Newsletter January 2008
How Does Network Security Play into Your Business?
By: Dennis Soe Nyun
As technology professionals, it would be great to dazzle our clients with terminology that anyone outside the IT world would have some familiarity with, but really not have a solid understanding as to what it all meant when considering network security in business technology practices.
Policies and procedures, acceptable use policies, and top down management are critical key components in securing the network and are usually overlooked. Monitoring and proper encouragement or discouragement in the participation of questionable practices should be considered in the business technology plan. I have found that when consulting, many businesses, regardless of their size, lack this security feature in their rock solid network. In good times when there is almost too much business to handle, management was quick to court clients, and seemed to almost forget about the maintenance of one of their most important tools: the “Network” and network security.
With spy ware, ad ware and site metrics rampant on the Internet, you have to consider individual personal security as part of corporate security, again top down management comes into play. If the leaders aren’t setting the pace and the example, then how can you expect your troops to follow?
Remember there is a multi-billion dollar industry out there trying to figure out new ways to penetrate your rock solid network and new ways to entice your employees into visiting their site for some pay per use service or to spawn advertisements for medical wonder drugs and holiday must have’s.
Firewalls, data transport encryption, strong passwords, and social engineering is what most business owners relate to network security. These are also key components to the overall success of securing your network. However its’ very unlikely that Kerberos, MS Chap V2, IPSEC, Diffe-Hellman, SHA, and MD5 Algorithms are going to be common terms used in everyday conversations at your workplace. Let the professionals handle securing the infrastructure, perimeter, and access controls. Business executives need to manage policies and procedures, and set limits according to caliber of employees or reasonable risk tolerances.
Ask yourself this question. How can a lack of network security impact your business?
- Lawsuits from illegal download, and file sharing.
- Sexual harassment charges from someone looking at an inappropriate screen shot from a co-worker.
- Lack of productivity and loss of production revenue.
- What can you do that’s an innovative part of the business technology strategy?
Establish definite policies and procedures and acceptable use policies. Most importantly, find the right IT management group.
If you would like to receive more information simply contact us.
What People Are Saying
- “Your service technician was very effective in resolving this matter. The documentation provided from the previous vendor, e.g. password, was incomplete. Convergence responded within minutes by logging in to the BLTG network to investigate. The technician initiated a call shortly thereafter and patiently worked with the BLTG contact to resolve the matter. He provided additional technical support to educate the user; excellent collaboration resulting in a speedy resolution.”
- Sam Ross, Berkeley Law & Technology Group