When it comes to today’s networks, unattended access attacks are pretty standard. Many companies are falling victim to these tactics more than ever, as unauthorized users gain access to vital data. These attacks can take many forms, ranging from simple password intrusions to successful hacker attacks. Some of the best network security solutions for combating this common threat are designed to be easily implemented and surprisingly simple. A couple of them we’ll discuss below.
Network access authorization is a good practice and a primary necessity for your business or organization. The better off you will be. All too often, we see businesses using their network authorization requirements as just an invitation to hackers to come and go through the data they’ve protected-or worse, stolen-on their networks.
Attended access control can be accomplished through many different means. There are hardware devices that can be placed at strategic access points on your network that allow you to limit who has access. In some cases, the device can be physically attached to the network itself. In other cases, it can be a series of stickers, cards, or wrist straps. Other methods include having dedicated access control personnel assigned to the job. These people are assigned a specific, time-sensitive task (such as checking the hardware). They are responsible for making sure only authorized personnel to have access to the areas of the network they’re responsible for.
Attended access control is excellent, but it’s only effective if it’s enforced at all. A weakly secured network is as dangerous as an open, unprotected one. Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to ensure that unauthorized users don’t have access to sensitive data.
Use strong passwords on all of your online systems. If your network consists of email servers, make sure that your user names and passwords are difficult to guess. Solid and complex passwords that incorporate numbers, symbols, and special characters are preferable. Still, anything simpler than what you use for your bank account or credit cards needs to be solid and rigid, too.
Keep your systems up to date. New threats and vulnerabilities keep appearing on the Internet almost daily. You never know when a virus, worm, Trojans, or spyware could be attacking your computer. Regularly scan your systems for problems and download the latest security patches and install them promptly whenever possible.
Use automated systems for unattended access control. Some companies utilize commercial access control systems that allow network managers to enter specific areas of the network remotely. This method is convenient but isn’t always ideal. It can leave you vulnerable to attack if the administrator you called isn’t authorized. Instead, use automation to restrict unattended access to particular areas of the network.
Firewalls provide another layer of protection for computers that are in unattended access mode. They work by scanning every file and folder on the system and determining whether it is safe to open or not. If it is deemed unsafe, the file is closed, and you can access the file usually. Basic firewalls are sufficient for immediate unattended access, but specialized firewalls are available for more secure systems. For more detailed protection, you may want to install software designed for unattended access. These programs can detect hackers who try to breach your network and even shut the computer down in an emergency.
Restrict unsecured networks to those with valid passwords. Passwords are used to access files and other data on the network and can be configured and changed by the administrator. Using the default password usually provides the most security, but you should change them according to your company’s needs. For unattended access to work correctly, ensure that the accessed files have valid passwords and security codes not to be opened accidentally.
Monitor your computers for any changes that may occur during the unattended access period. Find out if users are logging onto the network during this time. Check for unauthorized changes as well. You may also need to increase the security features of your password servers.
Your companies intranet and network can become more secure with the addition of these simple measures. Implement unattended access control to protect your servers and computers. You will find it easier to work when no one has physical access to the systems. It can help reduce the chance of viruses and malware infections, which can cause a lot of damage.
