The current network security threats can easily weaken the defenses of a business network. They can steal or disrupt proprietary data, essential applications, or entire IT infrastructure. When so many businesses face such kinds of threats, it’s important to have a WiFi Network Security Risk Assessment that’ll help you monitor and mitigate the most critical threats as well as essential vulnerabilities. 

We’ll be discussing those major network security risks and vulnerabilities as well as steps that businesses can take to protect themselves from incoming attacks.

Common Network Security Risks

1. Having Insecure Networking

A wireless network appears like an open invitation to the hackers. They can launch malware or have security data breaches without warning. 

In order to stop this, we recommend using a VPN or the two-factor authentication to encrypt all the data that gets transferred over the network.

2. Using Outdated Software

Outdated software is something that is very easy to exploit. To understand it better, many software developers release the software updates regularly that help patch the security weaknesses or resolve any left-out bugs in the programs.

By downloading or using an app or software that can’t be checked for malicious software might harm your device and data. One should identify warnings of malicious files and exercise caution when downloading or installing programs. For that avoid using software/app from unknown sources. Always trust the software or program which are encrypted with Trusted Code Signing Certificates and showing verified publisher name on exe.

If you don’t update your software on time, the hackers may easily exploit it either remotely or by accessing it locally. 

3. Using Weak Passwords 

When it comes to security, many IT consulting experts advise on avoiding weak passwords for network security. If you use a weak password, there are chances that your network may get compromised. You can make your passwords strong by mixing uppercase and lowercase letters. 

Also, use symbols and numbers to make it a strong encryption for the hackers. The longer the password is, the more likely the hacker can crack it. 

So, implement strong password security policies. 

You can also include a password strength meter as well as multi-factor authentication methods to secure network vulnerability.

4. Poor Firewall Configurations

Research states that poor misconfigurations cause around 95% of firewall breaches. With strong firewall settings, you can create a network security system that controls the incoming as well as outgoing connections.

But in modern times, the growing complexity of firewall management in bigger organizations can lead to human error and also the misconfigured firewalls. 

Therefore, it is essential to learn how to improve your firewall settings to better protect against hackers.

5. Not Using Data Backups

Data backups, when stored without any network security, can result in exploitation and breach. As a business organization, it is crucial to implement some redundancy measures or have multiple copies of data stored at secure locations. 

Also, you can devise a comprehensive cybersecurity disaster recovery plan for more help and safety.

6. Having Insecure Incoming Emails

Call it one of the most common network security issues. Such types of cyber attacks can take any form, and the most common attack that is common in email is phishing. 

These attacks use fraudulent emails that trick the user into revealing some sensitive information. If you want to protect your business from these attacks, be aware and suspicious of any link or email that asks you to click or download any kind of attachment. It will help in preventing widespread, costly malware attacks.

7. Shadow IT

It refers to those types of systems installed without authorization from a designated representative of the business organization. Such a system can further escalate the security risks for an organization that highly relies on such system services. 

You can tackle such problems in the following ways:

A) Implement a corporate policy that clearly defines the use of IT systems.

B) Perform a network security assessment or regularly scan the system to detect and resolve the issues promptly.

C) Train your employees on how they can protect against the latest network vulnerabilities with the help of proper education and training.

8. DOS and DDOS attacks

Such attacks can make your public-facing applications inaccessible to your customers, which can cause a massive revenue loss. The hackers can also aim at the internal networks to cause more harm to the business.

It’s like filling up the requests from multiple IP addresses, which leads the system to crash. So, it is essential that you opt in for WiFi Network Security Assessment that’ll help you safeguard from such events. 

Conclusion

Although protection against these types of attacks can be a challenging thing for your business, with the right IT Consulting Companies in Jamaica, they can help you figure out how to deal with these situations and protect your business from online attacks. 

A professional IT assessment company is your answer to all your cyber solutions. With their help and support, you’ll be able to secure your business from such attacks and safeguard the essential and sensitive information related to your customers. Also, be alert for any future news related to the cybersecurity updates!