With IBM reporting a record high in phishing attacks last year, the importance of network security cannot be emphasized enough. No matter what industry you are in, a cyberbreach can cost millions in damage mitigation services, legal fees, and fines.
Network security protects your business IT using a preventive approach. With the right anti-malware software, firewalls, and hardware, you can enhance your business’s network security and improve your overall business IT architecture.
What is Network Security?
Network security is a broad term that consolidates a wide array of information technology processes and devices. The main purpose of network security is to utilize hardware and software to protect the accessibility and confidentiality of your data and network architecture.
Some aspects covered by network security include:
- Email security
- Network segmentation
- Access control
- Data loss prevention
- VPN
Each of these tools and policies ensure that your networks are harder for unauthorized users to traverse and pilfer.
5 Reasons Why Network Security is Important
With the right network security, you can protect your business data such as personal information, business intelligence, and proprietary processes safe from unauthorized access.
Let’s take a look at the top 6 reasons why network security is necessary for any business.
1. Network Security Provides Data Protection for Both You and Your Clients
Business owners have a lot of sensitive data that requires protection. If your business marketing materials, financial information, and inventory data are placed in the wrong hands, you may lose your competitive advantage. You may also lose actual funds from your personal and business accounts if your financial information was leaked during the data breach.
Aside from your own data, sensitive client information—such as medical or accounting records—are also at risk of violation.
Network security protects both your personal data and your clients’ sensitive information, so you can continue running your business processes smoothly while retaining your reputation and the trust of your clients.
2. Network Security Improves IT Reliability
Network security not only ensures proper data security measures are taken, but it has multiple layers which implement policies and controls. These security controls include things like firewalls, intrusion prevention devices, segmented networks, and more.
By ensuring that only authorized users are gaining access to network resources, and that malicious actors are prevented from entering the system, you can be sure your networks won’t be subject to unauthorized access and the disruptions that come with it.
A possible drawback to these tools is that they can interfere with the day to day operations of your employees. An experienced cybersecurity professional can help you select the appropriate tools to ensure your business operations won’t be disrupted in the name of security.
3. Network Security Will Save You Money in the Long Run
An IBM report reveals that the average cost of data breaches is at its highest growth rate in the last seven years and is rising significantly. Between legal fees, fines, restitution, and in some cases digital ransom, a data breach can be very expensive. By ensuring proper network security, you reduce your risk of having to pay for the aftermath of a data breach. Good network security from a managed service provider may seem like an expense now, but will pay for itself in the long run by minimizing expenses related to a lack of security.
One such expense is ransomware. In a ransomware attack, a hacker takes control of some or all of your networks and installs a program to encrypt all of your data, rendering it inaccessible. With control over your data, these hackers will demand a payment for the release of your data which they may or may not make good on after you pay them.
4. Network Security Helps You Meet Regulatory Standards
Businesses in specific industries are required to meet regulatory standards for data protection. For instance, if you run a healthcare facility, it is necessary for your business to meet HIPAA standards in all areas of your business which includes network security requirements.
Meeting regulatory standards can often be a confusing and overwhelming process. Trying to do it without the help of a cybersecurity profession can mean spending more than you need on protection that isn’t sufficient for your industry.
5. Network Security Prevents Disruption to Your Business
Network security tools such as firewalls prevent not only unauthorized access, but improper access. One example of this is a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack where several attackers manipulate network requests to clog up your networks. A DDoS protection utility can help protect your networks from these sorts of attacks.
In a Nutshell — Why Do We Need Network Security?
Network security is important for your business because it offers data protection for both you and your clients, and improves your cybersecurity and IT performance. Network security also helps you save money in the long run by preventing costly ransomware and DoS attacks, while allowing you to meet regulatory standards so your business can thrive and continue to adapt in the digitally transforming world.
Get Help with Network Security at Attentus Tech Today
If you want to improve your network security, Attentus Tech can help. We have been offering CSP and MSP services for business across Washington State for the last 18 years and are the leading provider of IT services in Bellevue and Seattle.
Our team of skilled technicians can help your business thrive through conducting an information security analysis and by equipping you with the tools you need to protect and secure your business data. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.
