How to Improve Network Security
Common Mistakes
This article puts together a list some of the most common network security mistakes that are made by network administrators.
Password Usage: By failing to insert passwords and leaving passwords empty or easy to guess, illicit users can have access to sensitive data and information. It is recommended to choose passwords that contain a combination of numbers, upper-case alphabets, and lower-case alphabets. More importantly, it is necessary to change the password on a regular basis. Many businesses are at a security threat because they fail to change default passwords. Finally, passwords should not be shared among multiple users or networks.
Training and Education: It is important to educate and train users of the network. Categories like emails, downloads, document sharing, attachments, etc. should be clearly mentioned and explained to the users. Users should be aware of the various threats like malwares, viruses, spywares, phishing attacks, etc. that exist and threaten the security of networks and information.
Disaster Recovery Plan: A good disaster recovery plan would include regular backups of data. Re-setting a broken system is more tiresome than creating regular backups. Multiple copies should be created and stored at different locations in case of emergencies.
Softwares: Download and install multiple antivirus programs, spyware, malware, and adware protection scanners before connecting the network to the Internet. It is advisable to have a program that runs in the background to prevent unneeded and nasty content from being installed. After installing the software, it is very important to update the software on a timely basis. Failing to do so can result in making the network and its users insecure.
Security Patches: It is essential to install security patches as these patches can detect security holes in the operating system. If these vulnerabilities are not removed, they can pose to be serious security flaws.
Think Smart and Do Not Trust Easily: Advertisements on the Internet tend to look very trustworthy. Unfortunately, not all are and some can be conniving and misleading. Many a times, this devious content disguises themselves as important system messages and scam users.
Use Encryption: Failure to use encryption technology is as good as distributing data for everyone to view. This is very important when dealing with sensitive and highly personal information like bank details that can be misused. Read more about encryption here, <strong>Types of Encyrption</strong>
One Man Game: Setting up a network, running it, and updating security measures is definitely not a one-man game. Businesses should hire multiple technicians to manage different aspects of the network and its usage.
Get Users Involved: It is important to get all users involved. Many businesses fail to brief its employees about the security measures. These businesses raise a security threat, as its network users do not have a clue about how to use security tools.
