Integrating a commercial automation system into your Portsmouth, New Hampshire business is a smart idea. It can help you streamline services, reduce operational costs and simplify the experiences of both employees and clients. But when you connect your technology, you’re also opening up pathways to new potential threats. Luckily, there are plenty of simple, smart ways to protect your network. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the types of threats you could face and how to ensure the safety of your space. Read on for more.

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Types of Threats

In an increasingly digital marketplace, you have the opportunity to help more people with your products and services than ever before. However, you need to keep an eye out for potentially harmful elements as well. Here are a few:

Viruses and Malware – Viruses are self-replicating programs that can quickly dominate your network. They often contain some kind of malware, or harmful software that can do serious damage. The two most common types of malware are spyware and adware. Spyware makes your private files visible to outside eyes, while adware floods your system with fake advertising, which can result your network crashing.

Additionally, users who open emails from your company or log on to your website can be infected with certain types of viruses.

Hackers and Robots – Hackers are individuals who deliberately try to break into your site to view or manipulate your files. They often employ robots in their work – programs that crawl the internet to find and infiltrate sites. However, it should be noted that many different types of robots exist, and only a relatively small handful are actually harmful.

Network Protections

Because your automation system is connected to the internet, any threat that your website picks up could potentially spread throughout your network. However, there are ways to prevent problems from occurring or spreading. Here are a few:

Firewall – A firewall is your first line of defense against any kind of attack. Think of it like the moat around the castle. Any unauthorized users or programs that try to access your system will be blocked.

Antivirus Software – Antivirus software helps identify and quarantine any kind of malicious programs that have made it past your firewall. It’s often a good idea to have multiple types of antivirus software installed on any computer with internet access.

Virtual Private Network – A VPN allows you to share files only with authorized users, whether they are in-house or remote.

Unique Passwords – Each component of your system should have its own, unique password. That way, in the extremely rare instance that all other defenses fail, the problem will remain quarantined to a small section of your network.

These are just a few of the ways you can protect your commercial automation system. If you have questions, or would like to begin securing your business, contact Luxint today!