Five Things You Should Do Right Now to Protect Your Business Network

# Five Things You Should Do Right Now to Protect Your Business Network

Your business network is under constant attack from cybercriminals. Every day you delay implementing proper network security measures increases your risk of devastating data breaches, ransomware attacks, and system failures that could shut down your operations. Here are five critical actions you can take today to significantly improve your network security.

1. Update All Software and Operating Systems Immediately

Outdated software is the #1 vulnerability exploited by cybercriminals. Every delay in applying security updates leaves your business exposed to known threats that attackers are actively exploiting.

Why This is Critical

• Known vulnerabilities - Hackers have detailed maps of unpatched systems

• Automated attacks - Bots continuously scan for vulnerable systems

• Zero-day exploitation - Criminals often know about vulnerabilities before patches exist

• Network propagation - One unpatched system can compromise your entire network

What to Update Right Now

Operating Systems:

• Windows computers - Run Windows Update immediately

• Mac systems - Check for macOS updates in System Settings

• Server operating systems - Apply all security patches

• Mobile devices - Update iOS and Android on business devices

Critical Software:

• Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)

• Adobe products (Reader, Flash if still used)

• Java runtime environment

• Microsoft Office suite

• Antivirus software definitions

Network Equipment:

• Router firmware - Often overlooked but critical

• Switch management software

• Firewall operating systems

• Wireless access point firmware

Implementation Steps

1. Inventory all systems - Create a complete list of devices and software

2. Prioritise critical systems - Update servers and network equipment first

3. Schedule regular updates - Set automatic updates where possible

4. Test in stages - Update non-critical systems first to identify issues

5. Document the process - Track what's been updated and when

2. Change All Default Passwords and Implement Strong Password Policies

Default passwords are publicly available information that hackers use to gain instant access to business systems. Many Australian businesses are still using "admin/admin" or "password123" on critical systems.

Password Vulnerabilities

• Default credentials - Manufacturers' passwords are known to criminals

• Weak passwords - Simple passwords are cracked in minutes

• Password reuse - Same password across multiple systems multiplies risk

• Shared accounts - Multiple people using the same login credentials

• No password changes - Credentials never updated after installation

Immediate Actions Required

Network Equipment:

• Router admin interfaces

• Switch management consoles

• Firewall administration panels

• Wireless network passwords

• Network-attached storage devices

Business Applications:

• Practice management systems

• Accounting software

• Email server administration

• Database management systems

• Cloud service accounts

System Accounts:

• Windows administrator accounts

• Linux root access

• Application service accounts

• Backup system credentials

• Remote access accounts

Strong Password Requirements

Implement these standards immediately:

• Minimum 12 characters - Longer passwords are exponentially harder to crack

• Mixed character types - Upper case, lower case, numbers, and symbols

• No dictionary words - Avoid common words in any language

• Unique passwords - Different password for every system

• Regular changes - Update every 90 days for critical systems

Password Management Solutions

• Business password managers - Tools like Bitwarden or LastPass Business

• Multi-factor authentication - Add second layer of security

• Single sign-on - Reduce password fatigue with integrated systems

• Password generators - Create truly random, strong passwords

3. Configure Your Firewall Properly and Enable Network Monitoring

Many businesses have firewalls but haven't configured them correctly. A misconfigured firewall provides a false sense of security while leaving your network completely exposed.

Common Firewall Mistakes

• Default configurations - Using manufacturer settings without customisation

• All ports open - No restrictions on network traffic

• No monitoring - Firewall logs ignored or disabled

• Outdated rules - Old configurations that don't match current needs

• Bypassed protection - Alternative routes around firewall controls

Essential Firewall Configuration

Inbound Traffic Rules:

• Block all unnecessary incoming connections

• Allow only specific services on designated ports

• Restrict administrative access to specific IP addresses

• Implement geo-blocking for international threats

• Enable intrusion detection and prevention

Outbound Traffic Controls:

• Monitor and control outbound connections

• Block suspicious websites and domains

• Prevent unauthorised data transfers

• Control application internet access

• Monitor for malware communication attempts

Network Segmentation:

• Separate guest networks from business systems

• Isolate critical servers from general user networks

• Create separate VLANs for different departments

• Implement network access controls

• Monitor traffic between network segments

Network Monitoring Implementation

• Traffic analysis - Monitor all network communications

• Anomaly detection - Identify unusual activity patterns

• Bandwidth monitoring - Track data usage and identify problems

• Security event logging - Record all security-related activities

• Real-time alerts - Immediate notification of security incidents

4. Implement Automated Backup Systems with Regular Testing

Backup systems fail when you need them most. Many Australian businesses discover their backups don't work only after suffering data loss. Implementing and testing backup systems today could save your business tomorrow.

