Five Ways to Protect Your Networks from Viruses and Hacking

Technological advances provide tremendous value to today’s businesses. With the right hardware and software, your company is able to thrive in ways that were not possible even ten years ago. However, sophisticated systems alone cannot ensure that your network is invulnerable to malicious attacks. By planning and implementing processes, and taking advantages of current IT strategies, you’ll be best positioned to keep your company safe from viruses and hacking.

• Educate employees: Vulnerabilities are reduced when everyone is on board with system security. Ensure your employees know the threats that exist when protocol is not followed. From strong passwords to authentication codes, adhering to company standards is the first level of security against viruses and system hacking.
• Update software: When a new virus emerges, software developers get to work closing any security holes the virus has exploited. Software companies provide patches and new releases with regularity. It is important to have a strategy to keep software up-to-date, either through in-house processes or a managed IT strategy.
• Configure security: When purchasing new hardware, software, and servers, be sure to change default passwords and remove sample pages. Remove programs that are no longer integral to your business and erase traces they may have left. In addition, follow a repeatable process for removing access to employees when they leave the company. Backup your system on a regular basis or outsource to a managed backup partner.
• Improve Firewall: Consider installing both a software and hardware firewall. Firewalls prevent unauthorised use and access to your network. Hardware firewalls, often found in broadband routers, need little or no configuration and are capable of protecting every machine on a local network. You can install a software firewall directly on your computer and can configure both function and protection features. It is essential to keep your firewall and operating system up to date to maintain optimal protection from viruses. Test your firewall on a regular basis, to ensure it is connected and working correctly.
• Install Anti-virus Software: Perhaps the most well known way to protect from malicious programs is to install anti-virus software. Anti-virus software is configured to detect if a hacker has slipped something into your system that will attack it from the inside. In addition, an intrusion detection program can help to monitor your network and alert you if unauthorised users are trying to log in or access files. Managed anti-virus offerings can assist in selecting the best programs and practices for your specific needs.

If you are interested in learning more about how to protect your network, and to find out more about our complimentary review of your needs, visit us at www.analytixit.com.