What is the most important network security best practice?

Identify the network assets and ownership. identify obsolete and out of support network assets. Prioritise such assets to replace or protect first. Have complete visibility into your network through continuous monitoring.

The very first step is to be sure you have an updated inventory of all your devices and items active in your network. Remember that just a single switch with no visibility may become your weak link in the chain. So before measuring your assets risks, be sure you have your inventory management in place tracking 100% of what’s coming in or out of your network.

Risk Management is at the core of what we do in security and should drive most of your decisions. The better you understand the business you're in, the more effectively you will identify risks, allowing better prioritization as more risks are known. Risk is not something that security owns by ourselves, and we must include business stakeholders in the discussion as they know the business best. Know where data is, know the business processes, understand business and supplier relationships, and keep looking through the business, but remember to document everything.

El contexto e impacto dentro de las organizaciones de la aplicación objeto del análisis, establece la priorización de los riesgos identificados. Por ejemplo los sistemas o aplicaciones con manejo de transacciones monetarias por sobre las aplicaciones o sistemas de transacciones operativas.

There is no single defense strategy that will be able to thwart all malicious actors, as they come through different surfaces, and all have different skills. As such, entrusting the defense of your enterprise to a single control, would not be understanding the adversary you are defending against or the resiliency of that singular control. Firewalls should not be thought of as monoliths, but more as modular entities: firebricks. That analogy should extend to all the aspects of the barriers IT professionals implement, from the hardware and software implementations to the policy and education actions. Brittle, singular 2d structures tend to fail - opt for a flexible, modular and adaptable 3d defense.

One of the most crucial network security best practices is implementing a layered defense strategy, known as defense in depth. This approach involves employing multiple security controls and technologies to protect your network from various angles and levels. Utilize firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, authentication, and access control to create a comprehensive barrier against potential attackers. Regularly monitor, update, and test your security systems to identify and address weaknesses or gaps. Layered defense enhances overall network security by providing multiple layers of protection.

One of the most critical network security best practices is educating and training users. Users can inadvertently pose security risks by clicking on malicious links, using weak passwords, or sharing sensitive information. Provide clear guidelines and regular training to help them use the network securely. Enforce accountability and consequences for violations or breaches. User education strengthens the human element of network security, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall protection.

El elemento humano es tal vez el elemento más vulnerable en todos los sistemas implementados, educar a los usuarios respecto al cumplimiento de prácticas o políticas de seguridad, hará que los sistemas sean menos vulnerables. El cambio periódico de contrase?as, el uso de redes sociales en dispositivos de uso personal únicamente, hará que los usuarios sean conscientes de que son el elemento más vulnerable de los sistemas.

One of the most critical network security best practices is to backup and recover data. Data loss can have severe consequences. Develop a backup plan outlining what data to backup, how often, where, and how to restore it. Regularly test your backup and recovery processes to ensure they align with business objectives and compliance requirements. Safeguarding data through robust backup and recovery measures is essential for network security and business continuity.

Generar respaldos y probarlos de manera periódica, permite que se disponga de una estrategia ante escenarios mas desfavorecedores. Recordar que es un seguro y los seguros siempre buscamos no utilizarlos, pero cuando los requerimos es bueno tenerlos disponibles.

A pivotal network security best practice is continuous improvement. Network security is dynamic and demands constant evaluation and adaptation. Monitor metrics like incident frequency, response time, resolution rate, and customer satisfaction. Stay updated on evolving cyber threats and trends, adjusting security tools and techniques accordingly. Regularly reviewing and enhancing your network security ensures it remains effective and aligned with evolving challenges and technology.

An essential network security best practice is seeking expert advice. Network security can be complex, especially for smaller IT services. Engaging network security professionals can provide customized solutions, recommendations, and support. Learning from peers with similar security goals and challenges fosters knowledge sharing and best practices exchange. Expert advice is invaluable in bolstering network security for optimal protection and risk management.

The most crucial network security practice is implementing a layered defense strategy. This includes using firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto Networks), intrusion detection systems (IDS) like Snort, and antivirus software (e.g., Kaspersky Endpoint Security). Educating users on security protocols and using backup tools like Veeam for data recovery are essential. Regularly reviewing security measures with tools like Nessus for vulnerabilities and improving them ensures robust network security.

Strengthen security measures through robust access controls, authentication protocols, permission delineation, and regular user access reviews. Implement network segmentation and maintain updated log files to safeguard network resources and data integrity