Securing a network these days feels like preparing for battle. Hackers, malware, and all sorts of cyber threats are constantly lurking. But with a clear plan, you don’t need to stress. With the right network security solutions, you can tackle threats head-on and protect sensitive information without constant stress.

Below, we’ll walk you through how to:

1. Define network security goals
2. Identify common threats
3. Establish access control management
4. Implement firewall management
5. Use network segmentation
6. Apply Zero Trust principles
7. Conduct regular vulnerability management and scanning
8. Ensure data encryption
9. Enable multi-factor authentication
10. Monitor real-time network activity
11. Employ automated diagnostics and response
12. Maintain compliance with security standards
13. Train employees on security practices
14. Use continuous monitoring and support

Wondering how to secure your network effectively? The following steps will teach you how to protect your network like a pro. Let’s get started.

1. Define network security goals

Every strong network defense starts with defining what you’re trying to protect. Do you want to protect sensitive data, minimize unauthorized access, or just keep your network from slowing down due to unwanted traffic? Clear goals lay the groundwork for network security solutions that keep your network stable and safe. A bit of planning here saves time and headaches later.

2. Identify common threats

Threats come in all shapes and sizes. Understanding what they are and where they come from makes it easier to prevent them.

Phishing

Phishing is like the digital version of a con artist who just needs one piece of sensitive information to wreak havoc. Those fake emails that look almost convincing? They’re designed to lure users into giving up passwords, credit card numbers, or anything else of value.

Phishers often impersonate banks, online stores, or even a friendly coworker asking for a quick favor—anything to get users to click without thinking.

How do you avoid falling for it? Training is your first line of defense. Employees should be able to spot the tell-tale signs of a phishing attempt:

• Poor grammar
• Suspicious links
• Overly urgent requests

Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a solid extra layer of security. Even if someone falls for phishing, MFA makes it much harder for attackers to gain access with just a password.

DDoS attacks

Next up are Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These are the digital equivalent of clogging up a phone line with endless prank calls until no one else can get through. DDoS attacks work by flooding your network with an absurd amount of traffic, making your servers so overwhelmed that they can’t function.

DDoS attacks frequently use botnets—zombie armies of infected devices controlled by attackers. In October 2016, a powerful DDoS attack targeted Dyn, a major DNS provider, using the Mirai botnet—a network of hijacked IoT devices like cameras and smart appliances.

This attack reached over 1 terabit per second, overwhelming Dyn’s servers and causing disruptions for popular websites like Netflix and PayPal in parts of the U.S. Some sites slowed down, while others were briefly inaccessible.

To defend against these, you’ll want a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or a dedicated DDoS protection service. If you’re dealing with high traffic, consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to help absorb some of the load.

Malware and ransomware

Malware, and especially its nasty cousin, ransomware, is a different kind of beast. Malware covers any malicious software designed to steal, corrupt, or mess with your data, while ransomware takes it a step further by encrypting your files and demanding payment to unlock them. This type of attack can take down an entire network if not caught in time.

Malware sneaks in through infected email attachments, risky downloads, or compromised websites. What is the best way to guard against it? Regular software updates to close any security gaps, training users to avoid sketchy downloads, and endpoint protection software that can detect and contain malware before it spreads.

Having a solid backup plan is important. If ransomware hits, you can wipe the infected systems and restore from backup—no ransom necessary.

SQL injection attacks

SQL injection attacks might sound technical, but they’re easier to pull off than you might think. Attackers use vulnerable forms or input fields on websites to inject malicious SQL code into your database. If they’re successful, they can access, change, or even delete sensitive information.

The 2015 TalkTalk cyber attack used an SQL injection flaw in older web pages that came from its Tiscali acquisition. Hackers accessed personal details for around 157,000 customers, with only a small portion of bank details included.

Preventing SQL injections starts with using parameterized queries, which are like safety gates that don’t let unauthorized code in. Regular code updates help by fixing vulnerabilities as they’re discovered. A web application firewall (WAF) can also step in here, filtering out anything suspicious. It’s a bit of extra work, but it’s worth it to keep your data out of the wrong hands.

Insider threats

Finally, let’s talk about insider threats—the people already inside your organization. Sometimes, it’s a disgruntled employee causing trouble. Other times, it’s accidental, like someone misconfigured access settings or fell for a phishing email. Either way, insider threats are tricky to spot since these people have legitimate access to your network.

To minimize these risks, keep access on a strict need-to-know basis, and review permissions regularly. A monitoring system that tracks unusual activity is also useful, especially when it comes to sensitive data.

Training your employees can’t be overstated here—awareness can go a long way in preventing unintentional slip-ups. Knowing common threats is the first step in protecting your network from unexpected disruptions.

