Grow Your Business Safely With Advanced Security Solutions

One of the primary missions of Be Structured Technology Group Inc., has always been to make sure that your technology is working for and not against you. 

Network security is an essential aspect of that process. We want your security architecture to be a stable platform for you to build your success on and not a rigid box that gets in your way. All of your security services are put in place to protect the integrity of your systems and defend your productivity. 

The same is true for your network.

Network security is more than just protecting your network, though. It also involves securing your servers and even your individual workstations. Everything that connects to the internet in any way needs to be protected. That even includes devices that use your WiFi networks. Keeping all of these individual pieces of technology secured can be a challenge because they all have different security needs. However, when done right, a secured network protects everything.

When partnering with another managed service provider in Los Angeles, Be Structured takes precautions to only create relationships with providers that we trust and have a sterling track record. 

We carefully evaluate every partner we work with to ensure that you receive the best service possible. We will also continue to be the single point of contact for clients for services like this. This security posture makes the process streamlined and straightforward for you and your employees. 

You will be able to reach us for any issue. 

There’s no need to have multiple contact numbers for different issues. 

We handle everything, so all you have to do is give us a call and let us know what the issue is. We’ll take care of the rest.

Get Access To Our Business IT Services And Security With Trusted IT Support Partnerships That We Have Built

This is one of the advantages of teaming with Be Structured. Our all-inclusive fee covers all of the major network security services and solutions. 

Whether you need help training your employees to recognize phishing scams or, need assistance in implementing a two-factor authentication platform or want to make certain you have the best antivirus and antimalware programs available, we’ve got you covered. 

We offer all of the services you may need to keep your network safe and secure, and we do so for a single price that is designed to fit your budget.

Our team is made up of experienced IT support professionals who have worked in the industry for years. Our experience has taught us that there is no one solution for everyone. Your business and your security needs are unique, and any solution that’s going to be completely effective is going to have to be customized for you. 

We are a pioneering local IT support company that does just that.

We sit down with you and go over your network and your current security solutions. We then look for ways to make your security stronger and your overall computer network more efficient. Sometimes, that means you only need a few changes, while other times, we may recommend doing a much more comprehensive upgrade.

Different Levels of Security

Network security can be imaged as a series of different walls. Each computer or other device has a wall around it. Then there’s a wall around the server. All of these smaller walls are protected by the large network security wall. 

Your overall network security includes your firewall, antivirus, antimalware, and access control. This security is designed to keep out those who have no access rights or are attempting to break into your network.

The firewall is the key component of your network security system. It shields your network from the internet and all of the dangers on it. It prevents suspicious incoming traffic and can also block apps from sending information out. Firewalls can also act as proxy servers that hide IP addresses and completely block all incoming traffic except for authorized data.

Network Security and Suspicious Activity

In addition to security programs, network security also includes programs designed to monitor your network and look for suspicious activities. These activities can include employees logging in at odd times or accounts that are attempting to access data they don’t have privileges for multiple times. Reviewing these logs regularly can also provide some insight into how your network resources are used, allowing you to shift your policies and processes to maximize those resources.

On the server level, access to data is often the key focus. Server security includes creating various roles for users and assigning permissions to those roles. 

Additionally, Microsoft Windows Hardening should be deployed, such as LAPS and Environment Hardening. Data must be kept behind strong barriers that only specific people can access. 

The key to strong security on a server often hinges on providing access to those who need it and revoking said access when they do not. While keeping tabs on network security and upgrading it regularly is important, server security needs to be even more closely maintained. 

When someone leaves the company, their account needs to be deactivated as soon as they no longer need it. Leaving these accounts active is a security risk.

On the device level, workstations need to have their own antivirus and antimalware software installed. These provide backup security in the event that something gets past the firewall. They are invaluable tools in protecting against phishing scams and viruses that your employees may accidentally bring in on USB drives. 

These programs also look at what’s already on the computer and will quarantine threats that it identifies. They aim to protect your network from threats from within, while your firewall protects from threats from without.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Type of Network Security Solution

There is no one single security application that will completely protect your network. That’s why it’s important that you layer your protection. A firewall, antivirus tools, accessibility management, and antimalware programs are all vital to protecting your network. Each one works in its own different way, but when configured to work together, they create a shield around your entire company network to protect it from attacks from hackers, viruses, malware, and even malicious employees.

Firewall Protection For Network Security

The firewall blocks cyberattacks and prevents very obvious threats to your network. It stops unauthorized apps from sending out information, too, which can help stop malware and other viruses from stealing data. However, it can’t do much for threats that come in through other means, nor can it help detect and remove threats that are already inside your network. It also doesn’t stop attacks that appear to be authorized.

