Your business generates a lot of data and the security of that data if not taken care can have significant consequences across entire organizations. Small businesses are at higher risk of being hacked as they have minimal cybersecurity and a moderate amount of data. Approximately half of small businesses face a cyber-attack.
Basic security considerations for a small business are very rare as they don’t have IT departments dedicated to monitoring their cybersecurity like enterprise companies.
If you are unprepared for a cyber-attack, your business is at higher risk. Hackers can steal employee details, customer information, vendor data, and money. A data breach can harm your relationships with customers, vendors, and employees. And, nearly half of small businesses that have a cyber-attack go out of business in six months.
Technology has been the base for data protection. Although cybersecurity threats continue to emerge, the tools preferred by businesses to prevent them also do increase. To counteract a next-generation threat, network security prevention methodology for a small to medium-sized business should be such.
Now let’s have a quick check on five on-boarded technology and easily accessible solutions for small business network security.
1. NGFWs with Intrusion Protection (IPS) or firewalls
The firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and is the most recommended small business security solutions. They choose whether to block or allow specific actions on a network, at times based upon deep packet inspection (DPI) or advanced analysis.A firewall is often considered as the first line of defense for most companies/organizations. A good next-generation firewall (NGFW) when selected should easily cut risk exposure by 50%, but they are so pervasive, attackers precisely build their spells to be invisible to even the most cutting-edge firewalls and NGFWs on the market. Thus, there remains a need for a multi-layer approach to protection.
2. Cloud-based Security
Without having to onboard their own internal teams and infrastructure, small businesses can avail enterprise-grade security solutions by transitioning their data to the cloud. There is no need for any hardware or software and cloud-based solutions can be swiftly and easily organized and is far less expensive than hosting the system yourself.
It is necessary to request the maximum level of protection from the cloud provider as cloud-based solutions are not immune to attack. There might be challenges when using cloud storage if PCI and HIPAA regulations are not kept in mind. Before signing anything always ensure the storage is “compliant”.
3. Endpoint Protection
Anti-virus and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools prevent entry point threats and constantly monitor every file and system process running on a business’s endpoints. Moreover, VPNs can be used to secure the communication channel to and from network resources. Advanced threats like malware and ransomware can be actively uncovered with these tools and administrators can accept which laptops or desktops, and mobile devices can access the network and from where. For added protection, VPNs particularly encrypt a device’s data stream allowing employees using (EDR) endpoint protection on their mobile system to use a public Wi-Fi signal without any additional security risk.
VPNs can be a good friend if the endpoint is secured but also they can be enemy if a machine connected to the small business VPN is conceded locally—unexpectedly providing a direct conduit to the small business’s data and network. It becomes increasingly challenging to find the attacker as it comes from your trusted machine. Small business cybersecurity plans like “Zero Trust” are deployed to help customers defend their data from cybercriminals.
4. DNS Protection
Domain Name Service (DNS) is used for every connection to the cloud, the Internet, and just about every connection to internal applications as well.DNS protection regardless of what type of device is communicating is very influential and when done correctly, can be the greatest investment you can make to protect your data on and from a network. Some of the top-rated DNS protection services also provide protection from “doubtful” sites that may be using an IP address when seen for the very first time on the Internet leveraging algorithms and data analytics. Just as firewalls are the first line of defense for networks touching the Internet, DNS protection is best to avoid cybersecurity threats for small businesses. It is the first line of defense for all network communications that cooperate with the small business, even from the firewall.
5. Email Gateway Security
Advanced malware and ransomware are still prevalent. Via email, this malicious code can enter your organization in the majority of cases. It thus becomes essential to secure your email gateways. The key to a good email security solution is the ability to identify and check access to malicious URLs, phishing, embedded code, and fraudulent emails (malicious emails that appear to be 100% authentic). Training your team plays a vital role in safe email use. One inadvertent click to bypass a security solution can cost millions hence cybersecurity should be given prime importance.
The above solutions are only a glance to solutions today’s small and midsized businesses can, and should, adapt to ensure their data security service. While these tools lay a critical base their efficacy depends on the processes and supportive teams using them properly. Every business has its own challenges and considerations and there is at all no end to a data security solution.
To conclude we can say cybersecurity begins with people and not the technology.
Layer One Networks can be your best data security service provider and your system will remain protected with us.
Reach out for any of your cybersecurity needs on 361.653.6800.
Happy Reading!!