The statistics on cyberattacks are staggering. Around 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily. Over 4 million websites are infected with malware.

These attacks target businesses of all sizes in all industries. Mitigating your network security vulnerabilities can help you avoid becoming a statistic.

You need to identify the risks in order to address them. Keep reading to learn how to reduce common risks and why a network security assessment may be a good first step.

Ensure Proper System Configuration

System misconfigurations are a common vulnerability in network security. All devices, servers, and networks need the right security protocols.

Mistakes in the configuration process can happen as simple errors. Problems can also result from issues like weak passwords or access controls.

Configuration audits can help you identify weaknesses in your system configuration. Strong security protocols for your organization and ongoing monitoring contribute to keeping your system secure.

Secure Your APIs

An API (Application Programming Interface) lets two software components communicate with each other. The API structures requests and responses between the two applications.

One application is the client and the other is the server. The client sends a request to the server as data. The server sends output data back to the client.

APIs are structured to minimize exposure between the two applications. Vulnerabilities are still possible, though. Common risk factors are:

• Broken access control
• Overly broad data exposure
• Authentication issues

Regular testing can show potential security risks in your APIs. Good password management and strong security measures will help prevent API vulnerabilities.

Follow the Principle of Least Privilege

Following the principle of least privilege helps ensure that only authorized users have access to your system. This principle means that users get the minimum level of access needed to do their jobs.

Least privilege extends beyond human users. It applies to APIs, systems, and connected devices that need permissions to perform tasks.

Least privilege reduces network security vulnerabilities in several ways. It reduces the attack surface for bad actors.

It helps stop malware from spreading. The risk of malware increasing its access is lower. The malware can’t move laterally as easily.

Patch and Update Software

Software vendors regularly find security flaws in their products. They release new versions to fix these vulnerabilities. Failing to install these critical updates promptly puts your business network at risk.

Bad actors know about the flaws in software programs. They exploit them to steal data or infect the system.

Unpatched vulnerabilities are a major factor in successful cyberattacks. They’re also one of the easiest to address. A proactive update schedule helps ensure your software and devices are up-to-date.

You can use a patch and assets management tool to facilitate this process.

Implement Robust Password Management

Using poor passwords and reusing passwords for multiple logins creates a security risk. Most people make easy-to-remember passwords based on their personal information. This makes guessing the password easier for hackers.

If a hacker guesses a shared password, they can use it for all the associated accounts.

Good password management mitigates these risks. A password manager can help users benefit from strong passwords without having to remember all of them individually. Your organization can implement password standards for length and complexity.

Limiting login attempts is another way to help prevent password theft.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your network. Single-factor authentication uses a single method to authenticate users. The most common method is a password.

Bad actors can easily bypass single-factor authentication.

Multi-factor authentication requires more than one type of authentication. The three types of factors are:

• Something a user knows (knowledge)
• Something a user has (possession)
• Something a user is (biological)

A password or PIN are common examples of the first category. The possession factor could include a security token or software token from a smartphone. Biometric verification methods include facial recognition, fingerprint scans, and retina or iris scans.

Even if a would-be hacker steals or discovers a password, they can’t access your system without another form of verification. Your IT personnel or IT services provider can implement multi-factor authentication for your business network.

Conduct a Cybersecurity Assessment

A network security assessment identifies vulnerabilities in your system. You can target your resources more effectively to improve your cybersecurity processes.

The two main types of network security assessment are:

• Penetration testing
• Vulnerability assessment

Penetration testing tries to attack your system to find any weaknesses. A vulnerability assessment is often automated using tools like a network scanner. It identifies and prioritizes vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity audits are an essential tool. They discover security risks before a bad actor does. They help you prioritize which problems to address first.

You can measure the impact an attack would have.

An assessment also helps you evaluate your current security measures. You can see whether they’re effective.

An internal person or team can conduct your network security assessment. You can also use a third-party service. Using a third party has several advantages.

Security risk assessments can be complex and time-consuming. Giving this responsibility to a reputable third-party firm lets your IT personnel focus on their regular tasks. The assessment firm will ensure that the testing meets applicable compliance, regulatory, and industry standards.

Implement Security Awareness Training

Human error is a factor in many cyberattacks. Your personnel are an important line of defense in your cybersecurity strategy. Security awareness training covers threats such as:

• Phishing
• Social engineering
• Compromised passwords

Training should include an educational component as well as exercises to test awareness and reactions. This gives your employees the opportunity to learn and reinforce best practices.

Choose the Right IT Services Partner

Addressing your network security vulnerabilities is essential for the health of your organization. A network cybersecurity assessment will show any weaknesses. The right IT services partner can help you develop a plan to mitigate the risks.

Facet Technologies is dedicated to serving the unique cybersecurity needs of your business. We offer contract and as-needed support, consulting, and implementation. We’ve been serving clients in Central Illinois since 1989.

Our Security Plus Audit evaluates more than 100 aspects of your network infrastructure. We’ll give you a roadmap with prioritized action items.

Schedule a cybersecurity assessment from Facet today and take the first step toward a more secure business.