Simple Ways to Secure Your Office Network and Business Data

Cyber security breaches are becoming more and more common these days. Infamous hacks like those of Sony Pictures and Ashley Madison show that there’s a lot businesses have left to learn about securing internal networks. Most companies do not understand that even a small breach can lead to devastating consequences.

secure office network

In the majority of cyber security breaches today, it was a tiny mistake that led to system-wide destruction. Even hackers nowadays are warning people against cyber security ignorance. In this environment, let’s look at some of the ways that you can secure your important business data:

Use a Secure Private Server

You must never send sensitive business information over a public network. These are full of bugs and malware that will most likely cause your data to be stolen. Therefore, use a password safe enterprise server to store your business files, archive data and for communication via e-mail. Hire a reliable hosting company to maintain this server, if you cannot do so in house. Do not allow third parties access to this server. A secure server will prevent hackers from breaching your system by exploiting vulnerability in a public network.

Implement Two-Factor Authentication

Sometimes, passwords are not enough to keep your employee accounts safe. Therefore, two-factor authentication is important to keep accounts safe even if they are breached. Two-factor authentication is a system where the user enters a password and a secure code sent to a mobile device to access e-mail or another account. Even if a hacker gets access to a password, the hacker won’t get access to the data if two-factor authentication is enabled.

Buy Malware Protection

Companies underestimate the importance of malware protection. You must have all computers at the workplace protected by an antivirus program. Not only do these detect potential Trojans and spyware, they can prevent hackers from surreptitiously installing tracking software on a computer. Don’t use free antivirus software for your business. They may not get security updates on time. Instead, use premium malware protection intended for businesses.

Teach Employees How to Protect Their Accounts

It’s important that your employees do not end up making stupid mistakes due to ignorance of how cyber security works. Obviously, not everyone that works at your company will be technically competent. Therefore, it’s important to constantly remind all your employees about basic cyber security guards. Make them use two-factor authentication as mentioned before. Warn them about phishing attacks, and tell them not to impulsively click on e-mailed links. Don’t let your employees re-use an old password either. Ban external storage devices at work. If any are used, don’t let them be taken off premises.

Beware of Sending Sensitive Information via E-mail

The most damage from hacks incurs because of information contained in e-mails. Some sensitive information should not be written in e-mails. Even if an e-mail is not hacked, there is always a chance that someone other than the intended parties could get access to these e-mails. Therefore, discourage your employees from conducting private and confidential conversation via e-mail. Tell them to talk in person instead.

Your company should not hesitate to spend money on buying the latest tools and software to secure your system. You will not regret the investment later. Expect that your company servers will likely be hacked. You cannot prevent these hacks; however, you can lessen the damage a hack can do by increasing security infrastructure.