Best network security

Anti-virus and anti-malware software. Installing new security patches and feature updates. Replacing network device hardware with the latest version.Now that you’ve learned the best practices, here’s a handy checklist you can use to track your progress. Final thoughts: Enterprise network security best practicesEnterprise network security is indeed a serious concern for large organizations. Enterprise networks are susceptible to cyber threats — but now you know how to implement best practices like network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and zero-trust strategy. Once network security best practices are in place at your enterprise, look forward to complete compliance with data security regulations, smooth and secure operations, and increasing customer trust. The ideal hosting partner will help you reach that goal quicker. Get a head start with Liquid Web’s enterprise hosting solution; it markedly comes with DDoS protection, antivirus and malware scanning, vulnerability assessments, and intrusion detection systems.Network Security vs Cybersecurity: Differences and SimilaritiesNetwork Security: Exploring Cloud-Based Firewalls and Their Advantages10 Best Ways To Mitigate Cybersecurity RisksEnterprise cloud management: Benefits and best practicesHow enterprise software organizations can reduce technical debtUnderstanding cloud optimization: A comprehensive guide

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): ICMP is used for basic network troubleshooting and monitoring, especially to check the availability and responsiveness of devices. What is the best way to monitor your network?The best way to monitor your network effectively involves using a combination of tools, protocols, and best practices to cover all aspects of network performance, security, and reliability. Here’s a structured approach: Determine goals: Start by defining what you need to monitor. Common goals include tracking performance, identifying security threats, maintaining uptime, and managing capacity. Identify key metrics: Performance: Bandwidth usage, latency, packet loss, error rates, CPU/memory usage on network devices. Availability: Uptime and downtime, device availability, network reachability. Traffic: Who is using the network, what applications or protocols are consuming bandwidth, and when. Security: Unusual traffic patterns, access attempts, security alerts. Define thresholds: Establish thresholds for key metrics to identify when a device or network segment is performing outside of normal parameters. Set up alerts: Configure alerts for critical issues. Use escalation protocols to notify the appropriate teams based on the severity of alerts. Create dashboards: Use dashboards to create visual overviews of network health, traffic, and device status. Generate reports: Schedule reports that analyze trends in performance, usage, and security incidents. Device updates: Regularly update network devices with firmware and security patches to minimize vulnerabilities. Network audits: Periodic audits help validate network configurations, security settings, and monitoring accuracy. Trend analysis: Use historical data to identify trends in bandwidth usage, device performance, and security incidents. Capacity planning: Use

Lack of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. For the strongest protection against MITM attacks, avoid using websites that don’t adhere to HTTPS or SSL protocols.MalwareMalware is malicious software that can damage an enterprise network and extract confidential information. Here are a few common types of malware: Ransomware: Locks the enterprise network and denies access until the victim pays a ransom. Spyware: Hides in the enterprise network, eavesdrops on communications, extracts data, and sends it to the attacker. Trojan: Mimics legitimate code until the hacker is ready to launch a malicious attack. Worm: Replicates quickly and spreads through the enterprise network, overloading servers, consuming bandwidth, and slowing down operations.Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacksIn a DDoS attack, the attacker sends a massive volume of traffic into network devices like routers and servers. This flood of traffic overloads the enterprise network, leading to downtime and lost revenue while the servers are unavailable. DDoS attacks can also be a way to camouflage a malware attack. The malware enters the network through the flood, undetected.Significantly, there was a tenfold increase in DDOS attacks from 2005 to 2022, making it a top priority to address with best practices for enterprise network security.Insider threatsA network security threat can originate from within an enterprise. An employee or a third-party vendor could intentionally or unintentionally assist in a malicious attack. A lack of network security awareness could play a role — but don’t rule out an intentional scheme.In a 2023 survey of 2,300 cybersecurity professionals, 68% were concerned about insider threats.You now understand how a network security breach can originate and affect both an enterprise’s operations and reputation. Now, let’s explore some best practices that strengthen an enterprise’s network security and ability to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks. Enterprise network security best practices Create a comprehensive view of your network infrastructure. Divide your enterprise network into zones. Use both hardware and software firewalls. Employ network security solutions. Secure wireless networks. Use virtual private networks (VPNs). Enforce both multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong passwords. Establish a zero-trust strategy. Train your employees to adhere to security policies. Conduct security audits and install updates.Take a closer look at each of these network security best practices.1. Create a comprehensive view of your network infrastructure Enterprises often have their data and applications spread across multiple servers, accessed through public and private networks. Therefore, the first step in enterprise network security is to gain a comprehensive understanding of your network infrastructure. Start with the following components: Hardware: Routers, hubs, switches, and firewalls. Software: Intrusion prevention systems and network access control systems. Endpoints: Desktops, laptops, and mobile phones.It’s a good idea to create a network diagram that shows how network devices and endpoints are interconnected. The depiction will put into perspective how many local area networks (LANs), wireless networks, and wide area networks (WANs) are critical to your enterprise. When you have a solid big-picture understanding, your decision-making improves.2. Divide your enterprise network into zonesDivide a huge enterprise network

