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Computer network security defects seem to be in the news nowadays, costing the organizations that fall prey millions of dollars. IBM reports that the average cost per incident in 2020 was $8.64 million for U.S companies, more than twice as much as the global average. The healthcare industry remains the most vulnerable and experiences the highest average losses.

The facts surrounding cybersecurity can be downright scary, and protecting your system is critical. Yet, it’s hard to know how to secure a network, especially for small- and medium-sized organizations that don’t have a full-time IT staff to oversee system maintenance.

Fortunately, business owners can implement several computer network security best practices today to secure their data and provide more impenetrable protection against hackers and viruses.

So there are some ways to protect a computer Network

• Update your password regularly
• Use the firewall and monitor its activity
• Keep your antivirus software up to date
• Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• Look for a professional
• Filter and delete spam emails
• Shut down computers when you are not using them
• Encrypt your file

 REGULARLY UPDATE YOUR PASSWORDS

When assigning passwords, begin by changing all default passwords. Forget using obvious phrases such as “password,”” dates of birth, ” “1234birthd,” and many others. Encourage employees to use strong passwords for added security. They can combine both uppercase and lowercase letters for added security.

Emphasize the importance of using strong passwords for your employees, because hackers are getting smarter and are constantly figuring out simple passwords. Change your passwords quarterly, but you can also change them as often as possible.

You could also adopt the two-step verification feature when connecting to your company’s network. This will enable anyone who wants to successfully access the system to enter the username and password of a code they receive through text or other means.

For added protection, use an encrypted protocol for passwords on your company network router. The best one is WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). Ensure that this protocol is enabled in your network router.

USE A FIREWALL AND MONITOR ITS ACTIVITY

A firewall is software or hardware created to block all unauthorized access to your computers and networks. It consists of a couple of rules that control the incoming and outgoing network traffic. The computers and networks that follow the set rules are the only ones allowed access to the access points, while those that don’t are barred from accessing your system.

Firewalls are evolving and becoming more sophisticated every day. Integrated network security platforms have been created, featuring various approaches and encoding to help prevent breaches.

KEEP YOUR ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE UP TO DATE

Failure to update our antivirus software is a significant risk and invites regular issues. Hackers will always ask you to “crack” your system and release new viruses to infect your system. Keep ahead of these hackers by updating the versions of your antivirus software.

USE A VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)

A VPN encrypts internet connections and data transferred through your network. It creates a secure connection between remote computers (home networks or computers used by people on the road) and other “local” computers and servers. VPN services often have a built-in feature that acts as a kill switch, disconnecting your hardware from your network when a protected connection is lost.

Look For A PROFESSIONAL

You could be successfully managing your IT in-house and thwarting hacking attempts. You might also successfully implement all these measures and ensure your employees adopt them. However, one employee might forget to change their default settings or click on an “innocent link” from someone they know.

The best way to ensure that you never experience such challenges is by hiring an experienced IT provider. An IT provider well-versed in the latest security threats will ensure your system is always secure. Working with such a profession will make you worry less about your security because their expertise will be used to monitor your network 24/7 and keep breaches at bay.

Filter and Delete Spam Emails

Phishing emails from hackers are crafted to entice your employees to open them and click on sensational offers or links. Spam filters have advanced considerably and should be leveraged. Even so, the occasional spam email may make it through, especially if a hacker mimics someone you know, like a professional colleague or a company you do business with. Employees need to use their common sense filters in addition to any spam filter software.

Shut Down Computers When Not in Use

When did you last shut down your computer after a long day at work? When your laptop is idle overnight while connected to your company’s network, it becomes more visible and available to hackers. YYou’re limiting their access to your network by shutting down your computer by shutting down your computer. And if they’ve already gained access, you’re disrupting their connection.

Encrypt Your Files

The thought of a hacker getting inside your networks is a significant cause for alarm. Imagine, however, their surprise when all they find is a bunch of gibberish. Encryption can protect sensitive data on Windows or macOS using software that masks your IP address. You can identify whether a website has been secured using encryption by looking for “HTTPS” in the address bar and a padlock icon.

Conclusion

Applying all the above measures is awesome. However, they won’t help you in your security matters if your system’s users are not embracing good security practices. Therefore, we hope this article will be informative for all of you.