Top 10 Best IT Practices to Strengthen Network Security

In a world where data breaches make headlines almost daily, you must take network security more seriously. One wrong or careless move can expose your critical business information to cybercriminals. Consequently, it puts your company’s financial stability and reputation at risk.

Indeed, no organisation – big or small – is immune to cyberattacks. However, you can build a fortress around your network with the best cybersecurity practices in place. The guide introduces you to the 10 best network security plans to protect your business against ever-evolving threats.

Whether it’s your first step towards your business or fortifying your existing defences – check out the following practical tips. They are meant to set you on a safer and more secure network.

1. Create Strong and Hard-to-Guess Passwords

For the sake of easy remembering, we have been guilty of choosing ‘1234’, ‘password’, or something similar. If you are repeating the same then you are making things easier for hackers also. In 2025, weak passwords can’t stand there again. Especially, when you are talking about network security firms.

A good password must contain 12 characters containing a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. In addition, you should avoid obvious choices such as birthdays and names.

Pro Tip

Encourage employees to use a password manager to generate and save secure passwords. Thus, they won’t be forced to recycle the same weak passwords across multiple platforms and accounts.

2. Leverage Multi-Factor Authentication

Passwords alone don’t cut the chase anymore, especially for cybersecurity companies. According to the network security firms, MFA or Multi-Factor Authentication offers an extra layer of security. It requires users to verify their identity with something they know or own.

Indeed, multi-factor authentication drastically reduces the chances of a hacker getting unauthorised access. MFA can come in several forms, like:

  • A password or PIN.
  • A text message with code or a smartphone application.
  • Biometrics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.

So, you can adopt MFA for your organisation. Even if your password is stolen, attackers can barely breach your systems.

3. Train Employees on Network Security Awareness

Believe it or not, humans are often the weakest link in cloud network security. Phishing emails, social engineering attacks, and other tactics depend on tricking people. Then, they click on malicious links or reveal sensitive information.

The only effective way to combat such threats is to train employees regarding cybersecurity practices. For example, tech employees:

  • How to create strong passwords.
  • How to recognise phishing emails and how to deal with them.
  • The importance of safeguarding company data.

Also you can document strict guidelines for employees accessing sensitive information within the organisation. Thus, you can encourage a culture of security awareness where everyone is mindful of potential threats.

4. Limit Access to Sensitive Information

Well, you will agree on at least one thing: Not everyone inside your business network needs access to all of your data. The Principle of Least Privilege or POLP means that employees should access the information they require for their specific roles.

Now, it minimises the risk of malicious actions through insiders and accidental data breaches. So, regularly audit access permissions. Immediately cease access for employees who no longer need it.

5. Regularly Update Software and Hardware

Cybersecurity companies are afraid that hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software and hardware. And, regular updates can patch such weaknesses. Hence, make sure everything is updated, including:

  • Applications
  • Firewalls and antivirus software
  • Operating systems
  • Firmware

Update your hardware as well if they feel to be outdated including routers, switches, computers, servers, etc.

6. Use Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems

Looking for a barrier between your network security firms and the outside world? Have faith in firewalls for monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic. Additionally, they block malicious activities. So, configure a firewall to prevent unauthorised access and cyberattacks.

Apart from firewalls, you can consider an Intrusion Detection System. It will track unusual behaviour or attacks in your network. So, you can act before damage occurs by identifying the potential threats.

On the other hand, we recommend strengthening your cloud network security with the implementation of:

  • VPNs
  • Antiviruses
  • Anti-malware software.

7. Backup Data

From hardware failure to unpredictable cyberattacks – data loss can take place due to a variety of reasons. However, the best news is that you can minimise the impact of data loss. The key is to regularly back up your data. So, ensure you keep frequent backups in your routine and store those copies securely.

Ideally, you should trust cloud network security or offsite options for backups. This increases the chance of recovering your data even when the main systems are compromised. Additionally, you must regularly test your backup systems. Thus, you can verify that those systems will work properly when needed.

8. Keep an Incident Response Plamn Ready

Despite your best network security efforts or cybersecurity practices, breaches may sneak in. In that case, having an Incident Response Plan in place always proves to be handy. With the plan outlining your responsibilities when an accident takes place.

So, you can respond quickly with an effective Incident Response Plan or IRP. moreover, you can reduce the chances of damage by:

  • Isolating affected systems.
  • Sending notification to stakeholders.
  • Co-operate with law enforcement if required.

However, you have to review and update the IRP regularly. Also, employees must be familiar with the guidelines. Conduct simulated attacks so you can test your team’s preparedness and identify any seams in the IRP.

9. Encrypt Your Business Data

Encryption turns sensitive data into unreadable codes. The benefit of encryption is that unauthorised individuals can’t access or steal such information. According to the best cybersecurity companies, you should encrypt data both at rest (or stored) and in transit.

Without encryption, any intercepted data is at risk. Here are the key areas for encryption to boost network security:

  • Emails
  • Cloud storage
  • Any sensitive data shared across internal networks.

10. Implement PCAP for Network Traffic Analysis

Undoubtedly, firewalls and antivirus software are great at stopping threats. However, businesses may not be interested in missing the subtlest hints about sophisticated attacks. PCAP or Packet Capture is a tool that tracks network traffic. Also, it records data packets travelling through your network.

In short, PCAP allows you to monitor unusual activity, identify potential security breaches, and investigate incidents in real time.

 With PCAP in action, you can spot issues before they escalate.

  • You can get a deep analysis of network traffic. Also, PCAP helps you detect subtle signs of malicious activities.
  • On the other hand, PCAP data is precious for investigating incidents after an attack. Indeed, it helps you understand the source of the attack. Also, you can figure out how to avoid future breaches.

In Conclusion…

Practically, network security solutions are not available under the one-size-fits-all model. Rather, the general strategy depends on your business. After all, every business faces different and unique challenges. However, the above tips upon the right implementations can make a significant difference.

In addition, seek expert intervention from network security firms for high-standard solutions. Moreover, stay proactive and keep assessing your risks.

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