5 Common Network Security Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Just two years ago, half of small businesses suffered a cyber attack. Although the amount of attacks on small businesses is lower now, hackers still find a way to get into weak networks.

A business should prioritize and secure its network by avoiding network security mistakes. Here are five of the most common that you don’t want to make:

1. Not Updating Regularly

One of the most common network security mistakes is not updating your devices when you are supposed to. It may seem like a new update is available every week, just know the updates are there for good reason.

New updates are made to protect your business from any new threats. Attackers will take advantage of a device that has not had its regular security updates.

Check out how network monitoring can reduce employee downtime and allow for regular updates when necessary.

2. Reusing/Weak Passwords

Passwords are the only thing keeping people out of your network with a simple click of a button. Reused and weak passwords are a common entry point for hackers to gain access to your files.

Creating strong passwords is not a hard concept to teach your employees. As a general rule, tell employees to create passwords that aren’t based on their personal information.

Employees should also not reuse a password they have used for other sites. If a hacker cracks one code, they can crack all of them leaving your business data at risk.

3. Offering Public Wi-Fi

Yes, offering public Wi-Fi is a remarkable gesture, but it is not the smartest move unless you do it right. This is another one of the common cybersecurity mistakes as employees and customers will operate on the same network.

Employee data/business data can become intercepted with a shared network. Make sure your data server is hidden from the public Wi-Fi cloud to avoid this issue.

Your best bet is to use a separate network for employees and clients.

4. User Privilege Access

You can run network security training for those you want to have admin privileges. It is never a good idea to allow every employee to have this access.

Even if your employees don’t act out of malice, there is always a chance they accidentally install malware on the network. Always oversee user privileges to ensure those with access are using it correctly.

5. Opening Phishing Emails

Phishing is a common hacking technique that involves using emails to obtain passwords and other sensitive information. These emails may seem like they are from a legit company to trick you into providing information.

Links and attachments, if clicked on, can spread viruses throughout the entire network. Although you can’t control what emails your employees get, you can train them on hacking techniques so they are equipped to avoid them.

In addition to avoiding phishing emails, having robust email protection protocols implemented into your domain will help you avoid receiving or being a victim of phishing emails. The correct deployment of DMARC, DKIM and SPF records will ensure no one is sending phishing emails on your behalf.

Network Security Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

Often, network security mistakes occur from human error. With proper network security training, the above tips will be easier for your business to follow as a whole.

Don’t make a mistake that leads your company to go downhill. Follow this guide and use a quality network security system to protect your data and other sensitive information.

For more business technology articles, check out the other posts on our blog.

Infographic created by Donnelley
Financial Solutions, a digital contract software company