Simple ways to improve network security

 Our personal and business information may be under constant threat if we do not improve the security of our network. Software updates help reduce vulnerability to cyberattacks; however, we must take other security measures to further enhance the privacy and security of our computing equipment.

 CONTENT

1. Strong passwords are very important

2. Update periodically

3. Use VPN for all connections.

4. Remove any services you are not using.

5. Physically secure the network.

Today, there are many remote offices and many businesses that remain productive with cloud-based applications such as collaboration tools and personal devices connected to the corporate network.

But as information technology infiltrates homes, it is at greater risk. This is why many companies are implementing enhanced network security, which also helps protect employees' home networks.

Even if you don't have super cybersecurity or the resources to hire experts to provide it, there are some easy ways to improve your network security to protect your IT technology. Here are the suggestions:

1. Strong passwords are very important

Passwords will always be the first line of defense against cyber threats. This is why we have to change them from time to time and also make them very secure without using data such as date of birth, mobile number or personal identification document number.

It is imperative to get in the practice of updating passwords regularly, and if you have a business, you should generally establish the use of creating and remembering strong passwords for your employees and changing them periodically.

2. Update periodically

Any Internet connection is vulnerable to cyber attacks, so our connections, operating systems and applications must remain kept up to date with the latest security fixes.

Security updates not only address potential weaknesses, but also implement improvements and limit system vulnerabilities. The inform only takes a few minutes, and sometimes just a restart of the computer.

3. Use VPN on all connections

If your networks are protected only by generic security measures, you are in danger of attack. That is why supplementing security by adding more layers, such as using a virtual private network (VPN), allows you to have a much more secure connection.

This is because VPNs can encrypt the information that travels between the internet and your computer, protecting it from being stolen, copied, or followed. It also hides your browsing activity, that is, no one will know which pages you visit.

All this is possible because you can hide your IP and make it pass for another. When you connect to a VPN you use the IP of the server you have chosen, for example, you are in Spain, but you connect to a server in the USA. In this way your IP will be shown as from the USA.

That is why many of these networks are used to browse video platforms because they allow all content to be unblocked. For example, a VPN bypasses geographical restrictions for Netflix and allows people to enjoy series that are available in other countries but not in a country of origin.

These networks also make the connection over public Wi-Fi, the favorite place for hackers to search for victims, more secure.

4. Remove all services that you do not use

When you have expired applications and programs or that you will no longer use, it is best to uninstall them, remove the logins and credentials associated with them. This ensures that the company of said app or program does not have access to your information.

In addition, many hackers use security holes in apps that are no longer updated to break into your computer and steal your information.

5. Physically secure the network

Many times we make sure that we have updated and safe antivirus, apps, programs and our operating systems. But when we talk about physical network security, we overlook it.

While protection against viruses, bots, and hackers is crucial, it is also crucial against local threats. If you don't protect the physical network in your building, anyone could take advantage of using their connection for free.

So to prevent anyone from connecting a wireless router to your network, make sure you have a good physical security plan for your network. Cabling should be in a locked cabinet, Ethernet cabling should be in plain sight, nor should it be easily accessible. Also with wireless access points.

You can also test and disconnect unused Ethernet ports, especially those in public areas.

As you can see, these suggestions are simple ways to improve network security, they do not take much time and you can periodically check that everything is in order. Keep in mind, that every day cyber criminals acquire more skills to steal your information, so it is up to you to take care of your privacy and data of third parties that can harm you.