Don’t let shiny new security tools lead you to discard older, effective methods. Any sound information security strategy should combine both old and new security tools to provide a comprehensive, layered approach to security.

Tried and True Security Tools

It’s obvious that these tools aren’t 100% effective in blocking all attacks, but they still provide an important foundation that protects data:

Antivirus

Antivirus software keeps known, dangerous malware away from your employees and your data. Be sure the virus definitions are updated regularly, as you can only be protected from malware the tool knows about.

Firewall

A firewall prevents traffic from using certain ports, accessing certain IP addresses, or originating from certain IP addresses. Firewall rules need to be regularly reviewed and updated to make sure they reflect changes in your network and applications.

Password management

Because passwords are how legitimate users prove their identity, password management tools are important for keeping passwords secure.

Encryption

If dangerous malware makes it through the firewall and passes antivirus checks, encryption ensures any data it accesses is unreadable. Ensure all network traffic is encrypted, and encrypt stored data where possible.

New Security Tools for Additional Protection

Newer technology can help keep your data safe. Consider integrating these tools into your information security strategy:

User behavior analytics

Every job has its routines, and employees’ access to systems adheres to patterns driven by those routines. User behavior analytics analyze patterns of access and identify anomalous activity that can indicate suspicious behavior.

Cloud access security broker

Controlling access to data in the cloud is challenging, especially since users can easily set up cloud sites without going through the corporate IT department. A cloud access security broker (CASB) sits in between data and the cloud, limiting its movement and restricting access.

Hardware authentication

Multifactor authentication sometimes depends on having a token created by a special device possessed by the user; without having that device, the user doesn’t have access. Hardware authentication similarly relies on the user having a specific computer, rather than a specific key fob, to gain access.

Prescient Solutions works with clients in the Chicago and Schaumburg areas to develop and implement effective information security strategies. Our experts leverage a variety of security technology to ensure systems are robustly protected. Contact us to learn more about how our IT consulting and managed services can improve your information security.