Choosing the Right Network Security for Your Business - Minerva

1. Choosing the Right Network Security for Your Business What is Network Security? As described by IBM, network security is the operation of protecting data, applications, devices and systems that are connected to the internet. Network security is most often defined as a subset of cyber security. In a world where cyber-crime is at its highest rate ever, having a secure network is paramount. Cyber criminals are making no exceptions, businesses of all sizes and industries are being targeted, with the aim of obtaining personal/sensitive company information, fraud, deleting important data or holding the individual/organisation at ransom. Benefits of Network Security With heightened risks of attack and cyber criminals becoming more studios than ever before, network security is no longer a choice, and more of a

2. necessity. Below is a list of the benefits of having a strong network security in place: Trust and Credibility Ensuring a good level of network security gives your customers and employees peace of mind knowing their sensitive information is safe and secure. Not only does this enhance credibility, but it also helps to build trust. Protects Sensitive Information A lot of private information is stored on your network, including sensitive company data and personal employee/customer data. It’s therefore very important to keep this information unobtainable by intruders. Prevents Unauthorised Access Network security should therefore prevent intruders from accessing this information and getting onto your network. Stops/Reduces Risks By preventing unauthorized access, your chances of being affected by an attack will reduce significantly Facilitating a Modern Workforce The Covid-19 pandemic enforced remote working, and now hybrid working is here to stay. Employees now need to be able to access data from any location, increasing the use of modern technology. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of this and also exploiting employees lack of cyber security knowledge, often causing major disruption. Network security should prevent hackers from succeeding in their attempt to attack, but it’s also important to train your staff and build their cyber security awareness, so they are less prone to becoming victim. To find out more about our range of e-learning courses, please click here. Different Types of Network Security There are multiple types of network security to choose from, below is a list of the most common:

3. Security Software Security Software has been designed to secure a computer or network. This is done through: Identifying risks Notifying you Defending Protection Firewalls Firewalls act as a level of protection against unauthorized traffic into and out of your network. It will block unknown users from gaining access to private data on your network. Multi-Factor Authentication Multi-factor authentication requires users to provide two or more methods of verification in order to gain access or entry to an application or account, reducing the chances of unauthorised access. Endpoint Protection Every device that is connected to the network is seen as a potential entry point that can be exploited by cyber criminals. Endpoint protection prevents end user devices such as laptops, desktops and mobile devices from cyber- attacks by detecting and preventing attempted attacks. Remote Access VPN Remote Access VPN allows your employees to safely access your network whilst off-premises, as long as an internet connection is available. Email Security This refers to methods of protection against attacks via email accounts. This includes: Spam Filters

4. Spam filters prevent spam emails from getting into our inbox. The technology aims to detects unsolicited emails or emails infected with viruses. If you receive an email and mark it as spam, spam filters will pick up future emails with similar traits and automatically, regard them as spam and send them to the junk folder. Anti-Virus Anti-virus software will search for, detect, remove and prevent viruses from attacking your system, in real time. Encryption In order to keep certain emails private, we recommend encrypting it. This will ensure that only the intended user can view the email. The receiver can decrypt the message by entering a code. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) This includes methods and tools to stop unauthorized access to data, or to prevent it from being lost or misused. Anti-Malware Software This is software which has been created to tackle and protect you from malware. Deciding What You Need When choosing the right network security for your business, you must consider: Size of business Type of business GDPR and sensitivity of data On-premises/cloud/hybrid Types of devices used Number of devices connected Budget How Minerva Can Help

5. Minerva provide IT Services and Solutions to SME’s all over the nation, spanning across a range of industries including education, recruitment, distribution, not-for profit and professional services. Our network security specialists possess years of experience and are continuously enhancing their skillset and knowledge through regular training. We also partner with some of the leading network security brands, enabling us to provide you with the most advanced solutions. Each business is unique and therefore we start by analysing your business then provide you with bespoke solutions based around your needs and budgets. To find out more, please leave an enquiry on our website or call us on 01707 607100. Please security-for-your-business-minerva/ visit: https://www.minervauk.com/blog/choosing-the-right-network-