5 best practices for ensuring optimal network security

Network security encompasses measures and practices aimed at safeguarding the flow of data between devices, systems and users within your organization's network. Ensuring the safety of your organization's data, maintaining smooth operations and enabling secure collaboration all rely on the effective implementation of the following five network security recommendations within your organization:

#1 Secure your network with a firewall

A firewall serves as a digital gatekeeper, protecting your network from unauthorized access and malicious activities. It serves as a barrier between your internal network and external threats, controlling incoming and outgoing traffic and to keep your data safe. As such, it prevents unauthorized users and potentially harmful data from infiltrating your network.

#2 Ensure data privacy with a VPN

With remote work, employees often access company resources from various locations. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) play a crucial role by encrypting connections, ensuring secure data transmission over public networks. They establish secure tunnels between remote devices and the corporate network, making data interception nearly impossible.

#3 Take control with centralized network monitoring

Real-time network monitoring is essential for identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities quickly. By managing your network centrally, IT administrators can gain real-time insights into network traffic, detect unusual patterns and respond swiftly to security incidents. This proactive approach is essential in preventing security breaches.

#4 Implement effective network segmentation

Network segmentation involves dividing your network into smaller, isolated segments to protect your company’s data from unauthorized access. For instance, setting up a guest Wi-Fi network with restricted access limits the exposure of critical assets to potential threats.

#5 Enhance access control with centralized authentication

Centralized authentication streamlines access control by linking your cloud network or VPNs to an identity provider, like Microsoft 365. This ensures that only authorized users gain entry and it streamlines the configuration process. Employees can log in using their M365 accounts, making access management more efficient.

Conclusion

In a world where data is constantly flowing between devices, systems and users, optimal network security is indispensable. By following these five best practices – securing your network with a firewall, ensuring data privacy with a VPN, implementing centralized network monitoring, employing effective network segmentation and enhancing access control with centralized authentication – you can secure your network and protect your business from evolving digital threats. Need help to implement our recommendations? deeploi’s IT experts are here to assist.

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IT 101 with Philipp - revealing IT Secrets for Non-Techies

In this series, our Co-Founder Philipp  breaks down essential tech basics, making IT simple and easy to understand for non-techies. Over the past decade, Philipp has successfully built two IT companies before co-founding deeploi in 2023. He's armed with a wealth of IT expertise and know-how, ready to share with you.