Network Security & Monitoring Tips Within the Dallas, Texas, Workplace

With information being the name of the game today, organizations are becoming increasingly focused on protecting their networks, containing much of the internal and external communication, confidential information and trade secrets passed through their servers. With focus, by using network security services, security can be improved, giving an organization not only a greater peace of mind, but their customers or clients.

Top Network Security Tips

Follow these 8 top network tips to improve the security of your Dallas organization:

   1. Define Policies and Ensure Governance

The way an organization manages its security is largely dependent upon its definition of policies. Policies need to be explicit, and follow through in terms of governance needs to regularly take place to ensure that all members of the organization are in compliance. Policies should be written, shared with the entire organization and accessible in the event that the IT team or any member of the organization has a question or concern.

   2. Provide User Education

Another key factor in ensuring network security within our organization is to educate users. Developing rules will provide little to no benefit when no one knows what they are, or how to follow them. Users do not intend to put the organization at risk. So, by teaching them how to ensure network security, your organization will experience drastic improvements nearly immediately. Classroom, online and workbook training combined can provide the basics when anyone new joins the organization. And, annual refreshers are often sufficient to ensure that the organization remains on the same page in terms of network security.

   3. Task Leadership

To demonstrate that network security is important to your organization, task someone to be in charge of overseeing the function. Protecting your network is a full time job, so tasking someone with the responsibility will ensure that monitoring and adherence to the rules is met. Choose a responsible, well trained IT individual to oversee this responsibility.

   4. Properly Configure Hardware

All hardware needs to be properly configured to ensure network security within your Dallas organization. Even the most basic of hardware and software needs to be properly configured in order for compliance to occur. Configuration should be completed whenever new technology enters the organization. And, regular maintenance and spot checks should be performed to ensure ongoing compliance with the policies.

   5. Monitor Off Site Users and Portable Devices

Just because something is not within the office, doesn’t mean that it isn’t a threat to network security. Put processes in place to monitor devices which have access to your network, but which are not physically within your Dallas office to ensure that the security of your network is always strong.

   6. Protect your Email System

Choose an email management system which offers SPAM protection, security measures to protect data and encryption. Most top email management systems offer great solutions for any sized Dallas business. So, choose a system that will enable your organization to communicate freely, yet securely.

   7. Heterogeneous System

Embrace diversity when it comes to your network platform. Homogeneous systems are easier to crack, so in an effort to boost your network security, consider heterogeneous options. These options will create network diversity and protection for your organization.

   8. Physical Locks

While this would seem to be a common sense solution, many Dallas businesses fail to properly secure their networks. Networks, even though we largely think about the online presence, actually have a physical presence. And, if this physical presence is not properly protected, your organization’s security is at risk. Everything electronic should be locked down.

Network security is vital to the protection of an organization. And, by partnering with network security experts, your organization can implement many or all of the ideas above, creating a secure and stable network environment for your entire team. For more information on network security, check out www.intelinetsystems.com