then make sure those backups are functioning properly and quickly retrievable.
- Immediate action in the event of a cyberattack. With network security and business recovery protocols in place, you can survive any incident. Fast action can often reduce the impact of a data breach or ransomware infection. If you suspect a device has been compromised, shut it down immediately and disconnect it from all Internet connections and local networks. A cybersecurity expert like CMIT Solutions can also change your company’s public IP address and scan the dark web to make sure potentially compromised information isn’t publicly available.
CMIT Solutions is committed to helping our clients strengthen their network security and protect against any incidents. We defend your data, build extra walls of protection around your network, and empower your employees to work productively and efficiently, even in the face of changing cyberthreats.
If you want to stay safe from evolving threats, better understand the network security landscape, or check for potential vulnerabilities in your devices, contact us today.