18 Apr 4 Basic IT Security Tactics for Protecting Your Small Business
Firewall Protection
Cyber crime is one of the leading methods of theft across the nation. No industry is immune. Some of the most successful businesses on the globe have been infiltrated by various cyber threats and exploitation. Meanwhile, the numbers are not improving. The good news is, basic IT security and network protection is correlatingly effective in preventing against malware attacks. This can be provided in a multitude of ways. The the most common are:
Traditional Network Firewalls
This method of cyber protection has been hailed as a security standard for good reason. It’s ability to protect against outside intrusion is proven. Additionally, its implementation remains highly affordable and adaptive. The breaching of this type of firewall is usually internal rather than external. The majority of successful external breaches account for approximately 10% of cases. Updated programming is one of the most important facets of traditional firewall protection. This ensures all new malicious attacks which arise are addressed. It is wise to enlist IT professionals for the installation and constant upgrading needed to sustain this type of firewall protection.
Database Firewalls
As the name implies, Database firewalls are designed specifically to protect valuable and vulnerable database information. This is accomplished by placing them in direct proximity to the server they protect. This produces a shield between the server and external web applications, preventing unwanted users from gaining access. This method is highly advisable for any businesses which maintains valuable information such as credit, medical, or corporate data.
Web Application Firewalls
Web Application Firewalls have a few variances from Database Firewalls. This primarily includes the use of a proxy server. This prevents users outside the business network from gaining access with out specific clearance protocols. This method has shown highly effective for blocking files containing malicious requests, server software manipulation, and unfamiliar user access.
Next Generation Firewall
Next generation firewalls are consistently rising in popularity. This is due to their direct attention to web applications. Furthermore, this degree of firewall protection not only examines IP address sources and ports, it analyzes data package content individually. This offers highly programmed application usage and blocking. As a result, it permits particular application usage to varying degrees depending on the exact parameters of the business. File sharing, Go to Meeting ect, can all be monitored and maintained within this firewall. Due to the depth of analysis provided through this firewall, HIPAA and PCI compliance must often be examined upon installation.
Backup & Disaster Recovery
While prevention is the ideal tactic of IT Security, developing a comprehensive recovery plan is a beneficial and often over looked extension. This can save your business precious resources and time. An analysis of essential data, recovery time objectives, backup data storage, business impact, full system recovery protocols, etc. is all necessary for creating an effective disaster recovery plan. Incorporating data recovery protects your business from long-term damage. In addition, it ensures an expediant return to your businesses functionality.
Email Security
One of the most widely used methods of cyber attack is “phishing”. This is the calculated design of malicious emails sent to multiple individuals within a corporation. They are designed to appear relevant, credible, and compelling. A single click can compromise a business’s entire network, resulting in the loss of valuable data. Multifaceted solutions such as consistent employee training and unity, strong password protocol, and encryption can ultimately save your business revenue, time, and reputability.
Data Encryption
One of the most outstanding methods of IT security is data encryption. It is widely used by both large and small businesses. Essentially, data is translated into code of an alternative form. This code cannot be read without a decryption key. Therefor, in the event of a successful security breach, data is still protected. This layered form of security protects vulnerable information within the network and devices of all varieties. Additinally, it protects data being transmitted to online sources and contacts.