Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Digital Transformation Strategy (145-slide PowerPoint presentation). Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations across most industries, as the role of technology shifts from being a business enabler to a business driver. This has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Thus, to remain competitive and outcompete in today's fast paced, [read more]
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The pandemic ushered in a time in history where more people work from home than ever before. Even companies that have asked workers to return to the office now offer hybrid options, where people work remotely a few days a week.
If you find yourself turning to a virtual private network (VPN) to meet your company’s growing needs, you may worry about the security of allowing people off-site to access your network.
Is Your VPN Safe?
A recent survey of security experts uncovered around 39% believe the overall number of attacks will increase and that cybercriminals will be more successful in their attempts. However, the cost of securing a VPN can be prohibitive for small business owners.
Fortunately, you can keep your network safe without spending a fortune. While a smart hacker can get into any network, there are some things you can do to ensure yours stays safe.
1. Look for Vulnerabilities
Before you can secure your VPN, you must know the backdoor openings and places for potential attack. Test your system and see if you’re able to break into it as an amateur. You might be surprised just how vulnerable your site is.
You can also hire third-party firms to try to hack into your site and report back about how you can secure your network from hackers.
2. Secure Your Network From Cyberattacks
Around 82% of business customers saw an increase in cyberattack attempts in recent months. Fortunately, you can do some simple things to secure your VPN. Start by keeping track of your logging and tracking processes. When your system detects a breach, you’ll be better able to track it down and fix it immediately.
Insist remote employees use multifactor authentication and change passwords frequently. You should also institute a policy of changing logins the minute you terminate an employee or they resign. Some hacking attempts come from former disgruntled employees with still active passwords or other backdoors they’ve installed in your system.
3. Train Your Crew
One of the biggest threats to your system comes in the form of lax workers who fail to protect passwords and other vital security information. Train your workers to never click on phishing emails and to guard their logins when in public locations.
You should ensure all machines logging into your network have security software and antivirus protection. Ask staff to run automatic scans every night.
4. Choose the Right Server
The last two years have seen more cyberattacks than ever before. You should choose your hosting company wisely. Make sure they offer SSL, SSH secure Shell access and take regular backups of your site. What will they do if someone launches a DDoS attack on your site, flooding the system with endless requests?
Ask questions about security and pay attention to reviews from other customers. Not all web hosting companies are the same. You want one that takes security as seriously as you do.
5. Update Software
Running a small business requires juggling many different hats. You might find you barely have time to breathe. It’s easy to forget things such as regularly updating software on your servers. However, if you want your VPN to be as safe as possible, set all updates to take place automatically.
Many software updates occur because the program’s creator identified a vulnerability and wants to shore up the system to prevent hackers from getting in. Your antivirus and firewalls work much more effectively when they are updated.
Keep Protections in Place
Securing your VPN is a crucial part of protecting your small business. However, keeping things up-to-date and retaining employees from time to time is also vital. Keeping your VPN safe isn’t a one-time endeavor. You must continually assess where you are as a business and put practices in place to keep information safe.
18-page Word document
This Word Document provides a template for an IT Security & Governance Policy and is easily customisable. Areas cover are: Security, Data Back-Up, Virus Protection, Internet & Email usage, Remote & 3rd Party Network Access, User-Account Management, Procurement, Asset Management and IS Service
[read more]
Want to Achieve Excellence in Digital Transformation?
Gain the knowledge and develop the expertise to become an expert in Digital Transformation. Our frameworks are based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. Click here for full details.
Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations of all sizes across most industries. In the Digital Age today, technology creates new opportunities and fundamentally transforms businesses in all aspects—operations, business models, strategies. It not only enables the business, but also drives its growth and can be a source of Competitive Advantage.
For many industries, COVID-19 has accelerated the timeline for Digital Transformation Programs by multiple years. Digital Transformation has become a necessity. Now, to survive in the Low Touch Economy—characterized by social distancing and a minimization of in-person activities—organizations must go digital. This includes offering digital solutions for both employees (e.g. Remote Work, Virtual Teams, Enterprise Cloud, etc.) and customers (e.g. E-commerce, Social Media, Mobile Apps, etc.).
Learn about our Digital Transformation Best Practice Frameworks here.
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