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Good fences make good neighbors: How to keep your networks safe from intruders
In today’s interconnected world, the importance of a secure network cannot be overstated, especially in shared environments like office suites or business parks. These spaces often house multiple businesses, each with its own set of digital assets and sensitive information. Therefore, safeguarding your wireless and wired networks in such environments is crucial to prevent data breaches and cyberattacks. In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps to ensure the safety of your networks in shared office spaces.
Strong Passwords and Authentication:
The foundation of network security begins with strong, unique passwords. For both your wireless and wired networks, ensure that you use complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly update these passwords and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
Network Segmentation:
Segmenting your network involves dividing it into separate, isolated subnetworks. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data and devices. In shared environments, you can have one network for your employees and another for guests. This concept can be visualized by imagining lockers in a gym. Even if one of the lockers is broken into, the remaining lockers are still protecting the personal belongings inside. In this way, if a guest’s device is compromised, it won’t pose a threat to your primary network, much like the remaining lockers in the aforementioned scenario.
Encryption:
Encrypting your data is vital, especially when it’s being transmitted over the network. Use protocols like WPA3 for Wi-Fi and enable encryption on your wired network as well. This ensures that even if someone intercepts your data, it will be unreadable without the decryption key. If you are not sure of the encryption being used in your network, our experts at Shammam Consulting can help you determine this with a short phone call to our helpdesk.
Regular Software Updates:
Outdated software and firmware can contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Regularly update your network equipment, including routers, switches, and access points, to patch known vulnerabilities and enhance security.
Firewall Protection:
Firewalls act as a barrier between your network and potential threats. Use both hardware and software firewalls to filter incoming and outgoing traffic. Configure them to allow only necessary traffic and block everything else. Devices such as Sonicwall and Cisco hardware can be useful as firewalls.
Guest Network Isolation:
If you provide guest Wi-Fi access in your shared office space, make sure it’s isolated from your primary network. This is part of the segmentation that was mentioned earlier. Guest users should have limited access, and their traffic should be separate from your company’s network to prevent any potential breaches.
Employee Training:
Educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices. Train them to recognize phishing emails, suspicious websites, not leaving passwords written down on sticky notes or whiteboards, and the importance of not sharing sensitive information over the network. Human error is often the weakest link in network security!
Network Monitoring:
Implement network monitoring tools to keep a close eye on network activity. This allows you to detect unusual behavior and potential security threats in real-time, enabling you to respond promptly. A fast response to an intrusion can mean the differences between an inconvenience and a complete disaster!
Physical Security:
Don’t overlook physical security measures. Ensure that network equipment, such as routers and switches, are locked away in secure cabinets or rooms. Limit physical access to authorized personnel only. Do not leave data ports open if not in active use either. Intruders can easily plug into an ethernet data port that has been left active in a disused office or conference room, allowing discreet access directly into your network.
Regular Security Audits:
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your network infrastructure. Hire professional security experts if necessary to ensure that your network remains resilient against evolving threats. Our experts at Shammam can assist both remotely and onsite to conduct security audits on your systems.
Privacy Policies:
Create and enforce strict privacy policies for your network. Define who has access to what data and under what circumstances. Make sure employees understand and adhere to these policies. It bears repeating that the most often exploited entry points for hackers are the employees, not the hardware or software in your network.
Backup and Recovery Plan:
Have a robust data backup and recovery plan in place. Regularly back up your critical data and have a process for restoring it in case of a cyberattack or data loss incident. Backups should be kept isolated and safe from the rest of the network so that in the event of an intruder on the network, the backups and restore points can be kept safe from harm.
In conclusion, securing your wireless and wired networks in a shared office suite or business park is a multifaceted task that requires vigilance and a proactive approach. By implementing these measures and staying updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and solutions, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect your business’s sensitive information. Remember that network security is a never ending process, and it’s well worth the investment to keep your digital assets safe in today’s interconnected world!
