Why You Need Business Network Security

Your small business relies on safe and secure networks to transmit sensitive data and undergo file sharing. That’s why you need the tools and the plan to stay safe and secure.

In other words, you need to know the best security practices that will fend off hackers.

In this post, we’ll talk about:

• The Importance Of High-Performing Cybersecurity
• Tips For Small Business Network Security
• How To Protect Against DDoS And DNS Attacks
• Small Business Network Security Checklist

The Importance Of High-Performing Cybersecurity

The world is more technologically advanced than it’s ever been, but with that come more cyber attacks. Hackers now have substantially more options for targets and have many more pathways to attack.

Security threats barrage companies all the time, regardless of the size. Facebook faces security compromises and so do mom-and-pop shops.

In fact, there are more than 4,000 cyberattacks every single day. Every year, several companies experience compromises. And the cost of cybercrime is in the trillions of dollars, with that amount increasing each year.

But the one statistic that you should care about is this: 60% of small businesses that experience a major cybercrime go out of business soon afterward.

So hackers often target small business networks.

And that’s why you need a small business network that’s ready to stand up against those vicious attempts.

Tips For Small Business Network Security

So how do you protect your hardware and software from these security compromises? Here are some tips you can start implementing today.

Stay informed

In today's technologically advanced world, you can’t rely on IT specialists to be the only ones who know about cybersecurity. Ideally, your entire team should know the basics of how to stay safe online.

Usually, security incidents happen because of user error, web browser exploitation, and social engineering. Even if you password-protect your data and use two-factor authentication, these things can still happen.

Optimum actually has a 24/7/365 IT team of knowledgeable professionals. So if you’re a customer and you suspect issues or have questions about how to best protect your business, give us a call.

Get more than antivirus software

Installing antivirus software on all of your company devices (including every mobile device) is crucial, but that’s not enough. Your business will need more security tools, like DDoS protection and DNS filtering.

A hacker who attacks you will be using a box of tools, so you should too.

Insure your business

Because hackers are negatively affecting our network-centric world at an increasing rate, cybersecurity insurance is more important than ever. No matter the size of your company, you need insurance.

Most small business owners know this.

Imagine if your business is hit by an attack. Think of how detrimental that could be -- the costs, the manpower to fix the issues, and the stress. But with insurance, you can get damage containment help and coverage options.

Educate your employees about data flow

Hackers aren’t the only ones who can compromise your data. Your employees, if they’re not careful, can put the company’s data in jeopardy.

Whether someone leaves their work computer on the subway or enters their info into an unreputable site, your company’s data is at risk.

That’s why it’s important to know how your business stores and processes data. If you know the ins and outs of your data flow, you can strengthen the weak spots and educate your employees about the small business network security best practice.

Implement a backup and recovery plan

Hackers attack companies with ransomware all the time.

The good news is that if your business already has a backup and recovery plan in place, you won’t need to worry. You won’t have to pay the ransom because you didn’t actually lose any data.

These attacks are inconvenient, but at least you won’t have to pay to get your data back.

According to SentinelOne, 45% of companies in the United States that were faced with a ransomware attack paid the hackers. But just 26% of those companies actually got their files back.

Hence, the need for a backup and recovery plan.

How To Protect Against DDoS And DNS Attacks

Now the question becomes: how do you protect yourself from these cyber attacks? Let’s look at three common types of protection your business will need.

Virus Protection

Even though anti-virus software is not the only layer of protection you need, it is a necessary first step. This type of software blocks viruses from getting anywhere near your data.

If you’re an Optimum customer, you get the added benefit of McAfee Virus Protection software for free. You simply download the software from within your Optimum account and you’ll be automatically registered.

DDoS Protection

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have been increasing. And basic internet security isn’t enough.

That’s why Optimum Business Internet offers protection services, like advanced monitoring, detection, and mitigation solutions. This gives you the confidence that your virtual private network is secure and that there are experts on your side, ready to help if needed.

DNS Filtering

A common practice for hackers is to use a domain name system (DNS) to redirect your website to a fake and spam-filled IP address. This is a DNS attack and it’s bad for a lot of reasons.

Fortunately, Optimum offers DNS filtering, which catches those attempts before they hit your site. If our filtering system sees that the hacker’s site is not on record, we’ll pull the visitor back to your site.

And that makes your company website completely valid and safe to use.

Small Business Network Security Checklist

As a recap, here’s a checklist you can refer to when creating your cybersecurity plan for business:

• Stay educated and informed on the newest security threats
• Get security insurance for your business
• Educate your employees about data flow and how to keep information safe
• Implement a backup and recovery plan
• Download virus protection on all your devices
• Ensure you have the most up-to-date operating systems
• Add DDoS Protection as an extra layer of protection
• Activate DNS Filtering to block illegal redirects

If you’re looking for more information on business network security, contact us today. We want your business to be secure and we know you do too.