There are many tools that a network manager needs to keep their computers running smoothly. Possibly the most vital of these is system security. Network security prevents your database from being infected while reducing downtime caused by outside intruders. Here are some items that will help you with that task.
Antivirus and Antimalware Software
Antivirus and antimalware software can be installed to prevent viruses and malware from getting into your systems. If they do make it through, the programs will isolate the problem and quarantine it to be deleted. These bugs make it into your network through infected emails, particularly ones noted as spam. They can also slip in on external drives that are corrupted. If they activate inside your system, they can slow down your processes, lock them up, or demand a form of payment to let them go. Be sure to update the software frequently. New releases are sent out regularly to fight issues uploaded to the internet. You should also look into measures to protect any applications your company has built. These also can have gaps that can be hacked into. This can halt or damage your app and possibly seep into your network as well. Study the options that are on the market that will work with the apps you made and install them with the rest of your software.
Data Loss Prevention
Most organizations hold sensitive information in their systems whether it belongs to them or their customers. Employees can recall the specific items they need for their reports through data profiling including these classified materials. Leaking these outside your company can cause harm to both you and your client. Having data loss prevention measures in place will stop confidential data from leaving your business ensuring your and your client’s safety.
Cloud Security
Employees can now use your databases at home or in the office through your cloud service. It is convenient for both you and your staff as well as keeps your information off site where it is protected if something were to happen to your physical building. However, a system like this can be vulnerable to attacks from hackers. Those using the cloud can log in directly to it instead of going through the virtual private network and firewall between them. Installing preventative measures for your cloud servers will protect both your systems and your employees’ personal computers.
Network Access Control
Hackers look for holes in your operating systems to sneak in and steal information or place viruses in your computers. Limiting the ways they can infiltrate will cut down on the opportunities for them to do this. Putting devices in place that monitors which IP addresses are active, which ports are being used, and who has access to your network will shut down any external source trying to break in.
Behavioral Analytics
If you are part of a large corporation, it can be difficult to tell if something is wrong with the network. Multiple online users can mask something causing a problem. Installing behavioral analytics tools can alert you of any abnormalities that might occur so you are able to investigate and stop them. The tool scans your network to ensure the usage is consistent with what should be happening and notifies you when something seems out of the ordinary.
Email Security
The number one entry point of malicious viruses and malware is spam e-mails sent to your employees. What may look like an innocent message has a link to a website holding the harmful coding so it can download into your systems. Installing security software for your email will evaluate the mail that comes into your company and will block the ones that could hurt your network. Educating your employees to detect which ones could be spam will also help cut down on the infections also.
Firewalls
A tried and true method to keep your network safe is a firewall. This will block any intruder or damaging software from coming into your systems. This can come as a device you physically mount and plug your computers and servers into. It can also be software that you install into each piece of equipment. Many operating systems now come with a firewall built in. However, research whether this security is enough for your business or if another option is better. Intruders infiltrating your network can slow down the productivity of your company, shut it down completely, and cost your thousands in dollars to recover the data you lost. Investing in security measures can protect your information and keep your databases and employees running well.
