Your network is more important than ever. That's true each and every day as the world grows more advanced and ever more dependent on networked systems.

As much as cybersecurity revolves around non-physical concepts like IP addresses, VLAN, and more, the physical layer also matters.

To protect your business, you need to understand cybersecurity fundamentals and also specialized information regarding things like remote site monitoring. Those devices are a potential cybersecurity attack vector - and they also aid network reliability in general.

Let's review some fundamentals, then discuss how remote site monitoring factors in. We'll look at:

• The significance of monitoring network traffic.
• Common pitfalls in blocking untrusted sites.
• The impact of cybersecurity policies on overall security.
• How to install remote site monitoring tools that support (and certainly don't harm!) your overall cybersecurity profile.

Network Traffic Monitoring Identifies Irregularities

Monitoring network traffic serves as a critical first line of defense in cybersecurity. It allows you to observe what's happening in your network in real-time. This enables rapid detection and response to threats. Without proper traffic monitoring, you're vulnerable to unauthorized access and internal breaches.

Network traffic monitoring is essential for spotting unusual patterns that could signal a security breach. For instance, a sudden increase in data flow or communication with suspicious IP addresses can indicate a problem.

Staying alert in these areas can help prevent or reduce attacks before they lead to major damage. Monitoring tools also track data movement within your network, ensuring that sensitive information is accessed and shared only with proper authorization.

Blacklists Can't Cover Every Threat

Many businesses rely on simple methods to block access to untrusted sites, such as blacklisting specific URLs or domains. While this might work for well-known threats, it's often insufficient. New malicious sites are constantly emerging.

Blacklists require continuous updates, and even then, they still can't cover every possible threat. Determined attackers can easily bypass these restrictions by using proxies or VPNs.

Another common but flawed approach is relying on basic firewall settings that block entire categories of websites. This method is too broad and often leads to legitimate sites being blocked, which can hinder your business operations (the reason you run a network in the first place!). Some firewalls may also fail to recognize encrypted traffic, allowing harmful content to slip through.

A more effective approach involves using DNS filtering and Secure Web Gateways (SWG). DNS filtering blocks access to malicious websites at the DNS level, preventing harmful content from ever reaching your network. SWGs can inspect web traffic in real-time, even if it's encrypted, and block access based on content rather than just URL or IP address.

Integrating advanced management platforms into your network can strengthen your security by providing centralized management of alarms and control over network activities. This consolidation makes sure that unauthorized activities are detected and addressed promptly.

Data Backups are Your Safety Net

Data backups are your safety net during a security breach. They make certain that even if your primary systems are compromised, you can restore operations quickly and minimize downtime.

Without reliable backups, a cyber attack could cripple your business. These attacks can lead to:

• Lost data.
• Financial loss.
• Reputational damage.

Regular backups are ideally stored off-site or in the cloud. They provide you with a clean copy of your data that can be restored in the event of ransomware attacks, hardware failures, or data corruption. Having multiple backups at different points in time allows you to recover to a specific moment before the breach occurred, minimizing the loss of critical information.

By making certain that backups are securely transferred and stored, you reduce the risk of data loss and protect your network.

Policies and Training Will Enhance Network Security

Even the most advanced security systems can be undermined by human error. Comprehensive cybersecurity policies and regular training are vital. Policies should cover all aspects of network security, from password management and access control to incident response protocols.

Training equips all employees with the knowledge to recognize and respond to potential threats. For instance, employees should be trained to:

• Identify phishing emails.
• Use strong passwords.
• Follow proper procedures when accessing the network remotely.

Electronic Door Control Restricts Physical Access to Vulnerable Hardware and Network Access Points

Incorporating Building Access Systems (BAS) into your operations can further enhance security by integrating physical and network security. Your BAS can manage who has access to critical areas of your network infrastructure. This allows you to limit access so only authorized personnel can interact with sensitive equipment.

Remote Site Monitoring Gear Must Support Your Cybersecurity

Specialized remote monitoring devices designed with common-sense security functions can protect your network against a wide range of threats.

As one example, the NetGuardian G6 series includes many models. They all support SNMPv3 for secure alarm reporting. This capability makes sure that your network's monitoring data is encrypted and safe from interception or manipulation.

Devices like Remote Power Switches provide secure remote control over your network's power supply, allowing you to reboot equipment or shut down compromised systems without physical access. This feature is crucial for maintaining control during an attack, especially in geographically dispersed networks.

Advanced management systems, like the T/Mon LNX, play a critical role by acting as a centralized alarm management platform. These systems integrate your alarms from various devices and protocols. This provides a unified view of your network's security status. T/Mon also has 6 NICs, giving you access to/from multiple networks without routing traffic between them.

A complete review of remote site monitoring is beyond the scope of this article (and you can read all about it from my other writing), but simply remember that remote site monitoring is the bedrock of your network reliability. Cybersecurity protects your network, but so does common-sense remote monitoring of basics like power and temperature.

Work with a Remote Site Monitoring Expert to Ensure Good Network Security

Securing your network is an ongoing process that requires the right mix of technology, policies, and training. Monitoring network traffic, implementing effective site-blocking measures, maintaining regular data backups, and equipping your team with proper training can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach.

Remote monitoring equipment with advanced security features and reliable performance provides the tools you need to protect your network against a wide range of cyber threats. Don't wait for a breach to occur. Take proactive steps today to secure your network and your business.

DPS engineers are available to help you work through your cybersecurity challenges and simultaneously deploy great remote site monitoring devices.

Call 1-800-693-0351 or email sales@dpstele.com today to speak with an expert.