What are the best practices for network security and backup using network operating systems and applications?

Access Control: Enforce strict rules. Firewalls/IDS/IPS: For threat protection. Patch Management: Keep systems updated. Network Segmentation: Isolate vital systems. Encryption: Secure data transit/at rest. Regular Backups: Automate and test. Security Policies: Enforce, educate. Monitoring/Logging: Monitor, log data. Incident Response: Plan for incidents. Anti-Malware: Use updated security. Physical Security: Secure access. Redundancy: Ensure failover. Employee Training: Train to spot threats. Third-Party Audits: Conduct audits. Compliance: Follow regulations. Updates/Testing: Keep systems secure with regular updates and tests.

From my experience, I use BRTG to monitor the network and the Veem application to take backups of data over Microsoft azure For high availability I recommend that disaster recovery be in the cloud

My introduction to NAC started with Perfigo/Cisco NAC around 2010 as a regulatory compliance tool. So many of the technologies we use to protect our data and systems focus on preventing and detecting outside threats. Without a NAC solution anyone with physical access to offices and facilities (contractors, consultants, sales folks, janitors, etc.) have bypassed primary security systems. In my opinion NAC should be an integral component to any Defense in Depth strategy. In essence it becomes your internal firewall. Even a fairly simple NAC deployment can be very successful in preventing unauthorized access. If you're new to working in regulated environments, a well architected NAC product will solve a lot of compliance challenges.

Not only is this good for work, but I also do it at home. It's good practice and it helps me keep both my work and home networks secure.

Start with configuring routers against DDoS attacks, narrow IP ranges only to the countries where you intent to make business with, use network monitoring tools, implement roaming profiles for workstations via VPN, use at least two DC and DHCP servers with their own pool ranges (80/20), implement distributed file system on branch servers, configure RODC, configure shadow copies to run at least twice, once at midnight and once at lunch time, implement RAID 10, always ensure your servers have redundant power supplies, make sure you have a reliable UPS, coupled with a diesel generator, for power backup, etc. Last but not least, make sure you have a second router with a mirrored configuration ready to be snapped in in case the primary one fails

Always help educate the users. They don't know what they don't know and the more you can teach them, the better they are and your network will also be that much safer.

It's vital to regularly test your backup and restore processes to ensure their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing helps identify and address potential weaknesses in your network security. Employing encryption for sensitive data in transit and at rest adds an extra layer of protection. Implementing multi-factor authentication strengthens access controls, and maintaining a comprehensive incident response plan is crucial for swift and effective action in the event of a security breach. Lastly, staying informed about emerging threats and keeping abreast of software updates and patches helps proactively address new vulnerabilities.