The new year is upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about ways to improve your network security.
A recent study by UpCity found that only 50% of U.S. small businesses had a cybersecurity plan in place in 2022. It’s safe to assume that 50% of companies won’t have the proper network security protocols in place for 2023.
Yet, your business doesn’t have to be one of them. Now more than ever, network security is essential in today’s interconnected world. A breach of your network can have devastating consequences, both for your business and for your customers.
In addition, it’s important to cybersecurity regulatory compliance. If you own a business in Southern California, you should consider talking with one of the cybersecurity providers in Los Angeles.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of five ways you can improve your network security, relax and enjoy the benefits of cybersecurity for 2023. By implementing even a few of these changes, you can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach. So let’s get started!
1. Implement Two-Factor Authentication
One of the best ways to improve your network security is to implement two-factor authentication (2FA).
2FA adds a layer of security by requiring users to provide two pieces of information before granting access to your network. This could be a password and a one-time code generated by an app on the user’s phone.
It is essential to keep in mind that implementing two-factor authentication is an investment. The cost of adding two-factor authentication to an existing security network can vary widely. It depends on the size and complexity of your current system and its capabilities.
The average cost of adding two-factor authentication to a smaller business is around $30,000. This estimate includes the cost of software licenses and hardware, such as tokens or smart cards; training costs; installation costs; maintenance fees; and additional IT services needed to support the new technology.
For example, suppose you have an existing network with just one server. This may mean upgrading your network with additional servers and software licenses to accommodate the extra bandwidth needed for two-factor authentication.
Suppose you add two-factor authentication to an enterprise-level network with multiple servers and complex applications. In that case, the average cost could be closer to $100,000 because this type of system typically requires more extensive upgrades than small businesses need.
2. Use a VPN
Another great way to improve your IT security in Los Angeles is to use a virtual private network (VPN).
Many IT support companies insist that VPNs are one of the best ways to protect your data from hackers, governments, and ISPs. They encrypt your traffic, making it impossible for others to see what you’re doing online. This is especially important for business owners who need to access sensitive client information when working remotely.
VPNs also unblock websites and apps effortlessly. Many companies block specific websites and apps on their network. This is to prevent employees from wasting time at work or downloading malware onto the company’s computers.
With a VPN installed on your personal computer or smartphone, your employees can bypass these restrictions and unblock any app or website they want. That includes Facebook, YouTube, and more, without you having to worry about it.
3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
One of the most important things you can do to improve your network security is to keep all your software up-to-date. This includes the operating system on your devices and any applications you have installed.
Software updates often include critical security fixes, so you must install them as soon as they’re available. This helps ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched before hackers can exploit them.
You also want to make sure your software can be updated automatically. Automatic updating ensures that every software on your computer has the latest security patches. This works well to improve your network security because you don’t have time to manually check for updates every day (or even once a week).
4. Use Strong Passwords
Another important step you can take to improve your network security is to use strong passwords. A strong network password is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
It would help if you never used the same password for multiple accounts or across multiple devices. This includes different websites or services. If one of those accounts gets hacked or compromised, this can comprise your entire security network.
You should also change your password often. Try changing it every few weeks or months rather than every year or two.
5. Educate Your Employees
One additional way to improve your network security is to educate your employees about best practices. You want to ensure they know how to spot phishing emails and how to keep their passwords secure. For example, rules such as never opening unsolicited email attachments, not clicking links, or downloading files from unknown sources are a start.
You should be providing regular training for all employees on new threats and how to keep themselves safe online. You also want to remind employees not to share confidential information over email or social media.
This should be done regardless of how well they think they know the person they’re talking to. You should also provide employees with information about how to report security concerns. Helping your employees understand how to respond if they suspect a security incident is taking place is vital.
Another way to educate your employees to improve network security is through awareness programs. You can develop an employee security awareness program tailored to your organization’s specific security needs.
Ready to Improve Your Network Security?
Your network’s security should be a top priority. You do this by using two-factor authentication and VPNs. Keep your software up to date and improve passwords. Finally, you want to educate your employees about network security.
By implementing even a few of these changes, you can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach.
So get started with a Los Angeles managed service provider who can assist you in setting up your network safely and soundly.
Contact us today if you need help implementing these changes or have questions about network security. We’re here to help!