What steps would you take to secure a company’s network against a potential cyber attack?

Steps to Secure a Company's Network Against Cyber Attacks

As an experienced cybersecurity professional, I would take the following steps to secure a company's network against potential cyber attacks:

1. Conduct a comprehensive security assessment: Identify existing vulnerabilities and areas of weakness in the network.
2. Implement strong access controls: Utilize strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and role-based access control to limit unauthorized access.
3. Regularly update and patch software: Keep all software, including operating systems and applications, up to date to address known vulnerabilities.
4. Deploy firewalls and intrusion detection systems: Monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic to detect and prevent malicious activities.
5. Encrypt sensitive data: Use encryption protocols to protect sensitive information both at rest and in transit.
6. Train employees on cybersecurity best practices: Educate staff on how to recognize phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other common cyber threats.
7. Monitor network activity: Implement monitoring tools to track network behavior and detect unusual activities indicative of a cyber attack.
8. Develop an incident response plan: Establish a clear plan of action in the event of a cyber incident, including steps for containment, eradication, and recovery.

By proactively implementing these measures, companies can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks.