Top 5 ways to make your network more secure

Network security is one of the most important factors for running a successful business in today's world. Securing the data on your network may not seem very important to you until you lose your data or your privacy due to the lack of secure network. Network data security should be a high priority when considering a network setup due to the growing threat of hackers trying to steal your information infecting as many computers as possible. Security is important for a business to prevent industry sabotage and espionage. Imagine what can happen if there is a network integrity breach at a bank, stock exchange, or another financial database.

Maintaining a secure business or home network is generally considered to be a herculean task. It may take time and energy even for an experienced IT professional to keep a network constantly secure. By increasing network security, you decrease the chance of privacy spoofing, identity or information theft and so on. Here are 5 important steps you can take to keep your data from ending up elsewhere.

1. Update your password regularly
The older a password is, the longer an attacker get time to crack it, and once they do, if you never change it, they can use it forever. So, don't forget to update the password on all of your systems on regular basis. Also, use different passwords on different systems so that falling on one of your systems doesn't affect other systems.

2. Use antivirus software
Make sure all of your systems use antivirus software. Also, add antispyware protection if you're using Windows. There are lots of antivirus software like Avast, Norton and so on to keep your network virus and malware free. Always be sure to use them. Also, keep all of your antiviruses Up-to-date and subscriptions current. Anything out of date isn't doing you any good.

3. Use a reliable Managed Security Service Provider
There are many third-party Managed Security Service Providers that give you complete network security. Third-party Managed Security Service Providers such as Masergy can give you complete network security so that you can run your business in more productive ways.

4. Update your servers
Generally operating systems release updates every month. Critical updates may be released sooner in response to solving loopholes and real-time security threats. Pay attention to security bulletins, and update all your servers on regular basis. Make sure your servers such as Windows, Linux, Solaris, Mac, etc. are running the most recent code to help protect against vulnerabilities.

5. Lock your doors, drawers, and cabinets
Don't overlook the importance of physical security. Keep the doors to your data centres and wiring closets locked, and make sure your users lock their desk drawers and cabinets when they are not going to be in the office. Physical security measures are used protect sensitive data stored within portable storage, spare hardware, optical media and so on.