As the technology landscape becomes more complex, cybercriminals will continue to develop software to search for vulnerabilities in any business network. Once criminals identify security vulnerabilities, they can use your network to steal information, exploit targets for financial gain, distribute spam to other networks, and promote their agenda.
If you think your business is too small for a hacker to attack, think again. According to PC World, 31% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Worse, 60% of the SMBs affected went out of business.
What if you lack the staff to manage your network? A managed service provider can review, monitor, and maintain your network for a low monthly rate. They can help you protect your network by identifying security gaps, configuring your firewall to allow specific applications to access the network, deploying a robust Intrusion Prevention System, and establishing employee technology-use policies. Furthermore, they’ll use a comprehensive monitoring system to ensure your network’s security.
What are the benefits of a network security plan?
- Protects against business disruption: Your employees could be working on a slow computer, whether due to bloated upgrade patches or a recent malware attack. Worse, your website may be down, preventing your customers from ordering your products and services. A comprehensive network security plan can reduce these incidents, improve productivity, and reduce revenue loss.
- Helps you manage your business reputation: An unprotected network can open the door for a hacker to hijack your website and post whatever they want. For example, the cybercriminal group LulzSec defaced the PBS.org site, claiming that Tupac was still alive and living in New Zealand. A network security plan can help your business maintain control of its digital assets by using an Intrusion Prevention Service to prevent these exploits. Staying in control of your network activity will help protect your business’s reputation.
- Helps the company meet industry compliance standards: Government and industry bureau audits can occur at any time. For example, if your company does not encrypt sensitive data, the governing agency may impose a heavy fine. A comprehensive network security plan helps your company guard your databases and ensure the privacy and integrity of confidential data.
- Protects customer data: If a hacker gains access to your database and extracts customer credit card data, bank account records, and Social Security numbers, your customers may become victims of identity theft and then take legal action against your business. A network security plan can include purchasing SSL certificates to prevent bad actors from intercepting online registration and transactions. Plus, the “HTTPS” in the browser address bar can reassure your customers that your business is a trustworthy place to buy products and services.
- Allows an employee to work remotely: A network security plan can allow an employee to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The VPN provides employees with easy, secure access to the tools they need to perform their day-to-day tasks. That way, your business can quickly open new office branches, offer flextime, and hire top talent from anywhere in the world.
Protect your business now by contacting SwiftTech Solutions for a review of your network security. You can call 877-794-3811 or email info@swifttechsolutions.com for a free consultation.
SOURCES:
Cisco. What is Network Security? Retrieved from: http://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/solutions/small_business/resource_center/articles/secure_my_business/what_is_network_security/index.html
Arar, Y. Small-Business Network Security 101. (2009, July 1). Retrieved from: http://www.pcworld.com/article/167647/network_security.html
Bradley, T. Secure your small-business network without spending a dime. (2013, September 5). Retrieved from: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2048137/secure-your-small-business-network-without-spending-a-dime.html
Poremba, S. 7 Steps Toward Better Small Business Security. (2013, October 3). Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/technology-web/2013/10/03/7-steps-toward-better-small-business-security/
Sutton, C. When the Pros Secure Your Network You Keep Away the Cons. (2013, November 27). Retrieved from: http://smallbiztrends.com/2013/11/secure-your-network.html
CIOL Bureau. Top 10 tips to make your business secure. (2013, November 27). Retrieved from: http://www.ciol.com/ciol/features/202175/top-tips-business-secure/page/1
Slade, H. How Small Businesses Can Win On Security And Speed This Cyber Monday. (2013, November 26). Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/hollieslade/2013/11/26/how-small-businesses-can-win-on-security-and-speed-this-cyber-monday/
Pascucci, M. Key steps to perform a successful information security gap analysis. (2012, March). Retrieved from: http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/tip/Key-steps-to-perform-a-successful-information-security-gap-analysis
Watchguard. Network Security Essentials for Your New Small Business. Retrieved from: http://www.watchguard.com/tips-resources/grc/wp-network-security-essentials-for-your-small-business.asp