If your company’s computer network is vulnerable, it’s not an exaggeration to say your entire organization is at risk. A data breach can interrupt your business, expose critical data, intellectual property, customer information, payroll details and more. So naturally, such a breach can have a massive impact on consumer confidence and trust. Failure to manage network vulnerabilities can be a very expensive mistake indeed. Here’s what you can do to mitigate the risk.
What is a network?
At its very core, the term computer network refers to two or more computers or devices (from desktops and servers to smartphones and laptops) that are connected into a group for communication and data and resource sharing.
There are varying degrees of complexity and an assortment of specialized devices that feed into a network. In addition, there are also many ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) devices and tools (smart speakers, door locks, cameras, thermostats, etc.) that are increasingly common components of an organization’s computer network. Yet, when we talk about a ‘network,’ we’re essentially talking about computing devices connected into a group.
What makes a network vulnerable?
Lots of things pose a threat to a computer network and represent vulnerabilities. Some of the most common issues include:
- Weak passwords
- Unpatched software (always do your updates!)
- Malware (AKA malicious software such as a virus)
- Misconfigured firewalls
- Single-factor authentication
- Social engineering attacks (phishing is an example)
- Outdated or inadequate security protocols (passwords not being updated once an employee leaves, etc.)
In short, there are a whole host of challenges that can make your company’s network vulnerable. Unfortunately, these weaknesses are open to exploitation by bad guys and malicious actors, and it doesn’t take very long for a breach to become extremely expensive indeed. At SeekingFire, we offer various tools and support to help you navigate these challenges and keep the bad guys out.
How to find and fix gaps before the bad guys notice them!
So that all sounds pretty scary, and when things go wrong, it is. However, the good news is that you can find and fix the gaps before the bad guys even notice them, and we can help! At SeekingFire Consulting, we’ve been helping organizations and institutions across Western Canada with their data security needs since 2005. In that time, we have truly seen it all.
We can help by offering vulnerability scans and network security analysis (these can be one-off, periodic or in-depth). The scan helps determine if your current information security controls preserve the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your information (and the data of your clients) for each computer or device we scan. This work is sometimes referred to as ‘ethical hacking.’ Following the scan, we’ll detail the vulnerabilities discovered (categorized as high, medium and low potential impact), provide further details on what the findings mean and recommend remedial actions. A vulnerability scan is a great place to start if you’re unsure about your data security needs.
We also offer wireless network penetration testing (in other words identifying any potential flaws in your organization’s Wi-Fi and wireless systems before it’s too late and recommendations on how to fix any issues). Are you wondering if your network is set up correctly and set for success? A network security configuration analysis may be a good option for your organization.
We know a lot of the cybersecurity space can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to simplify things as much as possible and provide the unique help that you need. With our help, you can fix the gaps before the bad guys even know they’re there! If you have data security questions, please check our FAQs or get in touch. We offer a no-obligation consultation for businesses large and small.
Disclaimer
While we have made every effort to present accurate, unbiased and helpful information in this article, please note that it reflects the author’s opinion and is written for the purposes of general knowledge, information and discussion. This article is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be considered as advice specific to your individual data security situation. If you would like to discuss your cybersecurity needs in specific detail, please get in touch with us.
