Network Security for Small Businesses

There are plenty of challenges facing small businesses today. In order to succeed, businesses need to be able to overcome the same challenges as their largest competitors but with a fraction of the budget. Managing network security is especially difficult because the skills required to do it are highly specialised.

An astute businessperson will be able to manage the administrative side of their business, maybe even the marketing, without much external help. However, unless a business owner has studied the skills necessary to be able to manage cybersecurity, they will find it difficult to manage their network security effectively.

Educate Your Employees

No matter how good your digital security is, if your employees don’t understand the most important principles, then attackers will be able to use social engineering in order to undermine your efforts. A common mistake made by small businesses with their network security is to have only a few individuals who really grasp it and to rely on their efforts alone to maintain your security.

Instead, you should aim to ensure that every member of your staff understands exactly what measures need to be taken and what procedures need to be followed in order to maintain a secure network. Make your employees aware that a virus on the network can lead to company-wide damage and have far-reaching consequences.

Invest in the Right Software

Software-level security solutions can be very effective, as long as you choose the right one. Antivirus software is great, but you should look for the most comprehensive malware detection you can find. In addition, a VPN is a great idea, and one of the most effective means of making sure that your corporate network is kept safe from potential attacks.

If your employees regularly work remotely and are likely to use public Wi-Fi networks, you need to make sure that you are using VPNs. A VPN will encrypt your employees’ internet traffic so that even if it is intercepted, it will be unreadable.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security measure that adds an extra layer of security to your network log-ons. When you use two-factor authentication, after you log in to the administrative part of your network, you will have to confirm the login on another device, usually a smartphone. This will make a big difference to the security of your network, ensuring that even if someone is able to crack or obtain passwords, they still won’t be able to access your network.

Not only will this prevent unauthorised logins, but it will also alert you to anyone else trying to log on to your network. This will enable you to rapidly respond to any leaks and change any passwords that are now compromised.

Small businesses need to ensure that they maintain both the security and the integrity of their networks. Poor network security will never end well, and the consequences can be severe. Investing in the security of your network is an investment in your business’s financial security as well.