Today, securing your business' computer network is not an option as much as it is a necessity. This is an important process that needs to be handled with care and the proper planning and financial budgeting.
Many small businesses in particular lack the funds to employ a dedicated IT staff and buy the equipment needed to lock down the business computer network. However, security is crucial, and data breaches could end the business; there are threats that come from a number of sources like website breaches, downloads of illegal material and through wireless networks. These threats are a bit difficult to address given the limited resources available, but this guide should help you get a fair idea of what to do to secure your business computer network.
A major reason for security breaches are wireless networks. Wireless internet requires a broadband connection that is connected to a wireless router, which in turn broadcasts a signal into the air. Once this is done, any computer within the range can gain access to your network, which means that any hacker nearby has access to the information on the network or computer. This could be a major cause for concern unless your wireless network has been secured. A password is often not enough to ensure that your wireless network is secure, and steps must be taken to make your wireless business network completely secure. These measures include reducing the transmitting power of your router, keeping your SSID private and securing your router and your access point administration interface.
Before you begin to lock down on your business computer system, you will need to come up with an effective plan by which to build security in your business network. The first step is to come up with a checklist of items that you will need to take care of when you begin to secure your network. There are nine major checkpoints that you will have to make note of and constantly monitor when you are trying to secure your computer network. These include managing the core network and file server security, making backups, protecting remote laptops, securing internet connections and the web server, getting a VPN, wireless security, secure browsing, IM and email security and endpoint protection.
In order to begin a security routine, businesses should take further precautions that include limiting access to the office or building, and instituting a certain code of conduct with regards to passwords and virus protection.
Businesses can also use the security features that are in software applications and routers and implement a security policy to be followed by everyone in the company.
Ian works in the IT Industry and talks about ways to employ your own in-house IT team Computer Support Chippenham and Computer Support Bristol.
