How to Design a Better and Secured Company Network

Designing a better and secured company network involves a combination of strategic planning, technology implementation, and adherence to best practices. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you design a robust and secure network for your company:

1. Understand Your Requirements: Before diving into the technical aspects, understand your company's specific requirements, including the number of users, types of devices, applications, and data being handled. Also, consider compliance regulations relevant to your industry.

   
   

2. Network Segmentation: Divide your network into segments based on user roles, departments, and security levels. This limits the impact of a potential breach and reduces the lateral movement of attackers within the network.

   
   

3. Perimeter Security: Firewalls: Implement next-generation firewalls at entry and exit points to filter incoming and outgoing traffic. Set up firewall rules based on the principle of least privilege.

   
   

   Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Use IDPS to monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity and prevent unauthorized access attempts.

   
   

4. Access Control: 

   
   

   Authentication and Authorization: Enforce strong authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA). Assign access rights based on the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage.

   
   

   Network Access Control (NAC): Use NAC solutions to ensure only authorized devices can connect to the network. This prevents unauthorized or compromised devices from gaining access.

   
   

5. Secure Remote Access:

   
   

   Virtual Private Network (VPN): Set up a VPN for remote employees to securely access the company network. Ensure VPN connections are encrypted and authenticated.

   
   

   Remote Desktop Services: If used, secure remote desktop access with strong authentication and encryption, and limit access to authorized users.

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   Encryption:

   
   

   SSL/TLS Certificates: Use SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt data transmitted over the internet, such as web traffic.

   
   

   Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest. This includes using encryption protocols for email communication and encrypting data stored on servers and devices.

   
   

7. Network Monitoring and Intrusion Detection: Implement network monitoring tools to track network traffic and identify anomalies or suspicious activities in real-time. Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect unauthorized access attempts or unusual patterns of behavior.

   
   

8. Regular Patching and Updates: Keep all software, including operating systems, applications, and network devices, up to date with the latest patches to address known vulnerabilities. Implement a patch management strategy to schedule and apply patches in a controlled manner.

   
   

9. Employee Training and Policies: Conduct regular security awareness training for employees to educate them about cybersecurity risks and best practices. Establish and communicate clear security policies, including acceptable use of company resources, password policies, and incident reporting procedures.

   
   

10. Incident Response Plan:

• Develop a comprehensive incident response plan outlining steps to take in the event of a security breach.

• Define roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and actions to mitigate the impact of a breach.

11. Vendor and Third-Party Management: Evaluate the security practices of vendors and third-party services that connect to your network. Establish security requirements in contracts with vendors to ensure they adhere to your network security standards.

12. Regular Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities and gaps in your network security strategy. Use the findings to continuously improve and adapt your network security measures.

By carefully considering these steps and integrating them into your network design process, you can establish a better and more secure company network that effectively protects your data, systems, and users from potential threats. Remember that network security is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance and adaptation as the threat landscape evolves.

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