Possible threats with a small business network
Vernon Hellbusch
Coleman University

We will be looking into threats and risks that can invade a small business network.
The security of a small business network may be jeopardized in many ways.
One of the many ways might be through your e-mail, or it could be someone sabotaging internally.
Another way could be the use of hardware, such an external hard drive, thumb drive etc.
Even as simple as a cell phone could interrupt the security of your network.
We will be taking a look at ways to secure a business network from the cybercriminals that our out there trying to disrupt the security of the network systems.
1. We can do a risk assessment
2. We can educate the users
3. We can use packet filtering on the router
4. We can use antivirus software at the gateway and on the desktops
Harden your systems by getting rid of useless applications These are just a few ways on getting started on securing your network.
We can start looking at different software options that will help in securing your network.
Let’s take a look at what’s out there for free, you have Microsoft securities that you can download for Free.
You have AVG is another that is free, you have Malware Bytes also as well.
These are just a few downloads that are free that work if you’re on a tight budget and just getting started.
Also when using products like these, you want to make sure you keep track of your daily updates to make sure they’re current.
This helps in keeping the free software updated for your security. Another thing you need to worry about is how honest are the people that are working for you?
Depending on the size of your company and what business you may be in, it might be a good idea to get full back checks on each individual upon hiring.
This way you have a better idea in who you have working for you, which could make a big difference in your company’s security.
Sometimes people can become disgruntle and could retaliate against you and your company by jeopardizing your network.
So by knowing your employees background could be beneficial. Also keeping people limited to what they can access helps in keeping the threats at out.
Other types of attacks are software based attacks, malicious software like malware which are viruses and worms.
A virus will attach itself to a carrier type program and then replicate itself by spreading to other computers.
Cell phones, thumb drives are other ways people can infect a network.
A cell phone can take pictures of documents, also you can download and upload with these smart phones, as well as thumb drives.
The whole idea here is that you need to devise a plan that will help keep your network secure.
There are companies out there that will set up a security network and maintain it for a fee.
Sometimes this may be a better way to go and less headache for the business owner to do their business.
This way the business owner can focus on business growing and keeping their customers information secure, by a third party that’s trusted and insured.
In growing a business it may be less expensive to do it this way for a piece of mind, and keeping you and your customer’s information confidential, by letting the pro’s do it.
This concludes my summary.