Future of Network Security – Protection from Current and Future Threats
The internet has revolutionized business technology. It is unrivalled in its ability to connect organizations and will continue to improve over the next few years.
However, the internet is not a perfect tool. Despite all its benefits for businesses, the internet can also pose security risks to your company.
Remember that the internet can be accessed by anyone. Network security will be able to prevent the future and current threats that the internet presents.
New Internet Trends that Threatens Your Infrastructure Security
The internet has changed how people work and, consequently, the way that businesses run.
Different working styles brought with them different security issues for IT staff.
Future of Network Security Problem 1 – Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Businesses have implemented BYOD (bring your own device) policies to increase productivity. Employees can bring their own devices into the workplace. It encourages employees to work from home, even if they’re not in the office.
The policy works well in increasing employee productivity both inside and outside of the office. However, the problem arises when devices are connected to the Internet from outside of the office. These networks lack the same security features and can infect devices with malware, virus, and ransomware, among others. This could cause a slowdown in device performance or even compromise local data.
The threat doesn’t end there. Infected devices can eventually connect to company networks and spread any threat they pose to infrastructure. It can spread viruses, malware, ransomware or any other threat to other devices on the network or infect company servers, putting company data at risk.
Future of Network Security Problem 2 – Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of things is another trend that is growing in popularity, both in households and businesses. Businesses are now allowing employees to bring in their smartwatches, fitness trackers and entertainment devices, in addition to BYOD policies. This is done to empower employees and promote work-life balance.
These IoT devices are vulnerable, however. These devices do not have the same security features as computers, smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Employees can open up the possibility for hackers to exploit the IoT devices they connect to the company network.
How to protect your IT infrastructure?
It will be difficult for small businesses to implement security measures that protect their IT infrastructure against these threats.
Your trusted managed service provider (MSP) is a good option. Your MSP can offer:
Security Assessment Your MSP should have the ability to objectively assess your IT infrastructure. Your MSP should be able identify vulnerabilities in your network and make recommendations about how to fix them. They will also address your BYOD/IoT policies, and show you how to make them work while protecting your company network. They may recommend that a separate network be established with restricted access to the main network. This will isolate devices that are subject to the IoT and BYOD policies and prevent them being used to infect the entire company.
Incident Response This includes an automated response to high-fidelity threats against your IT infrastructure. This proactive response is for immediate threats to your network. Your MSP should have an emergency response plan for critical attacks that could bypass your initial security measures.
Monitoring 24 hours a day This proactive approach is to future and current network security issues. Your MSP should have network management software that allows them continuous monitoring of your IT infrastructure. Even if there are no immediate threats to your network, your MSP should be able to send periodic reports and notify you if any threats are detected.