Your network is vulnerable to attacks. How can you protect it from cyber criminals?

1 Identify network risks

The first step to protect your network is to identify the possible risks and vulnerabilities that could expose it to attacks. You can use various tools and methods to scan and monitor your network, such as vulnerability scanners, penetration testing, network analyzers, and firewalls. These tools can help you detect any weaknesses, misconfigurations, or anomalies in your network devices, protocols, or services. You should also perform regular audits and reviews of your network security policies and procedures to ensure they are up to date and comply with the industry standards and regulations.

2 Implement network defenses

The second step to protect your network is to implement the appropriate defenses and countermeasures to prevent or mitigate the impact of attacks. You can use various network security tools and techniques to enhance your network protection, such as encryption, authentication, authorization, access control, anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spam, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and VPNs. These tools can help you secure your network data, communications, and connections from unauthorized access, modification, or interception. You should also configure your network devices and services to use the most secure protocols and settings, such as HTTPS, SSH, TLS, and IPsec.

3 Educate network users

The third step to protect your network is to educate your network users and stakeholders about the importance of network security and their roles and responsibilities in maintaining it. You can provide them with training and awareness programs on the best practices and guidelines to follow when using the network, such as choosing strong passwords, avoiding phishing emails, updating software and applications, and reporting any suspicious or unusual activity. You should also enforce a clear and consistent network security policy that defines the rules and expectations for network access and usage, as well as the consequences for violating them.

4 Respond to network incidents

The fourth step to protect your network is to respond to any network incidents or breaches that may occur, despite your best efforts. You should have a well-defined and tested network incident response plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of your network security team, the steps and procedures to follow in case of an attack, and the tools and resources to use to contain, analyze, and recover from the incident. You should also document and report any network incidents or breaches to the relevant authorities and stakeholders, as well as review and improve your network security measures based on the lessons learned.

5 Update network security

The fifth step to protect your network is to update your network security regularly and continuously. You should keep track of the latest trends and developments in the network security field, such as new threats, vulnerabilities, technologies, standards, and regulations. You should also update your network security tools and systems with the latest patches, updates, and upgrades to ensure they are functioning properly and effectively. You should also review and modify your network security policies and procedures to reflect the changes and challenges in your network environment and requirements.

6 Test network security

The sixth step to protect your network is to test your network security periodically and comprehensively. You should conduct various tests and simulations to evaluate and measure your network security performance, such as stress tests, load tests, security audits, and drills. These tests can help you identify and address any gaps, errors, or weaknesses in your network security, as well as verify and validate your network security capabilities and readiness. You should also collect and analyze feedback and data from your network security tests to improve your network security strategy and goals.

7 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?