As the number of threats originating from the Internet increases, providing enterprise network security is becoming a more difficult task. Hackers never stop coming up with new ways to break into networks and steal data. The response to these dangers is quite complicated. While many recommend the use of virtual private networks can shield you from all dangers, maintaining enterprise network security is significantly more challenging.
Dealing with enterprise network security involves securing several connected, related, and mainframes, systems, and gadgets. Enterprise security is also applicable to institutions like educational institutions and government departments, therefore it doesn’t just apply to private businesses. Security problems increase as these organizations’ networks get bigger and more complicated. Packet sniffing, setting up rogue access points, stealing passwords and other network access details, spear phishing, and so-called man-in-the-middle attacks are just a few of the many methods that hackers can use.
If you are new to the network and network security please read this post before.
Follow Secure Protocol
However, there are a variety of techniques available to help secure enterprise networks. Network security protocols are constantly evolving in order to deal with attacks. The latest and most secure encryption is suggested to use for example use of WAP3/WEP is recommended.
Create Guest Network
Do not allow external parties to invade your corporate network, instead, we can create a separate network for our visitors, guests, vendor, or anyone who is outside of the organization. It is also recommended to have a separate ISP for the guest network if possible.
Regular updates and Patching
In addition, IT professionals responsible for network security must regularly patch all software and hardware. Especially software updates are very important. Security gaps appear in surprising ways even in the most well-known programs. All you need to do is run the latest fully patched program. Otherwise, you risk compromising all other security measures completely.
Training The Users and Employees
The next part of security is dealing with day-to-day employees in an organization. This is where things can go horribly wrong. There are other things you can implement, which we’ll get to in a moment, but first, make sure your employees have the same level of cyber hygiene awareness as that as you have. Make sure to your employees that security is everyone’s job and don’t neglect training on network security principles, general cyber hygiene, secure workplace, different types of attacks, etc. Our network is only as secure as how strong the password is and the level of awareness of each employee.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Initiate the use of multi-factor authentication across your network and systems. This only makes cracking corporate systems more difficult. Strong passwords combined with multiple layers of security and authentication make your network more secure and complex to attackers.
Keep Changing
Keep changing your critical systems password based on your password policy. A strong password combination in 90 days must be implemented in all systems and to all employees. The reuse of old passwords should be banned as it may invite credential-stuffing attacks.
Regular Network Penetration Testing
Regularly conduct a vulnerability assessment and penetration testing of all of your systems and network devices to check their security posture. The vulnerability assessment and penetration testing identifies possible weakness and exploits in networks. After finding flaws, do not forget to patch affected systems with the latest security patch or update.
Regularly Monitoring Packets
Regularly monitor packets of the network systems to ensure that they are not communicating with unwanted or malicious IP addresses to the outside network. Different tools such as Wireshark can be used for packet sniffing and analyzing purposes.
Following the above-mentioned steps, we can uplift our security posture a bit. Do not forget that security is a continuous process and it should be repeated regularly.
