Top Techniques for Enhancing Network Security

Security in networks is highly significant for organizations to shield critical data and structures from cyber adversaries. As the networks are being developed and the threats of the cyber threats escalate, it is crucial to have stronger guards. Here are some of the top techniques organizations can leverage to enhance their network security:Here are some of the top techniques organizations can leverage to enhance their network security:

Design a firewall and an intrusion prevention system (IPS)

Firewalls and IP devices enable you to filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on specific parameters set by security policies. They can block unwanted traffic, at the same time, allowing the good traffic to get through. Next-generation firewalls even incorporate the threat intelligence to identify and prevent the latest threats. Having firewalls and IPS in place gives the first line of defense against external threats.

Employ anti-malware and anti-virus software 

This remains an area where organizations are vulnerable to attacks despite the existing advanced technologies. It can check systems and traffic for the presence of signatures of known anti-virus software. Even more sophisticated solutions employ behavior analysis to identify new unknown threats that exhibit certain behaviors. It is very important to update virus definitions frequently and make sure that the full environment is being scanned.

Set up a VPN for secure remote connection

Remote working increases exposure to risks. A virtual private network (VPN) is a method through which an organization can provide limited access to its resources to its employees and other stakeholders through a secure tunnel. All traffic is protected from interception. This should be done in VPNs to verify the identity of users before they are granted access to the system. It is possible to control which users and devices can utilize VPNs to limit the exposure of threats. 

Patch operating systems, software and firmware 

A common method through which attackers are able to penetrate networks is through the use of software flaws. Patch management ensures threats are barred from exploiting existing security vulnerabilities and gaining unlawful access to the system. Implement a tracking system to identify systems that require patches. For Internet connected applications and other critical infrastructure devices, ensure that vulnerabilities are patched on time.  

Permissions and principle of least privilege 

Deciding which resources a user can use based on his role is crucial for security. Set up permissions policies, disable the accounts that are not needed, enforce password complexity and set up standards for granting access rights. This means that users should only be given the level of system privileges that are required to enable them perform their functions, thus constraining attacker mobility.

Encrypt data

Encrypting data such as credit card details, patient data, login details and other personal information makes it impossible for third parties to read the intercepted traffic. Settle for standards such as AES-256 bit encryption to make data virtually unreadable while in motion within the networks and when in the databases. Establish policies for encryption standards that should fit sensitivity levels of the data.

Employ state-of-the-art threat identification technologies 

Modern cyber threats employ various tactics to avoid identification by conventional systems. There are other detection solutions that can complement your security layers, either as a user-end point detection on people’s devices or network traffic analysis that identifies anomalous patterns with the help of machine learning. These offer insight into threats present in your environment.

Perform periodic penetration testing 

There is no way one can address an issue without even knowing it exists. Ethical hacking processes mimic attacks to find vulnerabilities in the network for which the security team has not developed countermeasures and might have been created by outdated applications, wrong configurations or unsafe behaviors of the users. Apply the discovery to improve the defenses before actual attackers discover and exploit the same vulnerabilities.

Inform employees on security measures 

Some of the worst security breaches occur as a result of employee negligence. Thus, through workplace education, organizations decrease risk since people develop good security practices. Instruct employees on choosing password formats, recognizing a phishing message, using the web securely, transferring data securely, and what to do in the event of a security threat.

Practice the reaction procedures 

Even with rigorous prevention, some attacks will always occur. It can be said that despite the fact that prevention can be effective, the actual development and testing of plans for responding to an attack will help to contain the damage, though. Identify processes for early identification of problems, diagnosing to establish causal factors, mitigation of ongoing risks, removal of compromised systems from the production environment, restoration of regular operations, and, only as a final step, investigation into the incident to identify valuable lessons that can be applied in the future.  

In this vein, adopt a defense-in-depth approach 

It is impossible to protect against all threats. Establishing layers of overlapping preventative and detection mechanisms increases your probability of catching the wrong party at any stage of an attack. Combining firewalls, endpoint protection, access, encryption, passwords, vulnerability, awareness and practiced response forms a strong defense layer.

While maintaining network security is an ongoing process, the incorporation of these techniques is well-placed to prepare your organization for contemporary cyber threats. Remember to engage professionals when selecting architectures for your risk appetite levels, always invest in understanding threat changes, and ensure that your defense grows organically.