Ten Network Security threats that every business needs to be Secure from

In the past decade, the primary focus of network security has shifted from personal networks to the internet.  This is because nowadays, many companies transmit sensitive, personal information over the internet for convenience & efficiency.  By using an online network, companies can interact with, track, and monitor vital information from any location.  However, this ease of access puts the information at risk for a wide variety of security issues that hackers can advantage of.  To protect information from being compromised, it is important to understand what these security issues are, and why they pose a risk to your network.

Top Threats that your Network needs to be Secure from

  • Viruses- Viruses are the most common threat to network security.  These are generally spread through P2P file sharing, infected websites, and email attachments through the use of either an executable or a document file.  Because the virus remains dormant until the infected file has been activated, it is relatively simple to avoid spreading,  by scanning questionable files with antivirus software, such as Windows Defender or Comodo Antivirus.
  • The fallout from Viruses- While viruses themselves pose a serious security threat, they can also make your network vulnerable to subsequent attacks.  These attacks are referred to as back door viruses, due to them exploiting an opening created by another virus.  Most antivirus software nowadays takes this into account and protects your network from backdoor viruses as well.
  • Ransomware- When this malicious code is downloaded, it can lock down any information and devices that are connected to the network.  This is typically done by using an encryption key which prevents you from accessing the information or re-configuring your devices.  The encryption key is then sold back to the afflicted company for a ransom.  It is recommended that you seek help from your network security advisor, as it is extremely difficult to break the encoding.
  • Software Vulnerabilities- Even if your network is secure, the software that is running on it might not be.  Vendor security patches and updates are created at a rapid pace in order to address any security flaws the original software may have had.  However, not everyone consistently updates their software with these patches. By not applying these patches consistently, your network is at risk from those security flaws.
  • Cloud Attacks- Because of cloud storage, important information can be accessed and modified from a wide variety of devices.  However, mobile devices are especially vulnerable to being infiltrated by hackers to access corporate networks.  This is done through the use of malware specifically designed to crack cloud-based systems.   You can address this by implementing an effective mobile use policy for your business.  You can get further assistance with creating a mobile use policy on the Mobility Services page of the TeamLogic IT website.
  • Social Media Attacks- Instead of directly targeting your network, malicious hackers may instead attempt to compromise a website or service that is connected to your network and allow malware to spread from there.  This is typically done by attacking company social media accounts and services.  The best defence for these attacks is to have a heightened awareness of the security risk and to constantly remain vigilant.
  • Phishing (Identity Theft)- Typically this is done through an email that requests personal information of some kind.  Additionally, these emails may have some attachment that could compromise the security of your network on their own.  The most effective solution is to have a company email policy dictating that your company will never request personal information over email.  This reduces the chance of employees or clients becoming a victim of phishing attempts.
  • Third-Party Attacks– While your network may be otherwise secure, cybercriminals can exploit contractors and third-party providers to create an opening.  By doing so, they can cause major data breaches.  This is why your company needs to consider who can connect to or access sensitive information, and enforce guidelines for these entities or individuals to take appropriate precautions to ensure that the information is secure.  Typically, these precautions would be outlined in your company’s network security strategy.
  • Unauthorized Access by Former Employees- Often, companies do not completely restrict the access that former employees have to the network.  By not completely terminating the access former employees have, it leaves the door open for them to steal important information.

  • DDoS (Denial of Service) Attacks- These attacks flood a site or service with so much traffic that the servers become overwhelmed and legitimate users are unable to connect as a result.  While not as harmful as some other security risks, these attacks can still reduce productivity and hurt sales as a result.  This can be prevented through the use of DDoS protection software, such as that offered by Cloudflare.

For dealing with network security threats and additional help creating your company’s network security strategy, you can check out the Network Security Services in Dallas on the TeamLogic IT website.

By on December 15, 2016   /   IT Services  
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