In today’s world there is an increasing need for small business security. Every day there are new cyber threats that emerge on the internet, which need to be evaluated and defended against. Unfortunately, most small to medium sized businesses do not have the resources to be constantly updating their infrastructure to deal with such threats. Most companies must rely on automated tools and good resource management to make sure that their networks are safe. Here are some ways to be proactive about network security:

1. Get A Firewall – One of the best ways you can protect your network is by installing a firewall. A firewall is one of the most basic forms of network security for San Diego businesses. They are inexpensive and highly effective against unwanted or malicious activity. A firewall works by limiting access to the network by restricting access to open ports. Ports are mechanisms that a computer uses to connect to the outside world. The more ports that are open on a network the more vulnerable it is to outside attack. If some ports are not being used then they can be closed or locked down by the firewall, thereby increasing security.
2. Limit Access to Individuals – Keeping track of what resources your users have access to can help you secure your network. If you make sure to only allow access to certain users or groups then you will be able to limit internal threats to your network. This type of security can be done through things such as active directory and other types of group management software.
3. Use VPNs – A Virtual Private Network or VPN is a method of connecting your work network with a remote network such as an employee’s home. A VPN creates an encrypted connection that hides information from the public. This allows for remote users to securely access an office network as if they were actually sitting at their desk. This is a great way to allow access to network resources to remote users and stay secure at the same time.
4. Test Yourself – The best way to make sure that you are protected from hackers is to become one yourself. If you have the knowledge, you can try to do exactly what a hacker would do to try and access your network. Using open source network scanning tools to “map” a network will show you exactly what a hacker would see if they tried to hack your network. This will allow you to make security changes accordingly. Although this can be the most time intensive and tedious part of securing a network, it is also the best way to test your own defenses.
5. Train Employees – Training employees on the basics of network security and threat prevention can greatly reduce the risk of your network becoming infected. Training on how to recognize malicious emails and fraudulent websites will reduce risk of accidentally downloading viruses and other forms of malware onto a business network. If employees know what to look for and how to safely use resources at their disposal, they will be able to prevent many security issues before they happen.

Network security is all about limiting access to resources and making sure that only people who are authorized are able to access sensitive information. If the proper steps are taken and the proper policies put in place, even small businesses can achieve a high level of security on their networks.

For more information about network security for your small to medium sized business, reach out to Syndeo Communications. We proudly provide IT support San Diego businesses trust, and offer complimentary consultations if you have any questions related to your specific needs. Call us at 760-650-3300 today – our IT consultants and security experts are here to help!