The security and privacy of your home or business network are important! Your presence online needs to be protected from any of the many threats that come out of using the internet. Whether it’s tracking or stealing your money and information, the internet can be a dangerous place. But we need technology to survive. To make sure your network stays safe, we’ve compiled a list of the six effective ways to improve the security of a computer network.
6 Best Ways To Improve Security of A Computer Network
So without any delay, let’s jump right into it.
1. Have A Strong Password Policy
First things first, let’s start with the simplest way to protect your computer and network: a strong password. Whether you want to protect your home or business network having a strong password is a good place to start. A weak password spells disaster for any corporate network. All it takes is the right guess or hacking software to get into your information.
The key to good protection is having a password that is not easy to remember, and not easy to hack. Another good practice, especially in the corporate setting, is to change passwords often. Every month or so, implement new passwords and guard them with your life!
2. Introduce Your Network To A VPN
A VPN, for those who don’t know, is a virtual private network that encrypts your data and location. There are many different VPN servers to improve the security of your network to choose from. To ensure that you get the best protection, especially as a business, you need to go for an obfuscated server.
The professionals behind NordVPN obfuscated servers point out that this kind of server system gives you an added layer of security by masking your VPN usage. What this means is that you are protected from both cyber threats and from getting caught trying to get into censored content. As a business, you sometimes need information that is not readily available. An obfuscated server is a safe ticket to just that.
3. Install A Firewall
A firewall, for those who don’t know, is software or hardware that once installed will monitor processes that happen on your network and PC. They block unauthorized processes and stop them from happening while allowing safe access to your network. From stopping hacking to an unauthorized download or system failure, it’s a great protective addition to any network.
Most firewalls can be configured to control both software and hardware issues. A firewall is great for full-coverage protection. Keep in mind, however, that there are many to choose from and some are more fraudulent than others. So when choosing to install a firewall, make sure to do enough research and choose a trustworthy one.
4. Install and Maintain Your Antivirus Software
Having antivirus software on your computer, device or network is essential in protecting your network. An antivirus is a program that is designed to scan and remove any malware or viruses from your PC or network. It’s a staple in ensuring your network’s security is top-notch.
Not having an antivirus, is almost as bad as having one and not maintaining it. Cybercriminals or hackers can learn and evolve and if your software is not updated, they can easily slip into your system through the cracks. If you don’t know much about antivirus software, now might be a good time to start.
5. Don’t Allow Others to Install any Added Programs
Whether you’re at home or in the office, having too many cooks in the kitchen can spoil your computer network. If anyone and everyone can install whatever they want on a device, you put your network security at risk.
If people are not careful, without any secondary protection, your network can be exposed to threats. To avoid becoming at the mercy of your family members or subordinates, a strict no-installation policy is needed. When followed it’s a simple and effective way to ensure that possible threats to your network security are at a minimum.
6. Make Sure to Patch and Update
Last but not least, patch and update! As previously mentioned, online threats and hackers can evolve and adapt with time. If your protective barriers do not do the same, your network security will fail.
Malware, viruses, and all other kinds of online threats will be able to breach your defenses. Updates and patches exist to update old versions of software that can be subject to cyber-attacks. Be sure to keep your line of defense in top-top shape so as to not risk any break in your network security.
So there you have it! Installing and managing the correct software to protect your computer and network are essential. A VPN, a strong password, and a no-installation policy should be the way to go to ensure the safety of your network. Don’t forget to keep everything updated and to ask for help from a professional, and safe surfing.