3. Establish access control management

Think of access control as creating “no entry” zones around your network’s sensitive areas. The purpose is to allow only the right people into the right places.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Only those who actually need access to certain areas get it. An accountant shouldn’t have admin access to the network’s core systems, for example. RBAC also simplifies managing permissions. If a new person joins or someone changes roles, you only need to update their access group, not individual permissions.

It’s a win-win: Security stays tight, and IT gets less manual work.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

A good IAM system lets you track and verify who’s on your network and where they’re going. Think of it as your network’s gatekeeper. With IAM, it’s easy to see who’s connected to what resource, which comes in handy when you want visibility over who’s interacting with sensitive data.

A good IAM system also lets you enforce policies, like mandatory MFA for anyone accessing critical data. Plus, if something suspicious shows up—like an access attempt from an unusual location—you can catch it immediately.

And when it comes to Zero Trust, the philosophy is simple: Trust no one. It’s not personal—it’s just effective security. Every device, user, and app has to prove they’re legit every time they access resources.

4. Implement firewall management

Firewalls are your network’s first line of defense, standing guard at entry points. But setting up a firewall and forgetting about it won’t cut it. Here’s how you can keep your firewall ready for action.

Customize traffic control rules

Firewalls work best when tailored to your network. Create rules that allow trusted IPs and block traffic from irrelevant regions. Many firewalls offer dashboards for quick adjustments—try restricting access after business hours or limiting certain areas to known users only. These tweaks keep your firewall responsive without slowing things down.

Regularly update for new threats

Firewalls need regular updates to tackle new threats. Updates patch vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses. Automate these updates if possible, so you’re never left exposed. An updated firewall keeps threats out by adapting to the cyber issues of today.

Periodically review and test settings

Firewall settings need occasional checkups. Regular audits help catch open ports or unusual traffic patterns, while log reviews reveal suspicious access attempts. Testing ensures your firewall stays ready, especially as new threats emerge.

Consider next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)

For stronger security, NGFWs add extra protections like application filtering and intrusion prevention to the usual firewall setup. NGFWs work well for complex networks by filtering traffic based on applications, users, and threat patterns.

Add redundancy to avoid single points of failure

One firewall can leave you vulnerable if it fails. Adding a backup firewall provides uninterrupted protection and can even balance high traffic loads. Redundancy keeps things secure and operational, even during maintenance or downtime.

5. Use network segmentation

Segmentation divides your network into smaller zones, keeping threats from spreading like wildfire if they slip in. Imagine a thief gets into your house but can’t get past the locked doors to other rooms—that’s network segmentation in action.

Separate your guest and internal networks, or create a secure zone for sensitive data to keep damage isolated if someone unauthorized finds their way in.

6. Apply Zero Trust principles

Zero Trust has become a security staple for a reason. Rather than assuming anything is safe, Zero Trust policies require every user, device, and connection to prove it’s legitimate every single time.

A solid Zero Trust setup means users access only what they need when they need it. And because it’s all about never assuming trust, Zero Trust fits perfectly with networks managing sensitive data, such as finance or healthcare.

7. Conduct regular vulnerability management and scanning

Think of vulnerability scanning like a routine check-up for your network. Just as you wouldn’t ignore cracks in a dam, even small vulnerabilities can lead to major issues if left unchecked. Regular scans help you spot weak spots before anyone else does—because if there’s one thing you don’t want, it’s a hacker finding those gaps first.

Types of scans

Not all scans are created equal, and mixing them up strengthens your defenses:

• Network scans probe devices across your network to spot outdated software and weak passwords.
• Internal assessments check inside the network for gaps that might give an insider or hacker a foothold.
• Penetration testing (Pen testing) simulates real-world attacks to see how your defenses stand up under pressure.

Automated tools

Automated vulnerability scanning tools handle the routine so that you don’t have to. These tools work on a schedule, flagging potential issues consistently and without oversight. Their strength lies in their reliability—they’re the security equivalent of “a stitch in time saves nine,” catching problems before they become real threats.

Routine vulnerability scans give you the upper hand when deciding how to protect your network against new threats.

8. Ensure data encryption

Encryption is the ultimate digital lockbox. It scrambles data, so anyone without the right key just sees a bunch of nonsense. If a hacker does manage to get their hands on encrypted data, all they’ll get is gibberish—a bit like breaking into a safe and finding nothing but blank papers.

SSL/TLS encryption

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are the go-to tools for keeping data private while it’s in transit. If you’ve ever noticed “https” in a website URL, SSL/TLS is working in the background to secure that connection. Just remember to keep certificates up to date—an expired SSL certificate is like leaving the front door unlocked after investing in top-notch security cameras.

