Essentials of Corporate Intranet Security: A Master Guide

When the topic of intranet security is brought up in the office, it is frequently received with repressed yawns or glazed eyes. Because it’s an internal network, there’s a common misconception that the intranet site is immune to viruses and hacking. Corporate intranet security, on the other hand, extends beyond external threats and hence calls for added attention. The blog here sheds light on the threats faced by corporate intranets and the safety measures to be followed.

Essentials of Corporate Intranet Threat & Security

1. External Threats to Intranet Security

   Even though company intranet is a closed, private network, it is nevertheless vulnerable to a pack of external dangers. These could range from worms to viruses to malware from hackers or malicious software. The intranet network could also suffer threats from suspicious traffic like spam, malware, spyware etc.
   

   Security Measures

   
   There are various effective safety measures to address corporate intranet security issues.
   
   • Firewall - Firewalls are the primary line of defense to protect corporate intranets from various online threats. The security barrier separates the intranet from the internet and also filters all data coming in from the external source (read internet). This is to ensure only the safest one is sent to your company intranet network. Firewalls can also be configured to allow or prohibit community conversation between gadgets.
   
   
   • Updated anti-virus software - Majority of businesses are aware that anti-virus software is required. However, because the threat posed by viruses is continuously evolving, you must keep your software up to date.
   
   
   • Email filter - This should work in tally with firewall to prevent suspicious traffic and ensure intranet security.
   
   
   • Secure extranet access technologies - Workers accessing the intranet via a public 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi network may expose company information and data to hackers. This can lead to massive data breach and, even irreparable losses. Thus, a business must take strong measures to secure extranet access technologies, such as SSL or/and VPN (Virtual Private Network).


2. Internal Threats to Intranet Security

   These include weak passwords, unwanted exposure to confidential documents, and so on. Sometimes, saved login details in company computers can also be abused by malicious actors for data breach.
   

   Security Measures

   
   The following safety measures would go a long way to protect your business intranet from internal threats.
   
   • Strict password etiquettes - Users frequently use weak passwords, share them with coworkers, never change them, and even write them down or tape them to their computers! The first tip to protect intranet from internal threats is a ban on password exposure, unless it’s a dire emergency. Use passwords that are at least eight characters long and contain a combination of letters, numbers, as well as special characters. Maintain “no-password-share” policy across the entire office. Employees should also update their passwords regularly (every 60 days should be standard).
   
   
   • Controlling Access to Confidential Information - Is the correct information being accessed by the right employees? Brian in Sales should not have access to confidential boardroom documents. Jenny in Marketing, for example, should not have permission to go through employee payroll data. Information access can be restricted on the intranet using a set of file and page permissions. Permissions may be assigned to users primarily based on their activity name, group role, or geographic region – something is suitable for the facts.
   
   
   • Regular check on access permission - Regular monitoring of permission access is equally mandatory. There have been situations where individuals gained access to critical information through a job role they held ten years ago! Employees who have left the company must also have their access removed as quickly as possible.
     
   • Encryption - The encryption technology creates a layer of protection that is indecipherable by anyone unless you have the unlock key . It’s widely used to keep sensitive information secure so that only authorised individuals can see it. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a widely used encryption security technique adopted by millions of businesses worldwide, especially online shopping sites. When you see HTTPS at the start of a website’s address, you know your connection is encrypted and secured with SSL.
     
   • Anti-virus for Remote Access - Employees working outside or working remotely are inclined to access company intranet from remote devices. Workers frequently operate remotely from their smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices. Extra precautions must be taken to ensure security when it comes to remote access.
   
   Remote employees are required to install the newest anti-virus software and potentially even a personal firewall. These security software should run on their own devices that they use to access the intranet as a minimum security safeguard.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular opinion, your company intranet is vulnerable to cyber threats big time. The measures mentioned above would be extremely beneficial to safeguard the intranet from both external and internal threats. Furthermore, solutions such as automated time-outs and stopping the device from saving log-in data would come handy to reduce the hazards.
Wrapping up, cybersecurity awareness among employees is also crucial to ensure a secure intranet protocol. You can avail industry-leading cyber security training program from DataSpace Academy to empower your employees with industry-leading guidance of intranet safety.