NETWORK SECURITY


Network Security & Compliance


Many business owners, decision-makers, and responsible parties may be unaware of the risk factors involved with operating even a small network, particularly a network connected to the Internet. Everyone comprehends the threat of viruses and malware these days, but a properly-secured network relies upon expert design and configuration of security appliances, software, and staff and management policies. Data – including everything from trade secrets to client data to federally regulated patient data – is only as secure as the weakest component within the system.

The idea is to do everything meaningful and feasible to stop the “bad guys” at the door, while also enabling system users to protect themselves while using technology for the intended purpose: productivity. Complications arise from the fact that a highly secure system may also become the least user-friendly system if it is not planned and implemented properly.

If a budget does not allow for a sophisticated network security appliance with a robust firewall, intrusion prevention, and content security, a business must be prepared for the impact of a security breach, both legally and in terms of costs associated with recovery time or compromised data. Reliable data backups are one way to limit the impact, but what about stolen data? What about the expense of hours upon hours of server and workstation recovery following a significant network security breach or system compromise? The “what if” scenarios are daunting, and many businesses and organizations ultimately fall back on a “risk and reward” approach, leaving themselves with “weak links” in their computer networking systems which they feel are calculated risks. However, a trusted IT or computer networking resource must be able and willing to provide solutions that address the “weak links” and provide a computer networking plan that can be understood and cost-justified.

A BUSINESS NETWORK REQUIRES:

  • Current, reliable security appliances with as many advanced features as the budget can support
  • Properly secured wireless networks
  • Expert server and workstation configuration with updating measures to ensure core software components are kept current
  • Secured connections for remote users, and timely “best practices” for mobile computing
  • Current “Endpoint” antivirus and threat prevention on desktops and laptops

PCI DSS

Many businesses, institutions, and organizations face serious concerns regarding Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards. While our government and legal system seek to ensure the privacy and security of citizen’s personal financial data, the Payment Card Industry is unwilling to bear the full burden of this responsibility. Credit vendors demand certain standards from merchants and organizations accepting credit card payment:

  • A properly maintained network security firewall with no default settings
  • Properly encrypted cardholder data when using the Internet
  • Properly maintained antivirus
  • Limited, “need to know” access to data
  • Tracking and monitoring of network resources
  • Regular testing of the security systems and processes

Innovative, Inc. is a Cisco Premier Certified Partner, offering world-class network security solutions built on Cisco products. Our engineers and technicians are certified and experienced computer networking experts, having assisted businesses and organizations of many types with these network security challenges. Just as importantly, we are a Microsoft Gold Partner, with multiple Microsoft-certified systems engineers on staff to ensure that our business network implementations meet industry standards. If you are uncertain of your network’s security level, reach us for a free consultation.