Network Security Survey: Small Business

Many small businesses today use computers and a network server to support their operations. Many company data is stored electronically on these networks. Everyday operations are dependent upon the network being available and secure. Small businesses are often unaware or ignorant of potential risks to the safety of their data. Two hundred small businesses were interviewed about network security in order to better understand these issues. From companies with fewer than 10 employees, to those with over 100 staff, the range of companies was wide.

Nearly half of survey respondents believed their network was secure or adequate. Many of the respondents expressed doubts about their defenses against attack. This is not surprising since almost all businesses have faced some kind of security threat within the last year.

Three of the most serious threats to were reported:

1 Trojan horse, virus attacks 2 Stolen or lost computer parts, including data storage devices

3) Hacker attack or employee theft

Company defenses:

1, Anti-Virus Protection

2, Firewall

Spyware Protection

4) Spy Filters

Recommendations:

According to most companies, they lack a smart password policy and automated patch management. They also have no policies regarding employee network usage. Most businesses that don't have protection against an attack aren't tested Qnap españa.

There is no one solution to guarantee network operations continuity. But, we recommend a layered approach to managing the most pressing security threats. This layered approach examines vulnerability across a variety of areas such as software, processes and training. Each layer provides additional protection to the information environment.

1) Blocking attacks on the network

2 Blocking Host-Based Attacks

3) Eliminating vulnerability

Supporting authorized user safely

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You must ensure your business operations are uninterrupted by regular testing of these security precautions.

Security Level:

Half of respondents felt their network was secure enough. 30% of those remaining thought their network was just a little secure. Over 10% said that their network is not as secure.

These small businesses often believe that their network of employees is secure. Nearly 63% of businesses employing fewer than ten people and 75% with 11 to 25 staff members feel this way. The security of larger companies was less assured. More than half of businesses with fifty to one-hundred employees were not satisfied with their defenses. Only 44% of large corporations with more than a hundred employees felt safe or adequate. Over 20% of respondents with between 51 and 100 employees felt that the network wasn't as secure as it should. The network is more secure if it has a larger company.

Experieved Threats

Respondents reported security incidents or attacks they experienced during the past year. Trojan horses and viruses are the most serious threat to the network. Nearly half of the respondents had experienced such issues during the year. The lowest rate of attack was reported by the larger companies at 40%. This is a sign that defenses are better. Over 60% of smaller companies experienced virus-based attack. While the risk of data theft and loss from storage devices was not a major concern for smaller companies this risk rises with increased company size. More than 33% reported such an experience in larger companies. Hacker attacks were more common in smaller firms and those with more employees than ten. It appears that smaller networks are more vulnerable. However, the most prominent ones have a higher risk of being hacked. Unfortunately, staff members can present a security threat; around 10% of businesses reported that they experienced unauthorized entry or theft within the specified time frame.

Methods and Devices

Effective procedures, processes, systems and policies can help protect against security threats. The survey asked respondents which security methods they were using. Most respondents stated that they had firewalls and antivirus protection. 25% of the network were without spam filters or spyware protection, which leaves them open to malware which can be both dangerous and annoying. A mere 50% of computers have patch management and a smart password strategy. This smart password system uses a combination normal and special characters in passwords which are regularly changed. Smaller companies are less likely to have employees follow network use policies than the largest companies. Over 80%, including the largest companies, have set guidelines for proper or improper network use. These guidelines reduce the network activity that isn't related to the business. This can increase security risk. Many respondents are familiar with wireless networks. Wireless networks are one of the most dangerous access points if they're not properly secured. Only a small number of companies said that they employ all the top-priority measures listed in the survey.

Testing:

Without testing, it is impossible to say if any security device or function provides real defense. Some anti-virus specifications may be out of date. There could be a security hole in a firewall or staff might not be following proper procedures for maintaining a secure network. Nearly 25% of respondents stated that they either couldn't remember or didn't know when the last time they had tested their security. Many have implemented security protections but can't be sure that they provide the expected protection. It is the very small companies that have not tested their security systems most often. 10% of businesses tested security once a year, while only 10% had done so for the last one. It is possible for dangerous lapses to occur, especially as the threats evolve over time. 33% of respondents indicated that they had tested their security measures within the past month. Regular validation of network security components is critical to ensure continuity in an overall system. Unfortunately, most companies don't examine their exposure until after a serious event has occurred that could have a detrimental impact on the company.