5 Tips to Improve Your Home or Office Network Security

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With Covid-19 still spreading globally, many companies are opting to work remotely from home. It has become inevitable to use the Internet to conduct business. However, this also increases the risk of cybersecurity threats and scams.

Cybersecurity is very important. Theft or manipulation of data can cost businesses dearly and have long-term negative consequences. Effective cybersecurity protection is essential to avoid threats. There are many ways to improve network security. Here are 5 easy ways to make your network more secure.

1 Protect your router (Password)

Most homes use Wi-Fi as their primary connection to the Internet. When you connect to the Internet, your provider installs a modem and router (or combination) and tells you a default username and password.

Do not use the default username and password. Hackers can access your router model with a simple Google search. Once they have access, they can reset your password, rename your network, and change any configuration from the available options.

The following steps will help you improve your wireless network security:

Change your Service Set Identifier (SSID): This is the name of your Wi-Fi network. Changing the name makes it harder for hackers to identify your router type and use it for any known vulnerabilities. But do not use names that contain any personal information or any other easily interpretable identifiable data.
Create passwords for guests: If you have frequent guests in your home, create a separate network for them to use.
Change router preset password: Every router has a default password, also known as WPA or security key. This is the password that connects you to the wireless network. Change to a more secure password.

In the home, the password of the router needs to be taken seriously. In the company, it is not only the password of the router, but also the password of some other devices or applications. Especially when it comes to company data, it should be paid more attention. Don’t let your browser remember your password. While it is convenient, it is also the safest practice. Make sure employees change their passwords regularly. Change the associated password when the employee leaves.

2 Install a Network Firewall（Filter network traffic）

Installing a firewall on your home network will protect the network from threats. It will prevent unauthorized access attempts and block malicious traffic. Most routers come with built-in firewalls. Some have additional network security features such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) defense, web filtering, and access control.

In the company. People expect flexibility at work and get things done efficiently. Advanced Firewall (Palo Alto Firewalls) allows you to set rules at a more granular level, for example, you can give employees access to private email accounts but prevent them from sending any attachments from those accounts.

3 Updates

Whether at home or at work. All of your computers, servers, and any other devices your company uses should be kept up to date with the latest security patches and fixes. Software updates to devices or applications that provide security fixes and patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities and threats. To improve network security, you should keep your software up to date and up to date.

4 Backup Data

Despite the many protective measures you take to provide cyber security, cyber hackers are always looking for ways to disrupt. Regularly backing up your data can help you retain critical data so that your business can run and your data can be recovered if or after you get hacked. The average home and small business can use third-party backup applications to automate backups. Of course, depending on the size and nature of your company, you may also consider customizing a backup plan with your supplier.

5 Employee Education

Provide certain network security education and training to employees. Some people will think that cybersecurity has nothing to do with them, but this is wrong. Everyone in the company should be encouraged to maintain cybersecurity. Everyone has a role to play in cybersecurity. Not just in how to maintain network security through the use of technology and equipment, but also in reducing the risk of intrusion by adjusting behavior. Regular employee training and education will keep the company’s data and property rights safe.

Conclusion

In this time of increasing cyberattacks, improving cybersecurity is something we must consider. And now is the best time. If you are also thinking about network security, I hope the above tips will help you. If you need a solution for your company, it is recommended to seek professional help.