Why Backup Failures Happen

• Untested systems - Backups never verified until disaster strikes

• Outdated procedures - Backup configurations not updated

• Storage failures - Backup media fails without detection

• Human error - Manual processes forgotten or done incorrectly

• Incomplete coverage - Critical systems not included in backups

Immediate Backup Implementation

Critical Data Identification:

• Customer and client databases

• Financial records and transactions

• Email communications and archives

• Business documents and contracts

• System configurations and settings

Backup System Configuration:

• 3-2-1 Rule - 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite

• Automated scheduling - Daily backups without human intervention

• Incremental backups - Daily changes with weekly full backups

• Cloud integration - Offsite storage in Australian data centres

• Encryption - Secure backup data against unauthorised access

Backup Testing Procedures:

• Monthly restoration tests - Verify backup integrity

• Full system recovery drills - Practice complete restoration

• Documentation updates - Maintain current recovery procedures

• Performance monitoring - Track backup success rates

• Disaster scenarios - Test different failure situations

Business Continuity Planning

• Recovery time objectives - How quickly must systems be restored?

• Recovery point objectives - How much data loss is acceptable?

• Alternative operations - Manual procedures during system recovery

• Communication plans - Managing stakeholders during disasters

• Vendor relationships - Emergency support contacts and procedures

5. Educate Your Staff on Cybersecurity Basics and Create Incident Response Procedures

Your employees are both your greatest cybersecurity asset and your biggest vulnerability. Immediate staff education and clear procedures can prevent most successful attacks.

Why Staff Training is Critical

• 95% of attacks involve human error or social engineering

• Email phishing remains the primary attack vector

• Insider threats can be intentional or accidental

• Mobile devices create new attack surfaces

• Remote work expands the threat landscape

Immediate Training Topics

Email Security:

• Identifying phishing attempts

• Suspicious attachment recognition

• Link verification procedures

• Reporting suspicious emails

• Safe email practices for business

Password Security:

• Creating strong, unique passwords

• Using password managers effectively

• Recognising credential theft attempts

• Multi-factor authentication setup

• Secure password sharing methods

Mobile Device Security:

• App installation policies

• Public Wi-Fi safety

• Device encryption requirements

• Lost device procedures

• Personal vs. business use policies

Social Engineering Awareness:

• Phone-based scam recognition

• In-person security threats

• Information disclosure policies

• Verification procedures for requests

• Suspicious visitor protocols

Incident Response Procedures

Create clear, actionable procedures for security incidents:

Immediate Response Steps:

1. Isolate affected systems - Disconnect from network immediately

2. Contact IT support - Designated emergency contacts

3. Document the incident - Record what happened and when

4. Preserve evidence - Don't delete or modify anything

5. Communicate appropriately - Inform management and affected parties

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Incident commander - Who makes decisions during incidents

• Technical response team - Staff responsible for technical response

• Communications lead - Managing internal and external communications

• Business continuity - Maintaining operations during response

• Legal and compliance - Managing regulatory and legal requirements

Creating a Security Culture

• Regular training sessions - Monthly security briefings

• Simulated attacks - Phishing tests and security drills

• Open communication - Encourage reporting without fear of blame

• Recognition programs - Reward good security practices

• Ongoing reinforcement - Security as part of daily operations

Professional Network Security Services

Implementing comprehensive network security requires expertise in cybersecurity technology, risk assessment, and business continuity planning. SkyComm provides complete network security services for Perth businesses, helping organisations implement and maintain the security measures that protect against cyber threats.

Our team can assess your current network security, implement these five critical measures, and provide ongoing monitoring and support to keep your business protected. We understand the unique challenges facing Australian businesses and provide locally-based support when you need it most.

Don't wait until after an attack to secure your network. Contact SkyComm on 1800 957 977 to implement these essential security measures and build comprehensive protection that will keep your business safe from cyber threats. Your network security can't wait—take action today.