Every organization, regardless of size, faces network security threats. These threats can include phishing emails, ransomware, and unauthorized access through unpatched systems or weak passwords. The key to avoiding costly downtime and data loss is to prevent problems before they occur. Strengthening defenses through planning, regular reviews, and layered protection helps your business stay ahead of attackers.
There are many common network vulnerabilities that make businesses susceptible to attack. Identifying your vulnerabilities is an effective way to prevent cyber attacks before they cause disruption. Apply the following network security best practices to understand where weaknesses exist, and to keep your systems protected.
Network Security Best Practices
Building a secure network requires consistent management, monitoring, and strategic improvement over time. Strong cybersecurity ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data. These practices also prevent financial and reputational harm that can result from a breach.
Network security best practices for businesses, as outlined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), emphasize layered defenses, employee awareness, and continuous improvement. The following steps are ways to prevent cyber attacks and strengthen your overall security posture.
Perform Network Audits
The first step in protecting your network is understanding what is inside it. A network audit identifies vulnerabilities, outdated systems, misconfigurations, and access control issues.
Your audit should include:
• A complete asset inventory (servers, endpoints, IoT devices, and cloud services)
• Review of firewall and router configurations
• Access control and user permission assessments
• Patch management review
• Backup and disaster recovery testing
Audits should be conducted at least once each year, and more frequently if your environment changes or you experience a security incident. Regular assessments allow your team to identify gaps and reduce cybersecurity risk before they become serious problems. This process is one of the most effective methods for understanding how to prevent security threats within your infrastructure.
Install a Firewall 
A firewall acts as a digital barrier between your internal network and external traffic. It controls the flow of data based on defined security rules and helps prevent unauthorized access. Firewalls can be hardware, software, or a combination of both.
When selecting a firewall, consider the size of your company, the number of remote users, and any compliance requirements. Modern solutions often integrate with a recognized cybersecurity framework to automate monitoring and threat detection. They also support alignment with your organization’s broader cybersecurity implementation.
A properly configured firewall helps detect malicious activity and enforces safe network communication across your business.
Invest in a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts the data transmitted between users and your network, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information. VPNs are particularly valuable for remote or hybrid teams.
When selecting a VPN for your business:
• Choose a provider that supports multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Look for strong encryption standards such as AES-256
• Ensure compatibility with your existing firewall and endpoint protection tools
According to the Small Business Administration, cybersecurity for small businesses should include secure remote access tools like VPNs to reduce risk exposure.
For small to medium-sized businesses, the benefits of using a VPN include:
- Secure access for remote employees without exposing internal systems
- Protection of sensitive client or financial data during transmission
- Safer use of public Wi-Fi while traveling or working off-site
- Compliance support for industries with privacy and security regulations
- Improved control over network access and user authentication
A VPN also protects client communications and allows remote staff to access company data safely.
Update Antivirus Programs
Antivirus software provides a first line of defense against malware, spyware, and ransomware. However, it only works effectively when it is updated regularly. Outdated antivirus programs leave systems open to new and evolving threats.
To keep antivirus software current, enable automatic updates on all devices. This can ensure the latest virus definitions and security patches are installed as soon as they are released. Designate someone on your IT or security team to verify that updates are running successfully and that all endpoints are reporting in. Schedule regular scans to detect and remove potential threats and check regularly for alerts or outdated systems. 
When evaluating antivirus or EDR vs. Antivirus solutions, look for tools that include:
- Real-time scanning and automatic updates
- Behavioral threat detection
- Centralized management across all devices
- Compatibility with your existing security ecosystem
Establish clear policies requiring all devices, including servers and mobile endpoints, to stay updated and monitored for compliance.
Consistent updates and monitoring keep your antivirus tools performing at their best and strengthen your overall security posture.
Establish an Incident Response Plan
An incident response plan (IRP) is a structured, step-by-step process that guides how your organization detects, responds to, and recovers from cybersecurity incidents.
This plan is essential because it reduces confusion during a crisis, ensures everyone knows their role, and helps minimize downtime, data loss, and reputational harm. Without a documented plan, response efforts are often delayed or inconsistent, allowing attackers more time to cause damage.
Your plan should define team roles, responsibilities, and communication procedures. It should also include instructions for isolating affected systems, assessing damage, restoring data from backups, and documenting findings.
Creating and testing an incident response plan ensures your organization can recover from an incident efficiently and continue operating even after a disruption.
Invest in Expert Help
Many small and mid-sized businesses do not have enough internal resources to manage cybersecurity effectively. Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers access to dedicated experts who monitor and maintain your environment around the clock. They can help protect your small business from a cyber attack without the burden of managing complex tools and security certifications internally.
NetGain Technologies provides comprehensive managed IT services that combine proactive monitoring, advanced threat detection, and 24×7 Security Operations Center (SOC) support. With over 40 years of experience and SOC 2 Type II certification, NetGain helps businesses strengthen their defenses and stay compliant.
The Bottom Line
Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. Regular audits, updated software, secure configurations, and professional oversight are essential to prevent network security threats.
If your team is stretched thin or lacks specialized knowledge, consider partnering with NetGain Technologies to strengthen your security posture. Explore our IT services to learn how to prevent security threats and how we can help your organization stay resilient against emerging risks and downtime.
