Any organization should use network security management best practices to protect its critical resources. After all, businesses generate massive amounts of data every day. If one of your critical systems gets infected, you may take too long to find out about it.
And then, you’ll notice the infiltration of your network. Hackers can exploit your data to manipulate or abuse your users or steal your company’s secrets.
Don’t give away your company’s data or its secrets. You need to know the common network security management mistakes that can spread your company wide open for the bad guys to target.
How will you avoid making those mistakes? Keep reading to learn how to stay safe.
1. Neglecting Regular Security Audits and Assessments
Many organizations often assume that their existing security measures are sufficient and fail to conduct routine checks to identify vulnerabilities and threats. This can lead to outdated security protocols, leaving the computer network susceptible to cyber attacks.
To avoid this mistake, it is vital to conduct regular security audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of existing IT security measures and identify potential weaknesses. This allows organizations to proactively address any issues and implement necessary updates or improvements to strengthen their network security and protect sensitive data.
2. Weak Password Practices
This can make it easier for hackers to gain access to sensitive information and compromise the security of a network. To avoid this, it is important to use strong and unique passwords for each account. This can include using a combination of:
- letters
- numbers
- symbols
- regularly updating passwords
Implementing multi-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of security. By avoiding weak password practices, organizations can significantly decrease the risk of malicious software and protect their network from potential breaches.
3. Neglecting Employee Training and Awareness
This can lead to employees unknowingly falling victim to phishing scams or downloading malware, putting the entire network at risk. To avoid this mistake, companies should prioritize regular training and awareness programs for employees to educate them on how to identify and prevent security threats.
It is also important to regularly update and reinforce security policies and procedures to keep employees informed and vigilant. By implementing the strategies and tips provided by INVITE, you can prevent cyber attacks and protect your sensitive data.
4. Ignoring Patch Management
Patches are software updates designed to fix vulnerabilities in a system. Failing to regularly install these patches can lead to serious security breaches. To avoid this mistake, it is important for organizations to have a dedicated team or individual responsible for patch management.
They should regularly scan for and install patches for all mobile devices and applications on the network. Implementing automated patch management tools can ensure that updates are installed in a timely manner, reducing the risk of potential attacks.
5. Insufficient Access Control
This occurs when there is a lack of proper authorization protocols in place, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to sensitive information and systems. To avoid this mistake, it is important to implement strict access controls such as:
- two-factor authentication
- strong password policies
- role-based access permissions
Regularly reviewing and updating access privileges is also crucial to ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to critical information.
Take Action and Prioritize Network Security Management Now
Network security management is crucial for protecting sensitive information and preventing cyber attacks. By implementing proactive measures and regularly training staff, these mistakes can be avoided.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; take action now to secure your network and safeguard your data.
Do you need more tips and tricks? Take a look at our blog and see what interests you!