Network security is a suite of rules and processes to guarantee the integrity of the networks and restrict access to data using hardware and software technology. Regardless of size, each organisation must engage with network security services to implement defence layers to guard against ever-evolving cyber threats.
Today’s technology has become so intricate and fast-paced that it was almost unrecognisable from the landscape a decade ago. But unfortunately, most sophisticated hackers have also emerged whose sole goal is to penetrate your defences. For this reason, you need business IT support at your beck and call that can deliver network security services, among other on-demand solutions.
The Need for Network Security Services vs. Cyber Threats
According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre report, the country recorded one attack every eight minutes between 2020 and 2021. The incident rate increased significantly compared to one every ten minutes from the previous fiscal year. Overall, the agency received nearly 68,000 cyberattacks during the coverage period.
One mistake organisations make is to assume that they are “too small” to be targeted by malicious actors.
For instance, a Cisco report revealed that hackers successfully attacked 2 of 3 or 66% of small and medium businesses in Australia. It’s why you must shore up your defences to ward off these threats.
Different Types:
– Firewall
– Virtual private networks
– Wireless security
– Network access control
– Behavioural analytics
– App security
– Antivirus software
– Antimalware software
Top Network Threats That Leave You Vulnerable
Here are some weaknesses in your network system that leave you open to attack if you have not yet hired experts delivering network security services.
1. Malware — Malware is disruptive software designed to attack a network, server, and computer to access confidential data. Similarly, the hacker can also develop malware to block the users from accessing their accounts or devices. The latter is called ransomware, and as the name suggests, it will cost the users to regain control of their information. The other examples include viruses, Trojans, and worms.
2. Phishing — Although phishing is only a form of social engineering attack, most people are familiar with the name rather than its technical classification. The primary difference between social engineering and malware is that the former relies on human interaction to succeed.
One famous example is the Nigerian scam, which lures people into giving their personal information in exchange for a hefty sum. The scheme influences people into dropping their guards, enabling hackers to penetrate the network or server. Identity theft is a typical result of phishing. In 2020-2021, almost 155,000 Australians became victims of identity theft.
3. Endpoints — are laptops, desktops, and even mobile devices. These devices are the most vulnerable when connected to the network since users tend to overlook the importance of endpoint protection.
They take for granted that their computer’s operating software already has security in place, so they do not go the extra mile to engage with network security services. The reality is that the traditional gatekeepers like firewalls, antivirus and antimalware products are no longer sufficient to protect the network.
4. Firewall misconfiguration — A simple mistake can cost your organisation in a cat-and-mouse cybersecurity game. For instance, when the firewall is misconfigured, it can lead to unwarranted access, resulting in a data breach.
A misconfigured firewall occurs more frequently than you think, especially when companies start implementing remote work during the pandemic. Furthermore, since employees work at home, where the networks are less secure, it leads to accidental permissions to unauthorised users. Network security services must account for these weaknesses and employ policy-level protections.
5. Unpatched software — Due to the evolving threats, software products must constantly update their signature to keep pace with the viruses and malwares. Outdated software will only give hackers the red carpet treatment as there are no more roadblocks to cyber threats.
In addition, buggy software exposes your customer’s private information and leaves your systems vulnerable to breakdowns. Finally, if the vendor no longer supports the product, it would no longer deliver the higher functions that your system requires from the software.
Unfortunately, these network vulnerabilities may result in compliance issues, especially with a global audience. For instance, you might violate the GDRP or General Data Protection Regulation, the EU data protection standard. While it only covers EU citizens, the principle is already widely accepted as the cyber security benchmark.
More than anything, a data breach will destroy the company’s reputation since its customers no longer trust it with their information. Hackers will always attempt to test your network defences to find a weakness they could exploit. So, you should always be a step ahead. A business IT support will help deliver a bundle of network security services to prevent a breach.