Why SMBs need advanced security solutions

Cyber Security is a top priority for small and medium businesses, who can no longer get by with standard solutions. SMBs need industry-leading protection. But a holistic SMB security solution must also provide affordable and flexible protection across the entire company.

Why SMBs need advanced security solutions

Over 50% of cyber attacks are aimed at small and medium-sized businesses and more than 80% are not financially prepared to recover from an attack. The average SMB IT team lacks staff resources to effectively manage cybersecurity and hybrid work. And troublingly millions of pounds each year is lost in data, IP, productivity, compliance, regulatory expenses, and staffing due to cyber attacks. There are some businesses, for instance law firms, who need iron-clad security as their firm cannot risk the legal and reputational consequences of a breach of confidential client data.

Why we recommend Cisco Security for SMBs

At Redway Networks, we recommend Cisco Security for our small and medium-sized business customers as Cisco’s flexible, cloud-led portfolio delivers solutions that grow and fit with our customers’ security journey – whether that’s cyber, physical or environmental. We provide a holistic approach to security solutions which are organised around Cisco’s three building blocks.

Enabling People – with Cisco Umbrella
Enhancing Work Spaces – with Meraki cloud-networking
Empowering IT Management – with Meraki Dashboard

We provide a portfolio of Cisco products, expertly designed to grow our customers’ business. We can provide highly-reliable, secure cloud-networks and security solutions including network switches, firewalls, wireless access points, SD-WAN, smart cameras and cyber security that protect your business against security threats so you can safeguard your business brand and growth.

Security solutions that get it right the first time

SMB’s face security threats on many fronts, and the more users, devices, and applications they add, the more vulnerable their network becomes.

With our cloud-security solutions you can protect your employees against threats no matter where they are working from and accessing the Internet. We provide password security that provides easy, secure access to Virtual Private Network (VPN), email, and any app that employees value, using multi-factor authentication. Our firewalls surround your network with a top‑line defence that detects and stops threats fast without slowing you down. Built on the award-winning cloud architecture of Cisco Meraki, the MX is a managed solution for unified threat management (UTM) and SD-WAN in a single appliance. Our end-point and VPN security protects users when they connect to the network and protect against advanced threats at every endpoint.

What is network security?

Network security is any activity designed to protect the usability and integrity of your network and data. It includes both hardware and software technologies. Effective network security manages access to the network. It targets a variety of threats and stops them from entering or spreading on your network.

How does network security work?

Network security combines multiple layers of defences at the edge and in the network. Each network security layer implements policies and controls. Authorized users gain access to network resources, but malicious actors are blocked from carrying out exploits and threats.

How do I benefit from network security?

Digitisation has transformed our world. How we live, work, play, and learn have all changed. Every organisation that wants to deliver the services that customers and employees demand must protect its network. Network security also helps you protect proprietary information from attack. Ultimately it protects your reputation. There are many types of network security solutions that you’ll want to consider, including Access control – not every user should have access to your network. To keep out potential attackers, you need to recognise each user and each device. Then you can enforce your security policies. You can block noncompliant endpoint devices or give them only limited access. We call this process network access control (NAC).

We’re often asked by our customers what are the main steps to creating a holistic security solution for their small and medium-sized business, so here’s our top 6 based on the Cisco Security Solution:

Understanding the different types of security solutions

1. Closely monitor your traffic.

Monitor the traffic coming in and going out your firewall and read the reports carefully. Don’t rely on alerts to flag dangerous activity. Make sure someone on your team understands the data and is prepared to take the necessary action.

2. Stay up to date on new threats.

Keep an eye on new threats as they’re discovered and posted online. We help our customers by regularly publishing information in our news letters.

3. Regularly update your frontline defence.

To prevent threats from getting in, your business must deploy a strong frontline defence at the edge of the network. Make sure your firewall and anti-virus software is secure by enabling regular updates.

4. Train your employees on security protocols.

Train employees on an ongoing basis so they understand any changes to your acceptable use policy. Also, encourage a “neighbourhood watch” approach to security. If an employee notices anything suspicious, such as not being able to log into an email account right away, he or she should notify the appropriate person immediately.

5. Protect against data loss.

Install a data protection solution. This type of device can protect your business from data loss if your network’s security is breached.

6. Additional security.

Consider additional security solutions that will further protect your network as well as expand your company’s capabilities.

If you’re an SMB who’d like to know more about protecting your business with Cisco Meraki cloud-networking and Cisco Umbrella, our team can give you honest, no frills advice, so Contact us today.