Where the wide use of the internet has made everything convenient, it has also given birth to a lot of issues; Network security vulnerability is one of them. It has become a severe issue for enterprises, individuals, and the government. In a world where everything from our videos to our confidential information is on the internet, keeping our data secure is the biggest challenge.
Network vulnerabilities constantly evolve, and they can cost you your entire system. The enterprises with huge amounts of data are more susceptible to these threats and have to bear a huge financial loss and even their business reputation. Even though the threats constantly evolve but having a firm understanding of these vulnerabilities and taking preventive measures can help you in the long run. Today we will discuss network vulnerability and its types and how you can protect your network against them.
Network Security Vulnerability
A network vulnerability is usually a flaw within the system’s software, organizational processes, or hardware that can result in a security breach and can compromise the whole operating system under an attack. Network vulnerabilities can be both physical and nonphysical. Where nonphysical network vulnerabilities focus on software or data, physical network vulnerabilities focus on physical assets such as a server.
Types of Network Vulnerabilities
Network vulnerabilities have many forms, but the most common ones are:
Malware
Malware or Malicious software includes Trojans, viruses, or worms that can infect a device or server.
Social Engineering Attacks
These attacks deceive users into giving personal information such as passwords and usernames.
Outdated/Unpatched Software
They infect or even expose the entire network.
Misconfigured Firewalls or OS
These vulnerabilities make it easy to guess the default settings.
Best Practices to Protect Your Network
Reinforce Access Control
Access control plays an important role in your network security. Weak access control can compromise your data and system. Employ a robust password system by using a combination of special characters, uppercase, lowercase letters, and numbers to reinforce your access control measures. Don’t use the default passwords and always reset them. A strong access control policy can protect your network from unwarranted access.
It is also important to have control over who can access your network. You shouldn’t grant access to users without checking them. Use a transparent proxy to control and monitor users’ behavior. Employ measures to check outbound connections are not performed by bots or automated mechanisms and whitelist domains to make sure users can only access approved websites.
Segregate Your Network
Segregation limits the access of users and devices to a network. You can avoid network security threats by segregating your network into smaller networks based on requirements. You can do this in two ways, either by using subnets within the same network or by creating VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks).
Segregation not only ensures that information is not shared with unauthorized parties but also limits the damages of malware. It confines a threat to one zone and lets you deal with it without damaging the entire network.
Monitor Your Network Traffic
You can also avoid network security threats by monitoring your network traffic. The complete visibility of network traffic can help you detect network threats. You can use various security tools and compare their data to get a clear understanding of your network’s traffic.
Keep Your Software Updated
Outdated software is also the main cause of network vulnerabilities that leaves your systems susceptible to cyber attacks. Software updates are crucial to your network’s health as they include solutions for the latest security vulnerabilities. Whether it’s your anti-virus software or your operating system, make sure to update your software regularly to keep the hackers away from exploiting this weakness and gaining access to your network.
Manage The Network
Unauthorized software installations can also make your network vulnerable. You can protect your network and systems by standardizing software and also ensure that users cannot install any software without permission. Standardization creates a consistent environment and helps you manage security by having to keep an eye on fewer variables. Software standardization also makes software updates more convenient.
Install A Firewall
Network threats keep evolving, and there is a new type of threat every few days. The most effective way to protect your network against these breaches is to put it behind a firewall. A firewall manages your network traffic and blocks unauthorized users from gaining access to your network. You can think of it as a gate. It also blocks malware from infecting your system.
Operating Systems and security software usually have a pre-installed firewall, and you just have to make sure that it is turned on.
Use WiFi Security
Almost every modern household and business use WiFi devices nowadays, and an unsecured WiFi connection can make your network vulnerable to malware. Securing a WiFi connection is vital for your systems, so unauthorized users don’t get access to your network. You should frequently change your WiFi connection’s password to keep the connection secure. The other ways to secure the connection are by using MAC addresses, security protocols that use encryptions or VPNs.
Use NAT
Network Address Translation (NAT) is an extra layer of security that confuses the attackers by employing a single IP address for your multiple devices. It transfers information by mapping internal IP addresses to a public address. The fewer IP addresses make it challenging for hackers to understand the actual host.
Conclusion
Network vulnerabilities can cause serious harm to your business and even you. Data breaches can be fatal and can result in heavy lawsuits and loss of your reputation. Protection against network vulnerabilities might be challenging, but it is not impossible. Prevention is the key! It is important to take the necessary steps to protect your devices, systems, and even your business. You can use unlimited data and even enjoy your subscription to bundles like Spectrum Triple Play without any care if you take preventive measures against these vulnerabilities.
