Most businesses today leverage technology to reach more customers as well as support online sales. Businesses rely on technology to gather and store customer transaction records. An IT security plan can help protect these records against theft or loss.
IT security is crucial to minimize risks and avoid hacks to these sensitive digital records. Hacks on these records could place huge financial burdens on businesses and their customers. You can read further to learn more about “what is IT security?” and how it can fight off these security risks.
What is IT Security?
IT security is a set of security policies that protect assets like data and digital records from unauthorized access. ITSec preserves the integrity and privacy of this sensitive information. Security technology can also block access to thieves or other experienced hackers.
You may have also heard of the term cybersecurity as well. Both IT Security and Cybersecurity are terms for protecting computer systems from digital attacks.
Information security begins with a written cybersecurity policy that describes how a company will protect its technology and information assets. The policy guides employees on the necessary steps to protect these assets. These policies can also define employee and contractor levels of access.
Cybersecurity policies list procedures for addressing security incidents. Cybersecurity policies can also spell out certain types of security technology a business should have to stop threats before they attack. Some examples of security technology include:
Firewalls
Firewalls are a buffer zone between your company’s private network and the Internet. Firewalls are either software or hardware that you can install into your systems to analyze incoming data to your network. Anything coming into your system that doesn’t meet your security criteria will be blocked.
Secure a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate to Establish Online Credentials
An SSL certificate validates a website’s identity and encrypts the data it sends on the internet. Encryption means scrambling data into an unreadable format and then returning it to a readable format with a proper decryption key. Encryption can help prevent access to your company’s confidential records from unauthorized parties.
Wireless Network Security
Wireless network security uses a wireless router or switch to encrypt and secure all wireless communications so that team members can safely access the internet. Companies can choose between either Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) encryption services. Networks can also be simply turned off on weekends to reduce the likelihood of security threats.
Next Steps
Are you ready to secure you’re business’ IT security today? Start by reviewing the cyber security planning tools developed by the Federal Communications Commission. These tools include templates that you can use to customize a plan that fits your company’s needs.
Don’t forget to check our blog for other helpful advice. We’re here to help you learn more about what is security and how it can help you protect your business. Let us help secure the business infrastructure you’ve worked so hard to create.
