7 Network Security Risks You May Not Know About

With everything online, network security has never been more important. As a business owner, however, you’re constantly juggling a thousand things at once. Because your network security doesn’t directly generate revenue, leads, or clients, it’s easy to not think about it. Until the day you’re hacked.

Are You Vulnerable to These Network Security Risks?

The first step is becoming aware of the potential ways your network could be compromised. You can’t afford to turn a blind eye to this dangerous threat. Consider the following 7 ways your network may not be secure:

1) Theft or Loss of Laptop or External Drive

This risk is highly ignored, but an occurrence most in IT are acutely aware of. If a laptop or an external drive ends up in the wrong hands, stored websites, browsing history, passwords, important documents, and other sensitive data are at risk of being compromised. Since Windows and BIOS passwords are easy to bypass, the only way to keep your data completely secure is encryption.

2) Printer and Copier Hacking

Hackers are always looking for weak points in company networks to business data and sensitive information. This includes your multifunction printers or copiers connected to your network. If you don’t take measures to secure these devices, hackers could access documents, change settings, and even capture print jobs in transit.

Position these devices in a secure physical location, away from public access. Implement user authentication for accessing these machines and for printing each print job. Change the default admin password. Keep your machines up to date with the latest patches and firmware updates.

3) Theft or Loss of Smartphone or Tablet

While these devices may contain less sensitive information than a laptop or external drive they may still contain information you wouldn’t want in the hands of an unauthorized user such as company emails, access to your VPN, or your wireless network password.

For this reason, it’s important to secure even personally owned devices. Lock all devices with a PIN or password. Consider implementing services such as remote locating, locking, and/or wiping to protect your sensitive business data in the event a mobile device is lost or stolen.

4) Bluetooth Attacks

This technology has grown quickly both in popularity and widespread usage. It makes many things a lot easier with applications for personal life and use in business. Though it has become more secure since the first iterations, it still comes with security risks including remote eavesdropping, unauthorized access, device manipulation, information leaks, and full host compromise.

5) Rogue Employees

The threat from within is often the one that catches us off guard the most. Employees sometimes intentionally or accidentally access areas of your network they are not otherwise authorized to access. Given the nature of their position and proximity to inside information, they may have an enhanced ability to compromise sensitive business data and company information by exploiting any network vulnerabilities.

Require your employees to lock down their machines, devices, and workstations anytime they step away from their desk. Also, make sure they never let another employee use their credentials or access information they’re not authorized to access. They should change their passwords regularly to protect themselves and the company. Only allow each employee access to the parts of the network necessary to complete their job well.  

6) “Innocent” Outsiders

Sometimes an unauthorized individual with mal intent will enter your business dressed in a way so as not to draw attention. They may be dressed in appropriate business attire or disguised as a repair or delivery person. Through social engineering, they often gain access to secure areas such as executive offices, server rooms, or copy rooms. Train all employees in your building on what to do when an unknown person without credentials requests authorized access.

7) Surrounding Personnel

The human brain is more than capable of storing information seen or heard. People who are near you could watch you log in to your computer or a device, see where you store hard copies of documents, and potentially view confidential information you’re reading. It’s important to secure all sensitive or confidential information when you leave your desk and to be mindful of prying eyes throughout the day.

Don’t Leave Your Network Security to Chance

You wouldn’t leave the doors to your business unlocked during non-business hours and you shouldn’t in the cyber world either. Hackers are sophisticated and constantly developing new ways to exploit your network vulnerabilities. It requires constant attention and vigilance to keep up with the latest attacks.

It may sound like a lot of work, and you may not have the time or resources to complete. The good news is you don’t have to do it all on your own. Managed IT services will handle most of the heavy lifting for you so you can focus your attention and energy on keeping your business moving forward.

Learn More

If you haven’t taken measures to secure your network or if it has been a while since you’ve reviewed your network security, now is the best time. Don’t leave your cyber door open for hackers to attack. Keep your business secured against these and all network security risks.

Contact Us to learn more about network security or to get your free security assessment.