Thanks to the use of technology, network security threats have become more widespread. Hackers and other cybercriminals have become more efficient.
Hackers cascade small threats into full-blown attacks by exploiting network security vulnerabilities. This leads to the weakening of a company’s network system.
Data and its protection are essential considerations for any organization. Businesses are now using security testing procedures to pinpoint and tackle security vulnerabilities.
The truth is, every network, website, and device is vulnerable to cybercriminal threats. For that reason, network security is an essential aspect of running any company. However, some companies have become careless with how they handle their network security.
To protect your network adequately, you need a network defender. The network defender will identify and mitigate network security threats and vulnerabilities.
So how do you identify and handle network security vulnerabilities? Read on below to find out.
1. Enable Network Visibility
This is the first step to training and preparing your security team. Your team and network defender will work to pinpoint vulnerability in the network.
Enabling network visibility allows for the team to have eyes on your network. You can’t detect a threat unless it’s visible.
To achieve network visibility, take advantage of existing features on your network device. The other way you can do this is by designing a tactical network diagram.
The drawing will help you pinpoint packet flows in your network. It will also help identify potential areas to activate your security procedures.
Consider activating your security procedures in several places throughout your network. This will help you pinpoint, categorize, and tackle network security threats and vulnerabilities.
2. Set Up Network and Computer Access
Set up your network and computer access to regulate who has access to your network. You should also limit their level of access. All users shouldn’t have access to the entire network.
Do you have network security policies in place? The policy should help you determine the appropriate methods of protecting sensitive data. It should also help reduce vulnerability and scan for potential threats.
Remember to use the policy to create a recovery plan if there is an attack.
3. Configuring a Firewall
Firewall configuration hinders internet-based threats and unauthorized access into your computer network system. The firewall supervises the flow of information traffic through your network.
Network firewalls also obstruct exploration assaults such as port sweeps and IP scanning. While the firewall can restrict these issues, you will have to configure it to perform such tasks.
4. Limit Access to Installations and Updates
Hackers and cybercriminals take advantage of outdated software to penetrate networks. They use end-point mechanisms and other software tools. These tools include firmware, device drivers, antivirus, and operating systems.
In network security, access control is key. Network defenders can also help you tackle the risk of random network attacks. They do this by limiting the number of individuals who can update or install the software.
Your IT personnel should only activate installations and updates through their admin access.
5. Wireless Network Site Survey
Wireless network site surveys allow you to analyze your network’s performance. Network performance should be part of your daily business operations.
The wireless network is an essential aspect of every company. Having frequent network surveys could minimize system downtimes and improve employee communication.
If you notice your system has poor performance, it may be time to conduct a wireless survey. Remember to also look out for unreliable network connections,
Tackling Network Security Vulnerabilities
Network security vulnerability assessment will help you better identify and tackle security threats. You can implement specific measures to help you handle top network security vulnerabilities. The most common network security vulnerabilities include:
- Malware, ransomware, and computer virus
- Outdated software and applications
- Poor and weak passwords
- Wrongly configured firewall
- Lack of data backup
- Mobile devices and laptop vulnerabilities
Most attackers use weaknesses in your network to access your system. Ensure you handle any weak spots in your network, internet, hardware, and software. This will help you avoid the risk of cyber-attack.
Pinpoint Vulnerability Based on Risk
Network vulnerabilities could stem from overhauled infrastructure and third-party business partners. Fortunately, this procedure will help you better detect security vulnerabilities. However, the bad news is that you may detect thousands of vulnerabilities.
According to a report, an investment firm discovered over 6 million vulnerabilities in one scan. Sadly, most organizations don’t have the resources to conduct these scans. This may leave your business exposed, facilitating cyber-attacks.
There are also unreliable tools in the market that give false positives. Pursuing non-threatening vulnerabilities could waste your team’s time.
Remember to put in place proactive and automatic vulnerability management programs. This will help you protect your company data better.
Follow a Practical Remediation Procedure
After categorizing the vulnerability based on risk level, you can now address each one in groups of manageable workloads. This allows you to remediate the most critical attacks first.
It’s also essential to pinpoint false positives. This will help you focus your time and resources on combating genuine attacks.
All priority vulnerabilities on your list should have:
- Rank
- A Title
- Associated threats
- Category
- A proposed workable solution
You should also create a remediation schedule based on how critical the threats are. With all the information at hand, ensure you start with the most critical attacks. You can remediate them in a consistent, manageable, and efficient way.
Vulnerability Identification and Management Is a Continuing Process
Most companies have thousands and even millions of network security vulnerabilities. Most of these vulnerabilities could potentially lead to exposure of sensitive data. Thus, putting in place programs to identify and manage these vulnerabilities is essential.
Unfortunately, vulnerability management is not a one-off thing; it’s an ongoing process. Ensure you create a regular vulnerability assessment for your system to protect your business from risk. The most important thing is to create an efficient and effective management program.
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