How to Secure Your Business Network in 10 Steps

Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) received 36,700 calls in FY 2023-24 about cyber security. This is an increase of 12% from the previous year. It clearly shows how important network security is. 

To secure your business network, here are 10 steps you can follow:

• Configure and update firewalls
• Implement MFA
• Encrypt Data
• Strengthen wireless network security
• Protect endpoints
• Use VPN
• Secure IoT devices
• Implement employee training
• Monitor network traffic
• Establish incident response and data breach mitigation plans

In this guide, we will discuss all the steps and how you can implement them all effectively. 

Pre-Security Step- Perform a Network Vulnerability Assessment

Before implementing any security measures, begin with a network vulnerability assessment.

Why It Matters: 

If you understand vulnerabilities, it will ensure that security efforts are focused where they are most needed. Conducting this assessment reduces risks and provides a clear roadmap for securing your network. This will help you identify existing weaknesses and potential cyberattack entry points.

How to Conduct an Assessment:

• Use automated tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys to identify weak points.
• Conduct penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks and measure system resilience.
• Review system logs, outdated configurations, and device policies to spot anomalies.

Link to Cyber Threat Intelligence: 

Combine vulnerability assessments with cyber threat intelligence to stay informed about-

• emerging threats, 
• malware trends, and 
• potential exploits specific to your industry.

10 Steps to Secure Business Network

Here, we have discussed 10 effective steps to make your business network secure. Here’s how the steps work. 

Step 1- Configure and Regularly Update Firewalls

Firewall acts as the first line of defence for your network. It monitors traffic and blocks unauthorised traffic. It also filters data packets that are transmitted between the networks. 

The firewall is so impactful that its worldwide market value is US$ 5.4 billion in 2023, with a growing rate of 13% till 2030.

So, as the first step, you need to configure the firewall for your network effectively. Also, update the firewall regularly. 

Best practice for Firewall Configuration

• Define strict outbound traffic and inbound traffic rules. Make sure no unauthorised access is permitted. 
• Enable advanced settings like deep packet inspection (DPI). This will scan packet contents for malicious code.
• Segment your network by creating isolated zones for critical systems and guest networks.

Pair the firewall with intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to increase its ability at its best. This provides real-time threat detection and automatic blocking of suspicious activities. You will get overall enhanced perimeter security from this combination.

Update the firewall’s firmware and the configuration regularly. By doing this, you can keep the configuration resilient against new vulnerabilities.

Step 2-  Implement Multi-Factor Authentication and Strong Password Policies

Passwords are obviously the first way to secure access to the administration system. But nowadays, only passwords can’t secure the system alone. Hackers can hack the password and breach the system at some points. 

Since 2004, Australia has had 97 million passwords that are compromised. 

To protect your network system, you should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA provides an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple credentials even after you enter the password to access your system. 

Steps to Strengthen Access Control:

• Implement MFA for all user accounts. Do this, especially for accessing sensitive systems and administrative portals.
• Mandate the use of password management tools such as NordPass, Google Password Suggestion, Proton Pass, etc. These will generate strong, unique passwords and securely store them. Practice strong password generation. Because easy and common passwords are easily breakable. 
• Enforce password rotation policies to reduce the risks associated with credential theft.

These measures greatly minimise the likelihood of unauthorised access. Even if passwords are compromised.

Step 3- Encrypt Sensitive Data

Data can be breached when it is sent over the network. During this, hackers can use packet sniffing to capture the data. This is called a man-in-the-middle attack. 

Data encryption ensures that sensitive information remains unreadable to unauthorised parties. So, if attackers intercept the data during transmission or access it illegally, they can’t read the data. 

Encryption Techniques:

• Use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates to encrypt data in transit. 82.9% of websites already used SSL-certified data encryption in 2023. You can use these for online communications and transactions.
• Encrypt stored data using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys for maximum security.

Where to Apply Encryption:

• Protect email communications and attachments.
• Encrypt databases and backups to secure financial records and customer information.
• Enable encryption for endpoint storage devices, including:
  • Laptops
  • hard drives (HDDs)
  • solid-state drives (SSDs)
  • USB flash drives
  • SD cards
  • external hard drives and 
  • optical discs (CDs/DVDs)

You can minimise the impact of potential breaches by making encrypted data unreadable to hackers.

Step 4- Strengthen Wireless Network Security

Wireless networks often serve as an entry point for cyberattacks. This is because of weak configurations or outdated security protocols. Strengthening your Wi-Fi security is crucial for safeguarding your business network.

