Avoid Security Slip-Ups: How Managed IT Services Can Protect Your Network Against Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity is a concern for businesses of all sizes. With the number of cyber threats increasing daily, it is becoming more and more challenging for organizations to protect themselves from potential cyber-attacks. Managed IT services can help address this challenge by providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to cybersecurity.

This post will discuss how a managed IT services provider can protect your network from cyber threats.

Firewall Setup and Monitoring

Firewalls act as a fortress between your trusted internal network and unsafe outside networks, such as the internet. With the help of a managed IT service provider, you can beef up your firewall to keep cybercriminals out.

The provider will install and set up your firewall to block incoming traffic from known malicious sources and allow only essential traffic, such as emails and web browsing. And the best part? Your managed IT provider will constantly keep an eye on your firewall logs to quickly spot and neutralize any potential security threats, like unusual spikes in traffic or sneaky attempts to break into your network.

Encryption Implementation

Keep your sensitive information under lock and key with encryption. Encryption turns plaintext into unreadable ciphertext, guarding your data both when it travels across your network and when it is stored. Even if cyber criminals intercept your data, they won't be able to decipher it without the encryption key.

Managed IT services can help encrypt your communications with SSL/TLS encryption for emails and secure data stored on servers, laptops, and smartphones. With encryption, you won't have to worry about customer information, financial data, and confidential business secrets falling into the wrong hands.

Identity and Access Management

Identity and access management is about ensuring the correct people have access to your resources. With passwords, tokens, biometrics, and more, you can control who has the keys to your network.

Your managed IT provider will set up role-based access control, giving users access based on their job roles. They'll also enforce strict password policies, requiring complex passwords and frequent changes, and continuously monitor user permissions to quickly identify and address potential security risks, like ex-employees with access to sensitive data.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention System Monitoring

Intrusion detection and prevention systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and block or alert administrators about potential security threats. A managed IT service provider can deploy an IDPS to monitor network traffic for signs of a malware attack, such as unusual spikes in network traffic or attempts to penetrate the network. 

They can also provide real-time monitoring and incident response to address security incidents as they occur, such as quickly containing and removing a piece of malware that has been detected on the network.

Virtual Private Network Upkeep

Work from anywhere without sacrificing security! A managed IT service provider can set up a VPN, allowing employees to securely access the company's network and resources from remote locations like home or while on the road.

Your provider will configure the VPN for maximum security with strong encryption and authentication methods and continuously monitor VPN logs to quickly identify and address any security threats, like attempted VPN penetrations. Stay connected and secure with a VPN.

Antivirus Software Installation

Malware can take down a network. Managed IT services can assist in deploying and maintaining antivirus solutions to defend against malicious threats. Your provider will ensure all company devices, including servers, desktops, laptops, and smartphones, have the necessary software. Regular updates will address known security risks, and real-time monitoring will quickly detect and remove any malware that sneaks onto a device. 

Network Segmentation 

A managed security team can segment your company's network to keep customer information, financial data, and other sensitive information safe from prying eyes. If an attacker does get in, they'll be limited to a smaller portion of the network and unable to access your sensitive data. This approach also makes it easier to detect and respond to security incidents, limiting the impact of a breach. 

Are you looking for a reliable managed IT service provider to protect your business from cyber threats? Don’t wait until it's too late. Take action now and secure your network and sensitive data. Contact Reliance Desktop today and keep your business safe from cyber threats.