![\"Network](\"https:\/\/ntegrait.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/GettyImages-1194573285-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIn the early 20th century, if a crook wanted money, they\u2019d rob a bank or steal a woman\u2019s purse on the street. Real masterminds might devise an elaborate heist to hold up a Brink\u2019s truck or befriend a millionaire, then make off with their riches.<\/p>\n
Today, these crooks look much different. That\u2019s because an increasing number of them are not out on the street taking gold, jewelry, and cash. They\u2019re sitting behind desks, somewhere in an unknown room where they will probably never be found, hacking your data.<\/p>\n
Why data?<\/p>\n
If you didn\u2019t realize it already, data is now one of the most \u2014 if not the most \u2014 valuable commodities on earth. And if you\u2019re not protecting yours, you\u2019re making yourself and your business a huge target for cybercriminals.<\/p>\n
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Businesses, small and large, ask this question a lot.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince when do we have to have all this network security? I\u2019m trying to run a business here. Why is everyone telling me to focus my attention on firewalls, data loss protection, adware, ransomware, phishing scams, etc.?\u201d<\/p>\n
We get it.<\/p>\n
To help orient yourself to the critical importance of network security, however, you need to think of it this way: Say you own a jewelry store \u2014 a brick-and-mortar jewelry store. Are you going to pay attention to security? Are you going to invest in security cameras and highly durable doors, windows, and locks? Are you going to have a robust alarm system? Perhaps even a security guard on standby to investigate possible burglaries?<\/p>\n
Of course, you are.<\/p>\n
Well, the same preventive and recovery protocols need to be arranged for any business that deals either publicly or privately on the Internet.<\/p>\n
Certainly, there was a \u201cWild West\u201d phase of the Internet where cybercriminals hadn\u2019t quite mastered their own art of hacking systems and stealing or corrupting data.<\/p>\n
That phase is over.<\/p>\n
Now, if you don\u2019t have \u201clocks on your doors and windows,\u201d so to speak, you\u2019re a sitting duck for a host of security issues that could bring your business to the ground.<\/p>\n
Yes. Absolutely.<\/p>\n
All businesses \u2014 no matter the industry or size \u2014 should have robust network security to protect their valuable IT data and network systems.<\/p>\n
One thing to remember is that network security isn\u2019t just to prevent hackers from stealing or corrupting your data. This is certainly a big issue that you want to prevent. However, network security also ensures business continuity.<\/p>\n
Say, for example, a cybercriminal is able to hack your system but doesn\u2019t obtain your data. That\u2019s great, but they may have upended your network or impacted your ability to access your data for a time, which can severely impact your business productivity. Network security solutions incorporate data storage and critical backups that can be used if you lose access. These are crucial if you are ever hacked, but they are also useful if, for example, a technical problem crashes your system or a huge storm upsets your ability to access your network.<\/p>\n