How Safe is my Network Infrastructure?
NETWORKS ARE EXPOSED TO VULNERABILITIES, ESPECIALLY WI-FI SOLUTIONS. THUS, HOME NETWORK OWNERS COMMONLY ASSIGN A PROTECTED PASSWORD TO AVOID THE INTRUSION OF AN UNIDENTIFIED THIRD PARTY; SO TAKING ACTION OVER A BUSINESS’ NETWORK IS A MUST TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
The following tips would help you detect how safe is your network and how to secure it better.
Scan your Network
Network security scanning tools like Advanced IP Scan would let you detect the devices connected to your Network. An IP scan tool detects PC’s, laptops, routers, servers, firewalls, providing a complete check of all the devices of your Network. This is the first step to identify unexpected third users, or to check the status of your current network. When devices get connected without a real IT Planning, companies don’t count with a map of the Network Deployment, which is the base of every IT Support and obviously of any Network growth. An IP Scan would also help you identify IoT devices like Surveillance cameras, smartphones and smart TV’s. If they are connected to the same network of your computers, represent a vulnerability. It is suggested to create another network for this type of devices to keep independent networks for every purpose. Similar vulnerabilities face businesses like Hotels or coffee shops that provide Free Wi-Fi for their customers, or any other company that offer Internet for visitors. Please keep separated the Network of your employees from the Network of your guests.
Activate your routers internal wireless security
Every router has wireless security protocols to secure wireless networks. The weakest level is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). “It provides security by encrypting data over radio waves so it is protected as it is transmitted from one endpoint to another.” However, there are better levels of protection called WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) and last year was released WPA3 with several security improvements over WPA2.
Change the default Service Set Identifier (SSID) of your router
All routers need a name for the setup. Using a common name like “wireless,” your company name, address or the default vendor name, helps the hacker identified that a least you have a wireless network, and this is a starting point to explore more weaknesses.
If you are not sure that your company network is secure enough is time to ask for an IT consulting service. Start working on the security of your network would help you diminish the impact of a hack attack at your business.
