Safe, Secure, Efficient: Is Your Business Network Set Up Correctly?

Whether your business is large or small, you want to ensure you have a secure business network and that your data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. You need your computer network to meet all your needs while remaining safe and secure. Some of the things you need to do to ensure your data is secure are quite simple while others require the help of the experts.

How professionals can help to secure your business network

When it comes to choosing the best network and ensuring it is running smoothly, it’s best to hire someone who knows what they’re doing. Professionals can map your entire network of devices, systems, and applications and monitor them consistently. If something goes down, you’ll know immediately. You won’t have to wait for the customer complaints to come rolling in. Every business type requires different sorts of practices to keep it secured, safe and efficient. E.g. In case of logistics business TMS software enables smooth operations of business.

One of the areas in which security becomes paramount is file transfers. For some businesses, this is especially important because of regulatory standards like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX), the Gramm‐ Leach‐Bliley Act (GLBA). Ipswitch, Globalscape, and Citrix are among the companies which offer managed file transfer services.

What you can do

There are a number of relatively simple things you can do to ensure the security of your system. One of them is to use encryption on your wireless access points. You don’t want your wireless network to be open and allow people to access sensitive information from inside your building or even just outside. WPA2 encryption is a good choice.

Hide your service set identifier or SSID. This is the name which people see when they search for wireless signals. You shouldn’t give it a name like Browne’s Accounting since that makes easy for people to link it to your business. Try something more ambiguous which doesn’t divulge any key information.

This may sound like a no-brainer but make sure you’re running antivirus software and spyware protection and make sure it’s up to date. If you have the software installed but it’s not current, you’re opening up yourself to all kinds of problems.

On this note, you should train your staff on how to use the Internet and devices safely. They need to know to report any signs that something may be amiss, so you don’t miss any potential threats.

Another thing you should do is check with your internet service provider to see if they offer a virtual private network (VPN) which you can use to access your local area network or remote web server. You can also opt for one of the many free or paid option available online.

Last but definitely, not least, ensure you have a system in place for backing up your data. Physical storage devices like hard drives or DVDs should be stored off-site in the event that a natural disaster or fire damages or destroys your office. Another option is to use secure cloud-based storage.

Network security is not something to trifled with. Whether it’s legal documents, proprietary data or client payment info, it needs to be secure. By making simple adjustments to your system on your own and hiring professionals to do the heavy lifting, you can ensure that your business is as secure as possible.