Are you a small to medium-sized business? If so, you might understand the struggle of managing your network properly. Small budgets and lack of staff may keep you from reaching your network potential by using a network management strategy. There are many unique challenges SMBs face when dealing with network security including automated viruses, lack of device security, and network access tracking.

There is good news, however. SMBs can truly benefit from using network management tools that are available for all budgets and team sizes. With 43 percent of all cyber attacks aimed at small businesses, there is too much at stake not to invest whatever it is you have.

Let’s discuss some network management strategies your SMB can start implementing today to improve your security and your network’s functionality – without breaking the bank.

Start Outside of Your Network

Before you even consider a network management tool, you need to look at your security processes and devices. This includes understanding what devices are being connected to your network and who is using the network.

Mobile devices such as tablets, cell phones, and smart devices can compromise data. A study completed by Gartner states, “by 2021, 27 percent of corporate data traffic will bypass perimeter security, and flow directly from mobile and portable devices to the cloud.” As an SMB, you may have employees who use mobile devices to work remotely or outside of the traditional office space. If so, you must know how easy mobile devices are to leave lying around.

Forsythe states, “The cleverest intrusion-detection system and best anti-virus software are useless against a malicious person with physical access. Circumventing a password or lock is a trivial task for a seasoned attacker, and even encrypted data can be accessed. This may include not only corporate data found in the device but also passwords residing in places like the iPhone Keychain, which could grant access to corporate services such as email and virtual private network (VPN).”

Mobile devices should be monitored as they connect to your network. Network management tools can learn what is normal and compare against what is not for mobile device usage. If something looks suspicious, you will be alerted.

Best practices for mobile security should also be a topic of discussion with your employees and security policies, and procedures should be put in place to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Establish Security Standards

No matter your size, you should establish security standards in preparation for an attack. Network management tools can be used to monitor devices and device usage. This includes email monitoring, personal web use, and access control. This monitoring, mixed with compliance training and security updates, will help keep your network secure.

Make sure employees understand the importance of password creation and storage. They should also be aware of your security strategy and network strategy in the event of a breach or threat. There is nothing like proper training for your employees, even before network management tools are implemented.

Also, look at your process and strategy before a threat occurs. If you notice a breach, what happens next? What will be your response? What employee or team oversees what? Plan it out so you can work it out in the future.

Set Up Alerts

Network management tools make setting up alerts quick and easy. As an SMB, you may be surprised to learn that you have other options aside from spending thousands of dollars on network security to implement alerts. Alerts can be set up to monitor all devices on your network, including the hardware.

If an issue is noticed, the system will alert you, giving you ample time to react and find a solution.

There are many network management tools with built-in alerting systems that are free of charge or dollars per month. Some of these tools do not require an IT team but someone with a little bit of understanding when it comes to networking.

If you still don’t have the talent or knowledge about network security, you have the option of using a managed security provider (MSP) who can monitor your network for you. These MSPs alert you of any trouble with your network, without you having to keep an eye on it yourself. This is perfect for medium-sized businesses who have enough devices to need monitoring, but not enough staff to do it themselves.

No matter how you do it, your network must be secured to survive in the present and the future. As technology expands and grows, so do the tactics of hackers and those imposing cybercrimes on SMBs.

These three strategies will get you well on your way towards a secure network, quickly, and without obliterating your budget.

If you want to try out some network security software, please visit our reviews page for high-quality tools built with you in mind.