Network Security Basics Every Business Should Know

You don't need a cybersecurity degree to protect your business. Most breaches exploit basic weaknesses that are entirely preventable.

1. Firewalls: Your First Line of Defense

A firewall controls what traffic can enter and leave your network. Think of it as a security guard checking IDs at the door.

What you need: A business-grade firewall that inspects traffic, blocks malicious content, and logs connection attempts.

2. Network Segmentation

Don't put everything on one flat network. If an attacker gets into your guest WiFi, they shouldn't be able to reach your accounting systems.

3. Strong Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is essential for any system containing sensitive data.

4. Keep Things Updated

Many breaches exploit known vulnerabilities that have been patched for months or years. Updates aren't just about new features—they fix security holes.

5. Encrypted Connections

Encryption protects data in transit. Ensure all connections are properly secured:

• Website traffic: Use HTTPS everywhere. Enable SSL/TLS on all web servers and enforce HTTPS redirects.
• Remote access: Always use VPN for remote connections. Never allow direct RDP or SSH access from the internet.
• Wireless networks: Use WPA3 (preferred) or WPA2-Enterprise. Never use WEP or open networks for business.
• Email: Ensure email servers use TLS/SSL encryption for sending and receiving messages.

6. Backup and Recovery

Ransomware is a question of when, not if. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule:

• 3 copies of your data: Original plus two backups. Never rely on a single backup.
• 2 different storage types: Use different media (cloud, external drive, network storage) to protect against media failure.
• 1 copy offsite (or offline): Keep at least one backup physically separate from your primary location, or offline to prevent ransomware encryption.
• Test your backups regularly: Backups are useless if they don't restore. Test restore procedures quarterly.

Getting Started