6 Tips for Managing a Secure Computer Network With the world of digital information exploding in popularity in every part of the world, new jobs are created every day in the field to keep up with consumer demand. There are many important careers relating to cyber and network security, with room to move into positions that are more advanced or even management. In this field, your main job will be to make sure that the network used for the transfer of digital information is secure from external threats. Your studies will include cyber law, computer database administration, computer programming and logic, and basic management principles. Let's take a look now at some of the ways you can keep your network security intact and protected against outside threats: 1. Use Encrypted Wireless Network Points It has often been found that even large businesses forget to keep their networks protected against external attacks that can steal information relating to the network's traffic and cause other types of damage to the system. Using an encrypted network will help ensure that the information on your network is protected so that not just anyone can hack in and create havoc. Having an encrypted network adds that extra layer of security that can make all the difference to a system's security. 2. Track Users and Devices Make sure to install a system of monitor devices and alerts that can warn you if a device is being used without permission. You will also need to find a way to identify which ports are plugged into which types of devices within the network. Many guides are available for keeping track of network hosts. Many of the newest guides are fully automated. They only need to be configured and switched on once to provide warning in case an unknown device is plugged into the system. 3. Keep Strong Passwords Another seemingly tiny mistake that many seasoned professionals make is using a simple password that can be easily guessed. A strong password can do a lot to keep a system secure. There are certain types of software that hackers often make use of which have the ability to input multiple configurations of a word within seconds, so using a simple password relating to your memory will provide an advantage to the hackers. Avoid using words that can be found in a dictionary. Try to add in numbers and symbols to keep the password sufficiently complex. It is also a good practice to change the password every 60 to 90 days, and of course, avoid mentioning the password in public spaces where you can be overheard. What is Cyber and Network Security | ECPI University What is Cyber and Network Security | ECPI University 4. Maintain an Inventory It is important to keep an inventory of all the devices that are currently being used by the network. The list will come in handy for quickly checking to see if a particular detected device is a legitimate part of the system or placed there by an outsider. Also, go through the list to check which of the devices carry software carrying weak security configurations which need to have their security features strengthened. 5. Perform Security Testing It is always a good practice to hold a regular testing of your network system to keep an eye on weak spots, which need the attention of security experts. Carrying out this practice regularly will serve to act as a precautionary measure against potential problems instead of reacting after an attack has already occurred and succeed. Create a list of problems that the network system has had in the past and ensure that the problem does not occur again. 6. Avoid Using Unknown Software The internet is full of free, open software that can be downloaded in minutes. It can be tempting to download such software, but remember that it is very easy to add malware, which can wreak havoc on your computer as well as the entire network. If you feel your system needs some new form of software for your job, consult your company's IT department. They will most likely be able to make suggestions as to the best software to use that can be downloaded reliably. In general, it is a good practice to hold regular meetings. Update and inform the employees about the latest types of malware attacks and suspicious software available on the internet that they need to be wary of. There are many types of antivirus software also available that automatically warn you if the site you plan to download software from is untrustworthy and poses a threat. Can you see yourself managing a network? If you believe you future career lies in cyber and network security, consider ECPI University for a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Cyber and Network Security. For more information or to speak with a helpful admissions advisor, contact ECPI University today! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make! DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content. 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