Learn how to improve your network security and protect your data from hackers. This article covers tips on assessing, updating, encrypting, educating, and monitoring your network.

Cybersecurity is a highly dynamic industry, and in order to remain secure you must keep your protocols relevant and up to date. Out of date protocols do not account for emerging technologies, business trends, zero day vulnerabilities and more. Older protocols tend to be riddled with vulnerabilities, and are rarely patched due to their irrelevancy compared to newer protocols available. It is important to keep all your software, hardware and framework completely up to date. Update your protocols!

Your company’s network security protocols are outdated. How can you ensure your data is safe?

Network security is not a one-time task, but a continuous process that requires regular updates and improvements. If your company’s network security protocols are outdated, you are exposing your data to various threats, such as hackers, malware, phishing, ransomware, and more. How can you ensure your data is safe? Here are some tips to help you enhance your network security and protect your valuable information.

1 Assess your current situation

The first step to improve your network security is to evaluate your current situation and identify any gaps or weaknesses. You can use tools such as network scanners, vulnerability scanners, and penetration testers to scan your network and detect any issues or risks. You should also review your security policies, procedures, and standards to see if they are aligned with the best practices and compliance requirements.

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Parker Watts

Cybersecurity Junior at Penn State University || Incoming Risk & Financial Advisory Intern @ Deloitte
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Cybersecurity is a highly dynamic industry, and in order to remain secure you must keep your protocols relevant and up to date. Out of date protocols do not account for emerging technologies, business trends, zero day vulnerabilities and more. Older protocols tend to be riddled with vulnerabilities, and are rarely patched due to their irrelevancy compared to newer protocols available. It is important to keep all your software, hardware and framework completely up to date. Update your protocols!

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Goutham Ganesh

SOC ANALYST L1 AT CYBERPROOF, A UST COMPANY |CICSA | CERTIFIED IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND CYBER SOC ANALYST | AZURE SENTINEL | MICROSOFT DEFENDER |
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Upgrade to the latest network security protocols, such as WPA3 for Wi-Fi and TLS 1.3 for encrypted communication. Implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Regularly update software and firmware to patch vulnerabilities and ensure robust defense against emerging threats.

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Shashank Gattani

Aspiring Security Architect | OT Security manager @Novartis | IACS security professional|Ex-Deloitte | Ex-RIL
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Should start by updating and patching systems regularly, addressing any known vulnerabilities. Conduct a thorough security audit to identify weaknesses and develop a plan for improvement. Implement strong access controls, encryption measures, and deploy a robust firewall and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Regularly backup data and stay updated on security trends to stay ahead of emerging threats

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Sandro Ruelas

Infrastructure Consultant
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Siempre será de gran valor tener un estatus actual para poder definir y lograr objetivos precisos que minimicen la máxima cantidad de riesgos conocidos posibles.

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2 Update your software and hardware

One of the most common causes of network security breaches is outdated or unpatched software and hardware. Hackers can exploit known vulnerabilities and gain access to your network and data. Therefore, you should always keep your operating system, applications, antivirus, firewall, routers, switches, and other devices up to date with the latest security patches and updates. You should also replace any obsolete or unsupported hardware or software that may pose a security risk.

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Sandro Ruelas

Infrastructure Consultant
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Teniendo una infraestructura “up-to date” , tanto en software y en lo posible hardware, potencialmente “protegemos” huecos / brechas de seguridad. A su vez, siempre tener una cantidad de políticas y directivas que ayuden a conocer el score de cumplimiento en el ambiente.

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3 Implement strong authentication and encryption

Another way to ensure your data is safe is to implement strong authentication and encryption methods for your network and devices. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or device before granting access to the network or data. Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted by authorized parties. You should use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, secure protocols, and encryption keys to prevent unauthorized access and data leakage.

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Sandro Ruelas

Infrastructure Consultant
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Una situación concurrida en algunos ambientes que he colaborado, no se le da la importancia merecida e incluso se prefiere omitir la implementación de seguridad adicional o complementaria en usuarios y/o dispositivos justificando el “será más complicado para el usuario”, siendo errónea la percepción quizá por falta de conocimiento sobre el tema o simplemente por evitar ejecutar actividades elaboradas.

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4 Educate your staff and users

Your network security is only as strong as your weakest link, which is often the human factor. Your staff and users can unintentionally compromise your network security by clicking on malicious links, opening suspicious attachments, using weak passwords, or sharing sensitive information. Therefore, you should educate your staff and users about the importance of network security and the best practices to follow. You should also provide regular training, feedback, and awareness campaigns to keep them updated and informed.

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Sandro Ruelas

Infrastructure Consultant
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Gran parte de el éxito del cumplimiento es la colaboración interna de las unidades. Por tal, es de suma importancia concientizar a todos sin excepción sobre las acciones a efectuar para lograr una integridad en el ambiente.

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5 Monitor and audit your network

The last tip to ensure your data is safe is to monitor and audit your network regularly. Monitoring is the process of collecting and analyzing data about your network activity, performance, and health. Auditing is the process of checking and verifying your network security compliance and effectiveness. You should use tools such as network analyzers, log managers, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems to monitor and audit your network. You should also set up alerts and notifications to detect and respond to any anomalies or incidents.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your company’s network security protocols are outdated. How can you ensure your data is safe?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your current situation

2 Update your software and hardware

3 Implement strong authentication and encryption

4 Educate your staff and users

5 Monitor and audit your network

6 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

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Your company’s network security protocols are outdated. How can you ensure your data is safe?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your current situation

2 Update your software and hardware

3 Implement strong authentication and encryption

4 Educate your staff and users

5 Monitor and audit your network

6 Here’s what else to consider

Network Security

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