10 Security Best Practices for Your Entire Network

    No security is foolproof, but there are 10 security best practices you can implement that will bolster security for your network.

    1) Keep software updated

    Make sure all security patches are up to date on computers that access the network. This includes updates for things like Windows and Adobe Flash. Software updates often include security fixes for bugs in programs that hackers can exploit. Patching security vulnerabilities helps reduce the risk of computer security breaches.

    2) Secure your wireless network security

    Make sure that anyone operating a wireless router uses secure WPA2 encryption for Wi-Fi signal security. This security protocol is stronger than old security protocols, like WEP and WPA, so the network will be better protected from security breaches.

    3) Use security software or security apps

    Computer security often comes in the form of security software, which you install on each device that connects to your network. In addition to security software, many apps work to boost security by sending you alerts when a new security threat has been discovered for a particular program or application, and can stop security breaches before they start.

    4) Make security a priority in your network

    Any security best practices you implement will be for naught if no one on the network takes security seriously. Managers should make security a priority by ensuring that security best practices are implemented throughout the organization, and employees should take security seriously by keeping passwords private and reporting security breaches to IT as soon as they are discovered.

    5) Regularly check security reports from security software

    Security software usually sends regular security reports that detail any security breaches or vulnerabilities on your network. In addition to email security alerts, some security software lets you review security reports with a web-based portal. By regularly checking these security reports, security managers can stay on top of security best practices and spot security problems before they have a chance to cause security breaches.

    6) Set security policies that include security protocols, security procedures, and security awareness training for new employees

    Security managers should implement security policies that cover all angles of network security, including security protocols for using programs on the network, security procedures for safely handling security breaches, and security awareness training to keep employees up-to-date on security best practices.

    7) Keep security software updated

    Security software requires security updates from time to time so it can stay current with the latest security threats. Security managers should make sure all security patches are up to date on each device that accesses the network.

    8) Schedule security audits on your security software for regular maintenance

    Some security management tasks, like security auditing, can be automated with security software. Scheduling security audits will help keep track of any security best practices that have been implemented in the organization. Security managers should also schedule regular security audits to make sure all security best practices are implemented properly.

    9) Enforce security policies by creating security policy manuals

    A security policy manual is a written document that security managers can use to create security procedures for every device on the network. Managers should enforce security policies by reviewing security reports and checking up with employees, but they should also make sure security best practices are followed by checking security policy manuals.

    10) Set security policies for security-related hardware, like security cameras

    With security software, network managers can set security policies that cover every device on the network. Managers should create security policies for security hardware, like security cameras. Security best practices tell you to regularly check up on security devices to make sure they are not compromised, and security policy manuals can help security managers create security policies for security cameras. Managed IT Services security best practices can help you create security policies for security cameras.

    I recommend a Managed IT Provider to manage security in your network. They provide security-related hardware, like security cameras that require security policies to keep your network secure.