Steps to Secure Wireless Networks:

• Use WPA3 encryption for all Wi-Fi networks. It offers stronger protection compared to WPA2.
• Regularly update router firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
• Configure access points to limit the range of your Wi-Fi signal and reduce exposure to external threats.
• Disable SSID broadcasting to prevent unauthorised devices from detecting your network.

Implementing these steps ensures that your wireless connections are resilient against eavesdropping and brute-force attacks.

Step 5- Protect Endpoint Devices with Security Software

Endpoint devices such as computers, smartphones, and IoT devices are potential entry points for cybercriminals. Secure these devices for overall network security.

Endpoint Security Measures:

• Install paid antivirus and anti-malware software on all devices to detect and eliminate threats. You can implement software such as Bitdefender, McAfee, Eset, Kaspersky, etc. 
• Enable local firewalls to monitor device-specific traffic.
• Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify unusual activity patterns.
• Regularly update all software and operating systems to fix vulnerabilities for efficient patch management. 

A well-protected endpoint reduces the risk of malware propagation and unauthorised access.

Step 6- Implement a VPN for Secure Remote Access

With the rise of remote work, secure communication between remote employees and your central network is essential. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) mask your IP address and location and encrypt data transfers. 

This ensures you have secure connectivity. Ultimately, this safeguards your sensitive information even when you or your employees work from untrusted networks. 

How to Implement VPNs:

• Choose a reliable VPN solution that is compatible with your business needs.
• Combine VPN solutions with cloud network protection for hybrid environments where cloud services are frequently used.

Step 7- Secure IoT Devices and Other Connected Systems

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are often overlooked in security plans. But they are vulnerable to attacks due to weak default settings.

Proactively securing IoT systems prevents attackers from exploiting them as entry points into your network.

Steps to Secure IoT:

• Change default credentials immediately after device installation.
• Regularly update the firmware to address security flaws.
• Use network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from the main business network.
• Implement an IoT security framework based on five stages: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
• Deploy network monitoring tools to track unusual activity originating from IoT devices. You can use tools like-
  • Azure IoT Hub
  • AWS IoT Device Management
  • Datadog
  • IBM Watson IoT, etc. 

Step 8- Train Employees in Cybersecurity Best Practices

Human error remains a leading cause of cyber breaches. A study by IBM Security Intelligence Index report shows:

• 95% of all breaches are caused due to human error. 

But employee awareness and training can significantly reduce risks.

Training Areas:

• Recognising and reporting phishing attempts.
• Safeguard login credentials and use secure password creation methods.
• Identifying social engineering tactics aimed at manipulating users into divulging sensitive information.
• Provide regular training updates and simulate phishing scenarios to test employee vigilance.

Step 9- Monitor Network Traffic and Use Threat Detection Systems

Employ network monitoring tools to monitor the system. Continuous monitoring enables businesses to identify suspicious activity and respond before damage occurs.

Real-time monitoring ensures timely responses to mitigate risks.

Tools for Monitoring and Detection:

• Use network monitoring tools to analyse traffic patterns and detect anomalies.
• Deploy threat detection systems/intrusion detection system (IDS) that supports AI and machine learning to identify threats faster.
• Implement automated alerts to notify IT teams of potential breaches.

Step 10- Establish Incident Response and Data Breach Mitigation Plans

Network breaches can happen anytime, even if you implement the highest level of security. So, it is wise to be prepared for it and make a plan for disaster. 

Preparation for security incidents reduces their impact on your business. A well-defined plan ensures quick recovery and compliance with regulatory obligations.

Incident Response Framework:

• Assign employee roles and responsibilities for handling security breaches.
• Develop detailed playbooks for incidents, including ransomware attacks and insider threats.

Data Breach Mitigation:

• Back up your data regularly so that you can run your operation as fast as possible after the data breach. Automatic backup could be your go-to option. 
• Notify stakeholders and regulatory bodies promptly to comply with laws like the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme.

How Managed IT Services Providers Can Help You

If you want a hassle-free, secure network for your business, you can hire managed IT support providers for network security. 

Professional IT support providers are trained, skilled, and experienced in providing network security services. They will take on all the responsibilities, from network security plans to strategies and implementation. 

You will also be safe with legal issues by complying with the Privacy Act 1988 if you deal with clients’ data. So, hiring IT support services is a wise decision by any means. 

Final Thoughts

Securing your business network is a must to keep operations ongoing and protect your business from financial loss and legal issues. By employing strategic plans, you can secure your business network effectively. 

If you are in search of the best-managed IT service provider for network security in Brisbane, ITTechBox is at your service. We have been providing IT services across Brisbane for years and have hundreds of satisfied clients. Put your trust in us, and let us make your business safe from cyberattacks and keep business operations smooth.