Data-at-rest encryption

Data-at-rest encryption protects files sitting on your servers. Even if a hacker gets past your defenses, they’ll hit a dead end if they can’t read the files. AES-256 is the gold standard for data encryption here, making it a top choice for securing stored data. Paired with strong access controls, encrypted data at rest keeps critical information locked down.

Key management

All those encrypted files rely on keys, and losing track of them would be like misplacing the only key to your safe. A reliable key management system makes sure your encryption keys are stored securely and rotated regularly. Skimp on key management, and encryption’s benefits can unravel fast—keeping track of these keys is essential.

End-to-end encryption

For ultra-private communications, end-to-end encryption is your friend. It limits message readability to only the sender and receiver, locking everyone else out. It’s a great choice for sensitive transactions or communications meant to stay private.

9. Enable multi-factor authentication

Passwords alone don’t cut it anymore. MFA adds extra layers of verification, making it far harder for unauthorized users to access network resources. Using options like biometric scans, OTPs, or security tokens can significantly increase security. MFA adds a “prove it” factor—just because someone has a password doesn’t mean they should get in.

10. Monitor real-time network activity

Real-time network monitoring gives you instant visibility into who’s accessing what, so you’re never left guessing. With tools like the Meter dashboard, you can:

• Keep an eye on traffic patterns.
• Spot unusual activity.
• Respond to potential threats as they happen.

Imagine a sudden spike in traffic from one source or unexpected logins—these are early warning signs the Meter dashboard helps you catch right away. Real-time monitoring means staying a step ahead and knowing exactly when to take action.

11. Employ automated diagnostics and response

Automated diagnostics analyze traffic, access logs, and other data, detecting irregularities on the spot. When paired with automated responses, diagnostics can help contain threats before they spread, such as isolating a compromised device immediately.

Automation here doesn’t just save time—it acts fast, catching issues that could easily go unnoticed in a manual check.

12. Maintain compliance with security standards

Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA aren’t just legal red tape. They set guidelines that help businesses protect user privacy and network security. Non-compliance can lead to:

• Data breaches
• Fines
• Damaged reputations

Using automated compliance tools can simplify staying up-to-date with these standards, helping you avoid potential risks tied to lapses in security practices.

13. Train employees on security practices

Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Phishing scams, unlocked devices, and weak passwords can all make it easy for attackers to get in. Regular training can help employees avoid these mistakes. Here’s what to include in each training session:

• How to spot fake emails, suspicious links, or requests for sensitive info
• Simple habits like using strong passwords, locking devices, and storing them safely
• Avoiding risky websites, staying away from unknown downloads, and recognizing pop-ups
• Rules for safely storing, sharing, and disposing of private information
• Tips for creating strong, unique passwords and not reusing them
• Steps for reporting anything unusual to the security team right away
• Recognizing tricks that hackers use to get people to reveal information

Even the best tech can’t make up for a lack of employee awareness. A well-trained team is a key part of keeping your network safe.

14. Use continuous monitoring and support

Continuous monitoring keeps security efforts from becoming a one-time fix. Regular updates and real-time visibility help catch issues early, and ongoing support means you’re never alone in securing your network.

Meter’s monitoring services can quickly alert you to potential threats, keeping your team focused on higher priorities while the network stays secure.

Introducing Meter: Your end-to-end network security solution

Securing a network doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be consistent. With the right tools, it’s possible to create a secure network without the need for advanced cybersecurity expertise.

From keeping threats out to streamlining access controls, Meter’s solutions offer proactive protection, real-time diagnostics, and expert support. This means IT teams can focus on big-picture goals rather than constant troubleshooting, knowing the network is covered.

Meter’s network security solutions include:

• Real-time network monitoring: See network health at a glance and detect potential threats with alerts through the Meter dashboard.
• Automated diagnostics and troubleshooting: Quickly identify and address network issues with built-in automated diagnostics, freeing up IT teams to work on strategic projects.
• Advanced security appliances: Prevent unauthorized access with managed firewalls, access controls, and security appliances designed to meet today’s standards.
• DNS security and automated updates: Meter’s DNS security protects against threats, while automated updates keep the network secure without requiring extra manual tasks.
• Data encryption and vulnerability assessments: Safeguard data in transit and at rest, with regular vulnerability assessments to find and address any weak spots.
• Dedicated support and expertise: Meter’s support team is available for ongoing assistance, allowing IT teams to focus on high-priority projects.

Ready to simplify network security? Schedule a demo with Meter to see how our solutions can support your team.