Top 5 Network Security Mistakes

When it comes to network security, some companies cheap out, cut corners and ultimately suffer the consequences. From hacked networks to stolen data, the integrity of your company network can make or break your business. Whether you're a brand-new start-up company or an industry veteran, there are some easily avoided network security mistakes that can make or break your company.

1. Weak Passwords

With the rise in hacked social media accounts, it should be common sense to use strong passwords for your different login accounts. Passwords that involve your phone number, birthday, pet's name or simply "password" simply don't cut it.

In your company you should make your staff create strong passwords - passwords that include upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols, and are a minimum of 8 characters long. This How-To article Geek gives some simple guidelines for creating a strong password. On a side note, if you use a Windows Server you can set password complexity requirements which force the above, and also make your staff change their password after a certain time (e.g. every 6 months).

2. Lack of Education

It definitely helps to have an IT department or outsourced IT provider that knows what it's doing, but to truly get out in front of security issues you need to educate your employees. Most malware is the result of misuse and avoidable errors, so teach your staff how to avoid downloading viruses and inviting malware into the system. Keep employees in the loop on what new malware and viruses are out there, and how they can best avoid them.

Employees don't need to understand everything about computers to contribute to a more secure company network. Simply providing them with a list of trusted browsers and safe websites goes a long way to creating an all-around safer company network.

3. Not Doing Maintenance

Keeping your network up to date on the latest security patches is critical in ensuring it’s safe from outside attacks. Hackers exploit loopholes and cracks in security as soon as they discover vulnerabilities in your network, which means you have to be just as vigilant in your upkeep.

Set a schedule for updates, scans and patches on all computer in order to maintain the integrity of your network. Having an IT provider do this proactive maintenance for you helps as they'll be dedicated to handling both daily and long term security concerns with constant updates to hardware and software.

4. Plug and Surf

A qualified IT person should handle most security measures especially when it concerns initial security. Configuring networks, applying the proper security measures, and installing the correct software can be difficult for beginners. Avoid lapses in security by investing in personnel dedicated to IT tasks. From one or two individuals to an entire department, putting your network’s security in the hands of someone educated in the ins and outs of computers and IT will be your best bet to ensuring a safe network.

It’s tempting to do everything yourself—you cut down on costs, pick up a few new skills, but you risk making mistakes that can cost you big down the line. Larger companies would be wise to have a department dedicated to IT, while smaller businesses should seek advice or hire contractors to help put together secure networks and establish protocols.

The Final Word

Network security means different things to different businesses. Many networks are used for internal office purposes, computers connected through the intranet, etc.; but some security concerns apply to website and online stores—and that’s when security becomes of the utmost importance. If you can’t keep sensitive customer information safe from hackers, they may cease visiting your website and you’ll lose their business.

This is why many online stores display security certificates like SSL where they’re visible to customers. These certificates tell customers that their information will only be sent over secure, encrypted channels.

Developing and enhancing your network security doesn’t only protect your business, it builds credibility with clients and customers—and that is priceless.

If you need help with your network, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free network audit before it’s too late.