Antivirus For Network Security

An antivirus program scans for known viruses and quarantines them when they’re found. It’s a more active type of security program in that it looks for threats constantly. It prevents these viruses from spreading throughout the system and infecting other computers or servers. Antivirus programs can run on the computer and on the server level. They provide protection from viruses that enter your network through USB devices, CDs, or via hidden viruses in email attachments or on phishing sites that firewalls don’t catch.

Anti-Malware For Network Security

Anti-malware is similar to antivirus programs, but instead of looking for viruses, they look for programs that are more insidious. Malware can do everything from logging your keystrokes to sending information to hackers to encrypting your entire computer. One of the most dangerous types of malware is ransomware. It can completely lock down your computer, server, or even your network. It encrypts your information and will only release it if you send money to the malware creator. Even then, they may not actually release your data. Protecting your network from malware is just as important as blocking viruses.

Data Access Protection for Network Security

Data access protection covers a different area of security. First, it locks down your most sensitive data so that only certain users can access it. Data should always be secured in this way. Only those who need access to it should have it. This is especially true for information such as customer information that includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and banking/credit card information. 

Your HR records also need to be secured. This will stop employees who have no business accessing that information from accidentally doing so. It also prevents those who are actively seeking to harm your company from gaining access to this data. If an account is compromised, unless it’s a high-level account with access privileges, the hacker won’t be able to access much.

Network Monitoring For Security

Network monitoring may not seem like a powerful form of security, but it can be. It’s useful in stopping new threats that have slipped past your firewall and other security measures. 

When the monitoring app notices odd behavior, it flags it for review. An IT expert can then review the logs and may find a virus, malware, or compromised account that otherwise wouldn’t be discovered.

Prevention Education

Prevention education is another form of network security that is often overlooked. While relying on security apps to protect your data is fine, it’s even better if you prevent threats from ever reaching your network. 

Teaching your employees how to recognize phishing scams and how to protect their accounts is just as important as having a strong firewall and antivirus scanner. 

Many threats to your system are actually introduced by employees who accidentally click a phishing link or open an infected email attachment. By teaching employees how to recognize and respond to these threats, you can make your network much safer.

The Risks of Poor Network Security

If your network isn’t properly secure, you face a number of risks. The loss of data, especially sensitive data, can have long-term repercussions for you and your customers.

First, losing customer data will destroy your relationship with your business partners, customers, and potential clients. It can be nearly impossible to regain the trust of your customers, especially if you lose vital information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, or bank information. 

Some companies have been so damaged by a data breach that they have had to greatly scale back or even close.

Second, losing financial data can open your company up to lawsuits. These legal battles can quickly drain your budget. If the judgment goes against you, you may find that the penalties plus the legal fees are simply more than you can afford.

Third, you now face the task of rebuilding your network security to ensure that nothing like this happens again. It’s not easy, and it’s not going to be cheap. You have to quickly put in place the security measures you likely should have had prior to the breach. 

You may even have to scrap your entire security solution and start over. Either way, you have to prove to your remaining customers and new customers that you are actively working to prevent another breach while dealing with the fallout from the current one.

The Damages of Not Having Network Security

Even if the network breach didn’t result in customer data being stolen, it could still damage your company. You may lose important documents related to new products or services. Your HR records could be stolen, opening your employees and even those who have applied for positions within your company to identity theft. If your banking records were taken, you will need to deal with securing your accounts before money can be stolen. This can all be a headache, even when it’s not immediately damaging.

Network breaches also often result in a company facing all of these factors at once. Your reputation is damaged, you are sued, and you have to spend money to upgrade your security. 

Combined, these costs can quickly become overwhelming. When coupled with the fact that many customers are likely to take their business elsewhere, you’ll be dealing with many large expenses on a more limited income. 

You may also find that employees begin looking for new opportunities due to your damaged reputation.

Network Security and Industry Compliance

Regulatory compliance like FINRA, PCI, and HIPPA standards are put in place to establish a line in the sand, a minimum industry standard that everyone must meet or face serious penalties. 

Be Structured and our third-party security service providers will see that your network and operating systems remain compliant with all the appropriate regulations. 

This will protect you from these industry penalties, possible fines, and legal action in the future that could damage your reputation or bottom line. For us, providing managed security services is where we excel.

When it comes to defending your network and systems from security threats, it is not enough to just comply with the standard regulations. 

Be Structured Technology Group understands the value of getting services from an expert provider. We team with security professionals that possess the threat intelligence to protect you with the latest information security tools and techniques to help your business thwart network security threats.

Real-Time IT Security in Los Angeles Solutions For Real-World Problems

A data breach or network intrusion can disrupt your operations, lead to a loss of vital company data, and destroy your reputation. Eliminating security risks is absolutely vital to defending your productivity and your company’s very existence. 

Simply put, it is cost-effective to take these precautions. Team with Be Structured and our partners today to feel more secure about your network.