System protection is essential. This is not an unknown fact. Yet, purchasing protection can be expensive – very expensive. Whether you currently run a home network or whether you have twenty different computers linked to a business network, protecting your system on a budget is possible.

In fact, it’s more than possible. It’s an entirely feasible goal. The trick is to know what needs to be monitored and protected at all times. While you can forgo some security features, the best defense that you have against a system break-in is yourself.

Monitor Network Activity

There are no qualms as to whether or not incoming system activity should be monitored. Neglecting to monitor incoming activity is a lot like leaving your laptop out in the rain. It simply shouldn’t be done. However, there’s a second step to network activity that many people overlook.
Carefully monitor inside network activity as well as incoming movement. Harmful viruses can pass from one system to the next just as easily as they can tap into a system from the outside. There are lots of internal monitoring programs you can look into (including the ever-popular Snort).

Adequate Protection

Did you know that the vast majority of security programs fail when it comes to antimalware? Many people, and companies, are under the impression that protecting a main computer with an antimalware program is enough. Sadly, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

You can never have enough protection. This means protecting every computer that is part of a network equally. Install antimalware programs on all network computers. While time-consuming, and possibly expensive, this is the only way to adequate protect your network.

Multi-System Programs

Many system protection programs can be used on more than one computer. Look for a program that can be downloaded on a number of different computers. This will save you from having to purchase more than one program. While a simple tactic, selecting a multi-system program is the best way to protect all network computers.

Password Strength

By now, everyone who has a computer on your network should know better than to use passwords like “12345” or “Computer1.” Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If you’re running an office of any size, make sure that all network users change their passwords once per month.

Further, test each password using a password protection program. You’ll soon find out if someone is allowing outside harm to reach your network. Passwords should be difficult to uncover and too complex for hackers to bother with. These inexpensive and simple tips can turn a target network into a protective powerhouse.