You're not sure if your network security strategy is effective. What can you do to improve it?

1 Assess your current situation

The first step to improve your network security strategy is to assess your current situation. You need to identify your network assets, vulnerabilities, risks, and compliance requirements. You can use tools like network scanners, vulnerability scanners, and penetration testers to scan your network and find any gaps or weaknesses. You should also review your network policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure they are up to date and aligned with your business goals and security standards.

2 Define your objectives and metrics

The next step to improve your network security strategy is to define your objectives and metrics. You need to set clear and realistic goals for what you want to achieve with your network security, such as reducing the number of incidents, improving the response time, or increasing the user satisfaction. You also need to choose the appropriate metrics to measure your network security performance, such as the number of attacks, the severity of breaches, the cost of recovery, or the level of compliance. You should also establish a baseline and a target for each metric, and track your progress over time.

3 Implement and monitor your network security controls

The third step to improve your network security strategy is to implement and monitor your network security controls. You need to select and deploy the right network security solutions for your network, such as firewalls, antivirus, encryption, authentication, or VPN. You should also configure and update your network security settings and patches regularly, and test your network security controls for functionality and effectiveness. You should also monitor your network activity and logs, and use tools like network analyzers, intrusion detection systems, or security information and event management (SIEM) to detect and respond to any anomalies or incidents.

4 Review and improve your network security strategy

The final step to improve your network security strategy is to review and improve your network security strategy. You need to analyze your network security data and reports, and evaluate your network security performance against your objectives and metrics. You should also solicit feedback from your network users, stakeholders, and auditors, and identify any areas for improvement or optimization. You should also update your network security strategy based on the lessons learned, best practices, and emerging trends, and repeat the cycle of assessment, definition, implementation, and review.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?