Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
4 Simple Network Security Measures That Could Save Your Business

4 Simple Network Security Measures That Could Save Your Business

October 25, 2023

With network security being more important than ever for businesses of all types and trades, it’s important that you make it a priority. Thankfully, there are certain simple ways you can pull this off, even if you’re not a technology expert. Here are some of the network security basics that will cover a lot of ground for your business.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Just about all accounts you create will have a username and password, but even more often than not these days, you’ll see a requirement for a secondary factor of authentication. This is where the idea of multi-factor authentication comes in; you need another way to authenticate your identity, otherwise access cannot be granted.

This proof of authentication can come in a couple of forms, aside from the initial password. For example, you might use a different device to log in, or you might use a biometric of some sort like a face scan or voice print. Adding a secondary requirement like this can make it more difficult for a hacker to access an account unless they have acquired not just your credentials, but a physical device or a part of the user. The security added in this way is dramatic for only adding one small step for the user.

Access Control

It’s critical that you keep close watch on access control, only granting users access to specific data if their position demands it. There is no reason to provide unneeded access to important data; all this does is create more opportunities for potential data breaches. If you limit access to only those who need it, you are effectively halting data breaches before they can even occur.

Encryption

Encryption can scramble your business’ data so that it can only be read by someone with the decryption key. This makes data theft much less valuable for hackers, as they will not be able to get anything valuable out of the exchange if you are using encryption. We recommend that you always use encryption when you can, and use it while data is stored and while it’s moving.

Partition Your Network

Another way to protect your business is to section off your network so that only your business’ employees have access to the network, while guests can still get on and access the Internet. Instead of having everyone use the same network, you can set up a guest network that keeps your business’ resources both safe and exclusive to your workers, saving bandwidth while preserving privacy.

Let’s Get Your Network Protected

Not sure how to get started with the above security measures? First Column IT can help you put this information into practice. To learn more, call us today at (571) 470-5594.

Previous Post
May 9, 2025
Adjusting Your Business IT Approach Can Bring Greater Outcomes
Is your business technology a tangled web of frustrations? You're certainly not navigating this digital dilemma alone. We frequently hear from organizations grappling with sluggish networks, outdated software that feels like a relic from the dial-up era, and the ever-present anxiety of safeguarding crucial business data.
May 7, 2025
A Quick Introduction to the Drives in Microsoft Windows
Windows is, for the most part, the default operating system you can expect to see in a business setting. That said, some owners have never used a Windows computer before, instead using a simple Chromebook or a Mac. Still, it’s good to know how Windows works, especially since it seems there’s a significant gap in knowledge.
May 5, 2025
How Your Business Can Implement Better Cybersecurity Training Practices
Cybersecurity isn’t the most fun thing to talk about, but it’s still important. This is especially for your employees who are on the front lines, the most likely folks to encounter threats during their day-to-day tasks. Today, we want to cover how your business can build better cybersecurity training practices that can keep your business secure for the long haul.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation for VA, DC and MD companies. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here