When you work hard to build up a business, you need to do everything that you can to ensure that it stays properly protected. One of the best ways of doing this is by looking at your wireless network and seeing where there are any weak spots.
If there are, hackers can exploit them and hold your sensitive data to ransom or use your customers’ personal details for their nefarious activities. Here are just a few of the ways that you can boost network security.
Do not Assume Your Business is the Exception
One of the big mistakes that many people make is that they assume their business is of no interest whatsoever to hackers. However, many hackers are targeting smaller businesses as they are viewing them as easy targets who do not think enough about network security. On the other hand, your business may not be the direct target. Instead, they could be using your unsecured network to gain access to bigger fish in the pond.
Upgrade Your Security Features
If your business is continuing to use the most basic of WLAN features, the time may have come for an upgrade. Many modern devices come with Wi-Fi protected access that is already built in known as WPA. This may offer your business enhanced protection in contrast to the outdated system.
Any equipment that you do use should come from a trustworthy and reputable supplier. It is always going to be worth checking the reviews that are on offer to ensure that you are getting enough protection for your company and the way it operates.
Remember to Enable Security Features
Another potential point of vulnerability comes when you are installing new equipment for your business. When you do so, make sure that you put the security features on. Otherwise, there is every chance that your network will be at risk of getting attacked by hackers.
Choose Access Point Locations Wisely
What is meant by an access point? Well, this is where data is transferred between different devices. Try to choose an area that is not nearby to the outer walls of your building. Otherwise, this can result in a leakage of radio signals.
Sometimes, people try to gain network access from the outside, and just this small act of better positioning can help to prevent them from doing so. Another useful tip that you can put into practice is to not allow your employees to add access points without prior authorization from management. If you are not careful in this regard, this can end up being a risk to your entire network.
Improve Security for Wireless Transactions
These days, wireless transactions are increasingly common and useful, but they can also be a potential point of vulnerability, which is why you need to work especially hard to ensure that they are secure. So, make sure that you only use technology that is up to date. Not only this, but you should also only use SSL-enabled communication.
Alternatively, you could use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect any data that is being transferred on your network. Firewalls can also be useful as they allow you to keep the WLAN isolated from the rest of your network.
Keep Your Network Properly Monitored
The next piece of advice that we have to offer is to simply keep your network properly monitored. This way, you will be able to check whether or not there have been any obvious breaches that you need to close up. However, if you are not sure how to do this, you can either consult with a member of your own technical team or contact the network provider itself. It is in everybody’s best interest that your network is not at risk of attack.
Maintain Everything and Keep it Up to Date
The next piece of advice that we have is a simple one, but it is important nevertheless. You should keep all of your firmware properly up to date. This way, hackers are a lot less likely to be able to exploit any weaknesses.
Bring in ‘Friendly’ Hackers
There are hackers who work on the side of the good guys. Essentially, this means that they will try to access your secure files and identify any areas in which your security could be improved. They will be able to make all of the necessary recommendations. These are all certainly worth taking into account and will give you a clearer picture of what you need to do to improve the security of your network and of your business as a whole.
Many hackers exploit the weaknesses in networks, so you certainly need to ensure that you are well-aware of this problem and on top of making all the necessary improvements to stop yourself from becoming a victim.
Interesting related article: “What is Cybersecurity?”