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Tuesday, 27 October 2015 ehdf

Network Security Tips for SMEs

SMEs have smaller budgets than large corporates when trying to protect their networks and their data, but can be the gateway into a large partner company’s network if they are not correctly protected. Through this blog, we will look at how the SME can protect its data and its network and reduce the risk of breaches both to itself and to its partners.

5 tips to protect an SME network from a security breach

1. Implement and enforce Information Security policy for the organization

2. Provide regular Information Security awareness trainings to educate your employees

3. Ensure sensitive data is properly encrypted along with regular back-up of all data

4. Monitor inbound and outbound traffic to detect unusual activity within the network

5. Outsource network security to a third party vendor

BYOD and network protection for SMEs

Here are a few simple tips for SMEs to ensure that their mobile workforce stays secure and does not fall into the trap of losing confidential company information:

1.SMEs need to sketch a framework of policies that are detailed, and addresses to a wide range of mobile devices – mobiles, laptops, PDAs, smart phones etc.

2.Create an awareness program to make the policies known within the organisation.

3.Never rely on techniques or products that allow the users to make security decisions. All security settings should be maintained and controlled centrally

4.BYOD should be strictly monitored & controlled by implementing technologies such as Mobile Device Management and Network Access Control technologies which enables organizations to enforce certain security policies on such devices

5.Another control measure would be to identify who in the company is in need of remote access to company information

6.Standardise on a few brands of devices and support only a few operating systems.

7.Use a virtual private network (VPN) on top of wired equivalent privacy to connect to the internal network. Keeping one-time passwords for opening VPN connections is a good idea

Working with a Services Provider is a good idea

It is important for SMEs to understand the extent to which security breaches can impair the operations and growth of their business. While they intent to have security strategies in place, they are often pushed to the back burner to tackle other pressing priorities. Budgetary constraints are a further hindrance to implement a strong network security system.

Rising threats, increasing regulations and the lack of internal resources are driving SMEs to focus on securing their assets by outsourcing their needs to a managed security services providers (MSSP). They can opt for services such as IPS, FW, Anti-Malware, Patching & Remediation, Vulnerability Management, etc.

These services offer cutting-edge solutions and are implemented and maintained by a team of dedicated experts to better safeguard networks.

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