Cybercrime has been on the rise.
If you have been following the news, you must have noticed that cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated by the day. This can be alarming for companies
The truth is that cybercrime is only likely to continue. The NHS reported an attack in May 2017, which resulted in extensive patient data being stolen.
Now, you might be wondering that attacks are performed by elite hackers. However, it could not be further from the truth. The main cause of the attacks is human error.
If you read the NHS report carefully, you will realize that the organization failed to update its software after its security features stopped performing. Hence, it is clear that there was no process in place for keeping the system secure.
This post shares the top 8 IT security processes that will help protect and manage your company data and ensure that you do not suffer at the hands of hackers.
1. Privileged Password Management
The key to a secure system is secure passwords. Since there are many passwords that have to be managed in an organization, it is crucial to use a password management tool such as 1Password.
With the password management tool, you will have an easier time managing passwords. It is important that you include regular password management in the security training of new staff. The process aims to offer maximum protection to keep sensitive data safe.
Large organizations have to keep client data secure at all times. Only a limited number of employees have access to the database. The process focuses on providing short-term access to those that would normally be unable to gain permission.
To implement privileged password management, you can read a checklist for authorizing, documenting, and securing access management.
2. Network Administrator Daily Tasks
The secret to an organization’s success is a network administrator. Generally, the network administrator provides defense against malicious attempts. The professional is responsible for keeping the company secure.
There is a list of key daily tasks that the network administrator has to perform to keep things in check. These tasks should be recorded and reviewed from time to time. The checklist would enable the professional to perform different tasks daily, such as the ones mentioned below.
- Support, maintain, upgrade, and configure in-house servers and customer networks.
- Be on the lookout for updates.
- Install and integrate applications and hardware.
- Ensure network connectivity and security.
- Administer and support third-party applications.
3. Network Security
Network security should be the number one priority of organizations. Whether you run a carpet cleaning London business or any other business, you cannot afford to overlook network security.
The goal must be to maintain the highest level of security. It will help the organization know where it is failing. Network security audit detects the vulnerabilities before hackers do to tackle them early on.
The network security audit checklist covers software and hardware, procedures, and training. It focuses on finding security risks and resolving them. Here is a glance to help you better understand what needs to be done.
- Define the scope of the audit.
- Determine the threats.
- Edit the internal policies through reviews.
- Re-evaluate the password strategies.
- Ensure sensitive data is safe.
- Inspect the servers.
- Examine training logs.
4. Firewall Audit
Although a firewall audit and a network audit might seem somewhat similar, a firewall audit focuses on analyzing the process employed within the broader ad larger network security audit.
The process has to be thorough and cover various precautions. The steps involved in the process should encourage the documentation of activities.
From assessing the security of the servers physically to reviewing existing policies to reducing redundant rules, everything has to be documented, including the changes, criticisms, and even thoughts.
The firewall audit offers positive process documentation. It will make the life of the network administrator a whole lot easier.
5. VPN Configuration
A VPN has become a necessity in recent times. Many IT security professionals recommend that every employee has to use a VPN for protection. However, when employees work within an office network that is secure, remote access can be a risk.
Although remote access to the office network is essential for remote work or business trips, there need to be checks and balances in place.
For instance, to ensure security protection, both the HR and IT departments will record information about employees that have remote access to the office network. It will help prevent risk exposure.
6. Apache Server Setup
Apache is arguably the most-used server across the globe. Hence, you will need to set up an Apache server for smooth operations. There are simple steps involved for downloading, installing, and monitoring the Apache server.
The steps will help those that use a 64 bit Windows Server and want to install Apache. As a process template, tasks have to be edited to customize according to the needs of your organization. Here is what you can expect from the checklist.
- Record the serve and the username.
- Install the firewall.
- Update the package list.
- Download UFW.
- Enable SSH connections.
- Allow UFW.
- Install the webserver software.
- Install Apache.
7. Email Server Security
One of the ways through which anyone can get into your company is through email. This is why there is a need for email server security. It will help you fight off malicious attempts such as phishing attacks.
For maximum email server security, there is a need for professional training and technical resilience.
8. Penetration Testing
Finally, penetration testing is an IT security process that you need to consider. It resembles IT practices that you might have seen in movies. The process involves testing the security of the system to see if anyone can break into it.
The aim of the process is to find vulnerabilities and attempt sneaking into the system. Through penetration testing, it is possible to determine how much damage can be caused.
Protect and Manage Company Data
Once you have read the post, you will know how to best protect and manage your company data. Each process will help you improve the security of your system. Make sure to implement strong security processes and policies to prevent data leaks.
