Keep network doors closed to prevent a security breach

We’ve all heard the news of a serious security incident or breach to organization networks: unauthorized users gain network access control and steal valuable information, resulting in financial loss and irreparable reputational damage to business operations.

Meanwhile, companies are trying to keep their networks secure to prevent data breaches. But with countless loopholes and consistent technology advancements, this can be challenging for companies — especially those with few security teams and limited resources.

For all organizations, it’s essential to prioritize areas that provide the highest level of network security. High on your company’s network security priority list should be keeping external doors closed to prevent unauthorized network access control. This ensures that your company’s cybersecurity measures remain strong and secure enough to protect sensitive business secrets and confidential customer data.

We’ll look at various methods on how organizations can securely keep reliable access to lockout unwanted visitors while allowing authorized personnel easier access through managed services. We’ll also cover best practices for keeping network doors securely closed to unauthorized users!

What are Network Doors?

Network doors, also known as network gateways or network access points, play a critical role in the functioning and control of your computer network, as well as preventing a security breach. They allow devices on a company network to communicate and share data with each other, as well as with the internet. This is done by providing a bridge between a local network and the outside world. In other words, network doors are the entry points that connect devices to your network.

• Routers. These are one of the most common types of network doors, and they route data packets between different networks.
• Switches. A network door that connects devices within a local network. Switches allow for efficient data sharing between devices, such as computers, printers, and servers.
• Modems. These devices connect to the internet via a telephone line or cable. Modems convert analog signals from the phone or cable line into digital signals that can be understood by computers and other devices.

How cyber attackers exploit open network doors

Cybercriminals can manipulate network doors, also known as network ports, in a variety of ways to gain unauthorized access to control systems. They can also steal data or launch attacks. Some of the common methods that cyber criminals use to manipulate network doors include:

1. Port scanning. Cybercriminals use tools to scan networks for open ports. Once they find an open port, they launch an attack or gain access control of the system.
2. Exploiting vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can exploit known vulnerabilities in network services exposed through open ports. They can use these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems or launch attacks.
3. Brute force attacks. Cybercriminals can use brute force attacks to guess passwords or other authentication credentials associated with open ports. They can use this information to gain access to systems or steal data.
4. Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Cybercriminals can launch DoS attacks by flooding open ports with traffic, causing them to become overloaded and unavailable to legitimate authorized users.

Best Practices for Keeping Network Doors Closed

With increased connectivity comes increased risk from external threats. That’s why following best practices for application and network security and keeping network doors closed is more critical than ever.

By ensuring that your networks are properly secured, you can safeguard your company’s valuable data and prevent unauthorized access to potential cyber threats. Furthermore, using application security and keeping network doors closed can help ensure business continuity during an attack. This will minimize the damaging effects and allowing your company to bounce back quickly.

Follow these best practices to keep your network security doors closed.

1. Keep all software up to date. Ensure that all software, including operating systems, firewalls, and antivirus software, is up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
2. Use strong passwords. Require authorized users to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess or crack, and enforce password policies that require regular password changes.
3. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). Use MFA, which requires users to provide two or more forms of identification, such as a password and a token or a biometric identifier, to gain secure access to a system.
4. Limit user privileges. Grant users only the privileges they need to perform their job functions and no more. This can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information or computer systems.
5. Monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. Keep an eye on network traffic to detect and respond to potential threats, malicious activity, or unauthorized access attempts.
6. Use encryption. Use encryption to protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest, such as when stored on a hard drive or in the cloud.
7. Use firewalls. Implement firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to a network and limit access to only the necessary services.

Benefits of working with a managed service provider (MSP)

Managed service providers (MSPs) offer IT services, including network management and prevention systems, network security solutions, data backup, and disaster recovery. An MSP can help you protect your virtual private network (VPN) and keep network doors closed in several ways to prevent a security breach.

An MSP can implement and maintain firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and other effective network security control measures to ensure unauthorized user access attempts to your network are blocked. These tools can filter network traffic, perform intrusion detection, and identify and block potential security threats.

Additionally, an MSP can monitor your company’s computer networks for suspicious activity, such as failed login attempts, unusual traffic patterns, or malware infections. It can also take appropriate action to prevent network security breaches. This can include isolating affected network resources or systems, quarantining infected files, or taking other remedial intrusion prevention or control actions.

Lastly, an MSP can have security teams conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities in your network security. They can also recommend security tools for data loss prevention. Security team assessments of network performance can include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and compliance checks. This is to ensure that your network is secure and compliant with industry standards and security rules and regulations.

Final thoughts

Keeping network doors closed is crucial to preventing a security breach and protecting valuable data from cybercriminals. As technology advances, organizations must prioritize areas that provide the highest level of network protection. This includes implementing best practices like using strong passwords, limiting user privileges, trust network access, and monitoring network activity.

Working with a managed service provider can also provide additional security measures. These measures include implementing a firewall and an intrusion prevention system, monitoring suspicious activity, and conducting regular security assessments. By taking proactive measures to keep network doors closed, organizations can minimize the risk of cyberattacks and ensure the protection and safety of their sensitive data.

Visual Edge IT, Inc. (VEIT) specializes in managed IT services and security, cloud computing, and print/copy solutions for businesses across the U.S. including remote office locations. We offer a full line of office technology and services including 24/7 remote monitoring and administration of networks, service desk, and data backup and restore to improve business processes across a variety of industries. Plus, Visual Edge IT™ represents the industry’s leading manufacturers of office technology allowing businesses to get equipment, supplies and service from a single source. Backed by more than 20-years of technology service and a national network of expert engineers, VEIT is uniquely positioned to support business technology needs. The company is headquartered in North Canton, OH, USA. Request your no-obligation assessment today and get a free dark web analysis.