Network security includes various measures and practices that aim to maintain the flow of data between devices, systems, and users within a company’s network. Network security can be maintained by using adequate network monitoring tools. Before finding out 5 ways to secure your network, let’s see why a secure network is important.

What is Network Security?

Network security includes all the steps taken to protect the integrity of a computer network and the data on it. Network security is important for keeping sensitive data safe from cyberattacks and ensuring the network used is trustworthy. A successful network security strategy uses a variety of security solutions to protect its users from malware and cyberattacks.

Networks are made up of interconnected devices, ranging from computers, servers, and wireless networks. Many of these devices are vulnerable to attackers. Network security involves the use of various software. Security is becoming more important as today’s networks are more complex and companies rely more on networks for cyberthreat business.

Security methods must evolve as cyber threat actors create new modes of attack on these increasingly complex networks. No matter what security method or strategy a company uses, security is the company’s responsibility to safeguard the important data belonging to the company and its customers. Every user on the network has a potential vulnerability on the network.

Why Network Security is Important?

Network security is important because it prevents cybercriminals from gaining access to valuable data and sensitive information. When hackers obtain such data, they can cause a variety of problems, including identity theft, asset theft, and reputational damage.

Every company has important data and sensitive information that should not be seen by external parties. Here are the 4 most important reasons why protecting your company’s network and data is so important:

1. Operational Risk 

Companies that do not have adequate network security are at great risk of having their operations disrupted. Businesses and personal networks rely on devices and software that cannot operate effectively when they have been compromised by viruses, malware, and other cyberattacks. Businesses depend on networks for most of their internal and external communications.

2. Financial Risks for a Compromised Personal Identity

Data breaches can be costly for both individuals and companies. Companies that handle personally identifiable information, such as account numbers and passwords, are required to keep their networks secure. Public exposure of data can be costly to the victim and the company can be subject to fines, damages, and the cost of repairing the compromised device.

Not only is it a financial loss for the company, but more importantly, the company is at great risk of losing their reputation. Potential customers will hesitate if their previous customer data is exposed, let alone misused by irresponsible third parties.

3. Financial Risks for Compromised Intellectual Property

In addition to financial losses due to the above issues, companies can also lose out due to the theft of their own intellectual property. The loss of a company’s ideas, inventions, and products can lead to the loss of business and the company’s edge that keeps them competitive amidst such intense market competition.

4. Regulatory Issues

Many governments require companies in their countries to comply with data security regulations that include network security aspects. For example, medical organizations in the United States are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Meanwhile, organizations in the European Union that handle data of its citizens must follow the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

If companies in the US and EU violate these two regulations, they can be fined, subject to certain restrictions, and possibly have employees sentenced to prison. The existence of these regulations is essential to protect citizens from cyber breaches.

5 Best Practices to Ensure Network Security

Ensuring the security of corporate data, maintaining smooth operations, and enabling secure collaboration all rely on the effective implementation of the 5 network security best practices below:

1. Secure Network with Firewall

Firewalls serve as digital gatekeepers, protecting corporate networks from unauthorized access and suspicious activity. Firewalls serve as a barrier between internal networks and external threats, controlling inbound and outbound traffic, and keeping company data secure. As such, it restricts unauthorized users and potentially dangerous data from infiltrating the network.

2. Ensure Data Privacy with a VPN

With the growing trend of working remotely, company employees often access company resources from different locations. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) plays an important role in security by encrypting the connection, ensuring secure data transmission even when using public networks.

VPNs build a secure tunnel between remote devices and the corporate network. This makes data interception almost impossible. That way, the corporate network will remain secure no matter where employees are working.

3. Controlling with Centralized Network Monitoring

Real-time monitoring is essential to quickly identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. By centrally managing the corporate network, IT team admins can gain real-time insight into network traffic, detect unusual patterns, and respond quickly to security incidents. This proactive approach is essential for preventing security breaches.

4. Implementing Effective Network Segmentation

Network segmentation involves dividing the corporate network into smaller, isolated segments to protect all corporate data from unauthorized access. For example, setting up a guest Wi-Fi network with limited access prevents exposure of the entire network to potential threats as only a portion of it can be accessed.

5. Improve Access Control with Centralized Authentication

Centralized authentication simplifies access control by connecting a cloud network or VPN to an identity provider, such as Microsoft 365. This ensures that only authorized users can log in and simplifies the configuration process. Employees can log in using their Microsoft 365 account, making access management more efficient.

With data constantly flowing between devices, systems, and users, optimal network security is critical. By following the five best practices above, companies can secure their networks and protect their businesses from the ever-evolving digital threats. Need help implementing network security? Netmonk as the first network monitoring solution provider from Indonesia that simplifies the complexity of network problems, offers products that are able to monitor networks comprehensively. Visit the Netmonk website for more product info.