Be aware of cybercrimes by enhancing the network security for utmost protection

Improving your network security is paramount in this day and age as more business is done digitally and the sophistication and omnipresence of cybercrime grow. With that in mind, below are 6 ways to beef up your network security.

1. Use a strong password and change it regularly

A strong password is a lengthy, complex one. If your password is too simple and easy to guess, someone might be able to figure it out and gain unauthorized access to your account or computer. Good network security depends on the strength of the passwords you use, so you need to make sure you choose passwords that aren't easy to guess.

A good way to ensure strong passwords is to use a passphrase. For example, think of a sentence and phrase it into several words: "The old gray mare she ain't what she used to be!" becomes "theolsgma reraslutaeasytuzutae." Use this as your password; you might change the capitalization and remove some punctuation, to make it more secure. If you are after even more robust security, consider setting up radius authentication.

2. Update your software regularly

It cannot be stressed enough the importance of regularly updating any software you use. Your operating system, browser, and other software might have security updates that will help keep your computer safer. Windows, for example, regularly releases security updates to help prevent damage from viruses and other dangers.

An example of a newer threat for PC users is ransomware. Ransomware works by blocking access to the device it has infected and demands money (in the form of Bitcoin) in order to unblock it – this is why updating your software regularly is so important. Just like with passwords, you don't want to fall victim to something because of your outdated software.

3. Don't open suspicious emails or click on links

Hackers use phishing emails to gain access to computers and networks. Phishing emails are links or attachments that appear legitimate but really contain malware. To avoid this, never click on suspicious links in an email – even if it looks like it might be from someone you know. Similarly, don't open any email attachments you aren't expecting.

You should also train your staff in good phishing mitigation practices. That way, even if they don't spot the problem at first glance, they'll know what to do if an email appears suspect. If you're not sure how to train your team in phishing mitigation, speak to a network security company for more information on how they can help you.

4. Get rid of browser plugins you aren't using

Browser plugins, such as Java and Flash, can be a security risk. They're often the source of holes that open up your computer to hackers. Hackers have been known to exploit outdated or unpatched plugins in order to take control of computers.

Most recent browsers will automatically block any plugins they deem to be a possible security risk, but some people turn this setting off. Be sure to check that your plugins are up-to-date and that you only have the ones you need to be installed on your browser.

5. Watch out for phishing websites

A phishing website is one that looks like a legitimate website but is actually fake. These are used to trick you into giving up login information or other private information, which the bad guys can then use for their own gain. For example, they might send spam emails containing links to phishing websites so that you'll click on the link and give up your information.

To prevent this, only enter official websites when you are doing things like online banking or shopping. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, do not click on any links – instead, go to the company's website directly by typing it into your web browser. By verifying domains in this way, you can avoid people who create fake copies of legitimate websites.

Conclusion

Good network security is non-negotiable right now as the number of cyberattacks grows. Oftentimes, it's not poor security that leads to being hacked – it's human error. A good password might not be enough if you click on a bad link in an email or browse to a site with malware on it. It's important that you have the right knowledge about network security so that you can take steps to protect yourself online.