The average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million. That’s a 15% increase from 2020 and a concerning trend for enterprises since they have extensive networks that are highly targeted. That’s part of the reason enterprises are investing heavily in network security. A 2022 security spending benchmark report shows that companies in tech and business services spent 13% of their IT budget on cybersecurity. Strengthening an enterprise’s network security isn’t straightforward, however. There’s software to monitor, hardware to secure, customers and vendors connecting through public networks, and employees to teach and surveil. This guide covers all these factors, including practical steps you can take. First, let’s explore the significance of network security, and then we’ll explain enterprise network security best practices.In full, here’s what you’ll learn: The benefits of enterprise network security The major security threats to enterprises Enterprise network security best practices Final thoughts: Enterprise network security best practicesThe benefits of enterprise network securityEnterprise network security refers to processes and policies that increase the security of data, accounts, endpoint devices, and servers related to an enterprise network. Enterprises need tight security because a breach can lead to sensitive data leaks, data held for ransom, and the destruction of business-critical data or programs. That’s not the only reason, though. Consider the following motivations.ComplianceEnterprises must comply with data security regulations applicable to their operating regions. Network security practices are undoubtedly crucial to prevent cyberattacks, which can expose sensitive data like customers’ personal and financial information. This, in turn, exposes enterprises to legal backlash.Business continuityA hacker can hold data for ransom or bring down an enterprise’s network entirely. This could jeopardize the company’s day-to-day operations. Cybersecurity is, therefore, essential to ensure the enterprise has a reliable uptime. Consumer trustCyberattacks often aim to compromise user data, like passwords and personally identifiable information. Consumers usually lose trust in a company that leaks their sensitive data. Consequently, this impacts the enterprise’s customer retention and acquisition.The major security threats to enterprisesEnterprises with complex networks often face distinct security threats. Keep reading to get familiar with the important ones. Phishing Phishing involves an attacker sending someone an email or message disguised as legitimate communication from a trusted sender. It’s a form of social engineering, which means the attacker manipulates or deceives the victim into compromising network security by: Downloading malware. Clicking on malicious links. Sharing sensitive information.In 2022, phishing was the most prevalent cybercrime, accounting for 53.2% of cyberattacks worldwide. Spam filters can filter out phishing emails to some extent. However, sophisticated phishing attacks are hard to detect by automated systems and need trained humans to identify them. Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks In an MITM attack, hackers hijack a server and client communication. They use packet sniffer or modifier tools to intercept data between the two endpoints. Often, MITM attackers aim to read sensitive data or modify it to include malicious content. The attacker does this quietly with neither the client nor the server detecting an issue.MITM attacks often happen due to vulnerabilities like a

Of packets, enabling them to identify and block specific types of traffic, such as malicious code or prohibited file types.Firewall policies and configurations shape the behavior of a firewall and determine what traffic it permits or blocks. It is essential to regularly review and update these to align with your organization's security requirements. Significance of firewallsImplementing a firewall can significantly enhance the security of your network and sensitive data. Firewalls offer protection against common network threats and attacks, making them indispensable in the face of increasing sophistication of cyberthreats.Beyond network security, firewalls also aid organizations in meeting compliance requirements and adhering to industry best practices. Many regulatory frameworks mandate the use of firewalls to protect sensitive customer information. By implementing a firewall, organizations can meet these compliance requirements and avoid potential penalties.Selecting the right firewall requires careful consideration of such factors as the required level of security, network performance, scalability, and ease of management. It is vital to assess your organization's unique needs and consult with IT professionals to choose the firewall solution that is most suitable for your organization. Best practices for firewallsImplementing best practices for firewalls is key to securing your network. It is critical to appropriately configure and manage firewalls, implement regular updates and patches, and monitor and audit firewall activity.Configuring and managing firewall rulesProper configuration of firewall rules is essential for effective network security. Regularly review and update these rules to ensure they align with your organization's changing needs and evolving threat landscape.Regular firewall updates and patchesLike any other software, firewalls require regular updates and patches to address vulnerabilities and safeguard optimal performance. Implement a consistent update and patch management process to minimize the risk of security breaches and potential exploits.Explore the top five reasons to refresh a firewallMonitoring and auditing firewall activityRegularly reviewing firewall logs and alerts can help identify any suspicious or unauthorized activities. Additionally, consider implementing real-time monitoring solutions that can detect and respond to potential threats promptly. Auditing firewall configurations and policies can help identify misconfigurations or rule conflicts that may leave your network exposed.Following these best practices can significantly enhance the security of your network and protect your valuable data.