If you work in a company that handles sensitive information, such as financial data or customer records, you should take steps to protect your network and keep information safe. That’s not just because of the risk of disclosing confidential information on the Internet; it’s also because cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated and established networks are growing more widespread. Even if you don’t work for a company that deals with sensitive information, you can still protect your network by following these steps:

Set up a firewall in your workplace

Most modern companies have firewall software that automatically blocks access to the Internet from specific computers on the network. This often includes computers that handle sensitive data, like the computer that controls the financial system, your customer service department, etc. You can also set up a firewall to block access to networks, like the Internet, from specific computers within the building. The firewall should be set up so that it keeps all but the most necessary data on the network, like the configuration files for the web server, the software used to manage the workplace databases, and emails, etc. The firewall should also be set up so that it does not allow remote access to computers on the network, but only direct connections from inside the building to outside.

Secure your networks with password protection

If you use a network that has a lot of computers on it, you should implement a password-protected network. This way, any unauthorized person trying to access the network with an unsecured account will have to enter a code that only those with access to the network should know. And if someone is trying to break into your network and steal data, they will have to enter the correct credentials multiple times, making it much harder for them to get into the right place at the right time to steal data. The password protection should include making sure computers on the network cannot be accessed without a specific account password, like having a lockedown sign-in screen or requiring a 2-factor authentication code sent to the user’s smartphone every time they want to log in. If you have employees who can access the network from outside the building, you should assign them a specific account password and make it difficult for them to guess passwords. This includes using different passwords for different types of accounts, using unique passwords on computers and devices, not using the same password for different services, and using different passwords on different devices.

Use encryption to protect your data

In addition to password protection, you should implement encryption on all computer networks and data storage devices. This protects data by scrambling it before it is sent across the network or stored on a computer device. It is an important step in preventing data theft or disclosure. Encryption can be implemented on your computer through a software firewall or a hardware token in the CPU of each computer on the network. You can also encrypt data at rest, like your computer’s files and your group’s shared files, with encryption software. This protects your data from someone who gains access to your computer by hacking into your network or stolen laptop. To protect your data at rest, you can also use strong passphrases and long, random alphanumeric passwords. If someone gets physical access to your computer and finds your password, they won’t be able to access your data because your computer will be encrypted.

Install a software firewall

Many businesses are turning to software firewalls to protect their networks. These are often easier to set up and use than hardware tokens, and they don’t require you to install special software on each computer on the network. Some software firewalls can be used to protect both internal and external networks. Some software firewalls allow you to set up rules based on the types of traffic passing through the firewall, like allowing only certain types of traffic through the firewall or blocking all traffic as soon as a rule is violated. Some software firewalls can also be used to block ports, which are functions that require special software, like firewalls that block outgoing web browser traffic.

Install a data loss prevention (DLP) system

Many companies are spending more money on cybersecurity than ever before, but they are doing so without a plan. They are implementing security measures and training employees on how to use the new security tools, but they are not monitoring usage or seeing if the security is working. A DLP system can help. A DLP system is a software tool that helps you see who is accessing your computer network and what they are doing. It can also help you spot signs of fraud or damage to your network. A DLP system can also help you reduce your risk of data breach by proactively checking your network for issues. A DLP system should integrate with existing IT systems, like giving you access to device location and access rules and letting you see who is connecting to your computer network.

Establish a cybersecurity program

Even if you have a DLP system in place, it’s unlikely that you will be able to keep up with the threats posed by cybercriminals. They are getting more sophisticated and established networks are becoming more widespread. That’s why it’s important to establish a cybersecurity program to keep your network and data safe. The program should cover general cybersecurity principles and should include steps to protect your network, such as installing a firewall, using encryption software, and using strong passwords and passphrases, as well as steps to protect data, like encrypting files, scanning networks for threats, and following proper procedures when sharing files.

Summing up

Computer networks are like large, connected islands. Networking can be a complex art, but it doesn’t have to be. All you have to do is protect your network and data with the same level of care that you protect your laptops and smartphones. The Internet is not a safe place, and the same applies to computers and the data they host. Don’t keep information on computers that are not connected to the Internet. Don’t save passwords and other sensitive data in computer files or on paper documents stored in a file cabinet. And don’t keep important papers or other materials in a computer file cabinet. Instead, keep them in a safe place where they can be easily accessible but cannot be lost.