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Network Security: 5 Simple ways to improve it

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Network Security Today

Protecting Your Business: Practical Tips to Improve Network Security

Navigating the ever-changing world of technology can be challenging—especially when you’re already managing the demands of running a business. With cyber threats evolving daily, network security is no longer optional—it’s essential.

You don’t have to become a cybersecurity expert overnight. By following a few straightforward strategies, you can significantly strengthen your company’s defenses. Below are simple, actionable tips to improve your network security and safeguard your digital assets.

1. Use Strong, Secure Passwords

Creating strong passwords is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your network. Yet, it’s often overlooked. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 81% of hacking-related breaches involve weak or stolen passwords.

A strong password should:

Be at least 12 characters long
Include a mix of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
Be unique to each system or account

Weak passwords leave your data exposed. Encourage all employees to use password managers and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA). Making password security a company-wide standard is a critical step in improving your network security.

2. Keep Your Software and Hardware Updated

Outdated software is a common entry point for cybercriminals. Developers frequently release updates to patch vulnerabilities. Skipping them means leaving your systems exposed.

Always:

Enable automatic updates on your operating systems and applications
Regularly update routers, antivirus tools, and firewalls
Remove unsupported or outdated devices from your network

These updates aren’t just upgrades—they’re essential for strong network security.

3. Watch Out for Suspicious Links and Phishing Emails

Phishing remains the #1 cause of cyber breaches. These scams typically arrive as emails or messages with links that steal information or install malware.

To avoid phishing:

Educate employees on how to spot suspicious messages
Never click unknown or unexpected links
Verify the source before downloading attachments

Small actions like these can prevent major breaches and preserve your business’s network security.

4. Invest in Managed IT Services

Even with solid practices in place, professional help is often the key to long-term protection. Managed IT services provide 24/7 monitoring, software patching, threat detection, and response.

Businesses without IT support are significantly more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

When you consider the potential costs of a breach, including:

Lost data
Downtime and productivity loss
Customer trust and reputational damage
Legal consequences

…it becomes clear that network security is an investment—not a luxury.

According to the IBM 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach is $4.45 million. For small and mid-sized businesses, even a single incident can be devastating.

5. Remote Work Demands Greater Security

The rise of remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic has added new layers of complexity to network security. Employees working from home may use unsecured Wi-Fi, outdated devices, or weak passwords—all of which increase risk.

Managed IT providers can help implement:

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Secure remote access protocols
Company-wide remote work policies

Strengthen Your Security—and Your Reputation

Network security doesn’t just protect data—it builds trust. Customers and clients are far more likely to do business with companies that take data protection seriously. A strong security posture can become a competitive advantage that supports long-term growth and sales.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity isn’t a technical issue—it’s a business-critical function. By implementing simple protections like strong passwords, regular updates, and employee awareness—and by partnering with a managed IT provider—you can proactively shield your business from threats.

Ready to Protect Your Business?

Contact our team at Saltech Systems today to learn how our managed IT services can secure your business, reduce risk, and give you peace of mind.