Information Security Initiatives: 5 Ways Companies Can Help Secure Their Networks

Summary

Summary

Information is a key commodity for an organization and it is of paramount importance that such all pertinent digital data be kept safely. Many methods have been proposed by organizations as well as security companies to ensure comprehensive data protection. In this article we will discuss five of the leading techniques, which can be introduced by an organization to improve the security of their networks.

The Explosion of Digital Information and the Need to Secure It

Digital information transacted by companies witnessed a substantial increase in recent years as various operations continued to be shifted to the online route. Much of this information is privileged information, which needs to be protected from unauthorized access. In most cases, this information is encrypted during its transmission, which ensures security however it is the endpoints (the devices utilized to send and receive the information) which are most vulnerable to unauthorized access. With this in mind, organizations have begun implementing various information security policies to ensure protection of all data stored on the company database as well as the devices (net books, PCs, notebooks, smart phones, tablets, etc.), which are utilized to access such data.

Audit of All Authorized as well as Unauthorized Devices and Software

Many organizations allow their employees to utilize a device of their choice to carry out official work, while on the move. This trend, referred to as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), is a significant challenge for most companies as it increases the probability of unauthorized devices being connected to the secure company network or the use of software scripts, which increases the risk of data breach. It is imperative that companies draw a line regarding the presence of such devices or use of the unauthorized software, while the employee is connected to the enterprise network. Carrying out an accurate audit to determine these is the first step towards curbing such practices and enhancing security of the network.

Introducing Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software on Devices as well as Servers

Enterprise IT departments must ensure that they determine secure hardware and software configurations applicable to severs as well as any device, which is connected to the secure network. The simple user id-password based login system is not adequately secure hence new security policies need to put in place to mitigate the threat of new-age cyber attacks. The establishment of secure configurations on servers is also insufficient in itself. Companies also need to focus on implementing suitable configurations for both software and hardware on various device endpoints to ensure that adequate security on the network is maintained at all times.

Continuous Vulnerability Assessment and Remediation

Enterprise IT departments need to keep on their toes and ensure that continuous vulnerability assessment of the corporate network is carried out. This proactive approach is essential to ensure that the organization is prepared to ward off a wide range of attacks including but not limited to known forms of phishing, spyware, adware, worm and virus attacks. By continuously carrying out such activities, the organization will be able to carry out essential remediation measures to ensure that data security and compliance on the network is maintained despite cyber attacks on the enterprise network.

Security Skills Assessment and Requisite Training

Most employees engaged in corporate security have limited security skills especially with regard to emerging threats such as multi-headed worms. In the present condition, it is of paramount importance for companies to accurately and comprehensively assess the current security skills of those in the IT department. Any gaps in requirements and current skill level which are observed would be supplemented by training programs targeted at resolving those deficiencies.

Implementing Boundary Defenses

Organizations need to implement concentric security levels depending on the importance of the data maintained in their database. This security measure is designed to specifically ensure that data security is maintained and all information is available to users only on a need to know basis. This security format is to be implemented in case of servers, networks as well as any device connecting to the corporate network. Commonly referred to as the sandbox or container technique, the process limits information availability and improves overall network data security. One simple approach is to separate out a section of the internal database so that it is not connected to the Internet and this approach is usually reserved for the most sensitive corporate data currently available on the database.

These Approaches Enhance Security but Unfortunately There are No Guarantees

The approaches mentioned above are designed to only improve and supplement the current security measures in effect within the enterprise. They are not expected to replace traditional security solutions such as firewalls, antivirus software, endpoint protection software and of course common sense. As we have observed over the past few months, no organization is completely immune to the sheer audacity and inventiveness of hackers irrespective of the motive. These and other techniques like it only improve an organizations chances of improving its current level of information security to reduce and maybe even prevent some even if not all possible security breaches.

by: Abhishek Chakravarti

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