8 Signs Your Network Security Needs an Upgrade

Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and costly. The average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024, and global cybercrime costs are projected to hit $13.82 trillion by 2028. Weak security measures can lead to devastating financial, operational, and reputational damage. Here are 8 clear signs your network security needs an urgent upgrade:

• Frequent Security Incidents: Rising breaches, phishing attacks, and human errors signal gaps in monitoring and training.
• Outdated Security Protocols: Legacy systems like TLS 1.1 or WEP make your network vulnerable to modern threats.
• Missing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Over 80% of breaches involve weak or stolen passwords – MFA is a must.
• Delayed System Updates: Unpatched software leaves your network exposed, as seen in high-profile breaches like Equifax.
• Weak Device Protection: Poorly secured endpoints can be exploited, as demonstrated in the Target and Mirai botnet attacks.
• Poor Network Monitoring: Lack of real-time analysis and traffic visibility increases exposure to advanced threats.
• No Incident Response Plan: Without a clear strategy, recovery times and costs skyrocket during a breach.
• Failed Security Standards: Non-compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA can lead to fines and loss of trust.

Quick Comparison of Key Risks

If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s time to act. Start by assessing your current defenses, updating outdated systems, and implementing proactive measures like MFA, endpoint protection, and regular monitoring.

Cyber Security Checklist

1. More Frequent Security Incidents

From 2021 to 2023, security incidents surged by 72%, highlighting an urgent need for stronger network defenses .

The financial impact of these breaches is staggering. By 2024, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million . Worse yet, organizations take an average of 194 days to detect breaches and 292 days to contain them, significantly driving up recovery expenses .

"Network vulnerabilities refer to weaknesses or flaws within a network’s design, implementation, or operation that cyber attackers can exploit" .

One alarming example is the 2023 breach at 23andMe. Hackers maintained access for five months, exposing data from nearly 7 million users.

"You shouldn’t be able to do an attack like this over the course of months and have nobody at 23andMe notice" .

Warning Signs of Security Incidents

Here are three red flags that could signal a security breach:

• Unauthorized Access Attempts: A sudden rise in failed login attempts.
• System Performance Issues: Slower-than-usual system performance or unusual network behavior.
• Data Anomalies: Unexpected changes in file permissions or database entries.

These warning signs emphasize the importance of proactive monitoring and advanced analytics.

The Human Factor and Phishing Risks

Phishing remains a major threat, accounting for 41% of all incidents and causing losses of about $17,700 every minute . Additionally, 88% of breaches are linked to human error, making employee training a critical component of any defense strategy .

"Organizations can improve their analytics capabilities by incorporating threat intelligence from external sources, enabling rapid threat identification and strategy adjustment. By leveraging strong analytic approaches, organizations can develop a more responsive and proactive security posture, ultimately minimizing the risk of data breaches" .

Regularly analyzing incidents can reduce security breaches by 30%, proving that preparation and vigilance pay off .

2. Old Security Protocols

Outdated security protocols are like leaving your front door wide open – they make your network an easy target. A stark example is the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which exploited outdated SMB protocols and impacted over 200,000 computers across 150 countries .

Critical Protocol Vulnerabilities

Using outdated protocols creates major security risks. One example is the KRACK attack, which revealed a flaw in WPA2 Wi-Fi security, allowing attackers to intercept and decrypt network traffic . Sticking with older protocols can lead to several problems:

• Higher risk of breaches: Known vulnerabilities are easy to exploit.
• Inefficiency: Legacy encryption methods consume more resources.
• Compatibility issues: Older protocols often struggle with modern systems.
• Compliance troubles: Weak cryptographic standards can lead to regulatory violations.

Modern Protocol Comparison

The Heartbleed bug in 2014 is another reminder of the risks tied to outdated protocols. This OpenSSL vulnerability exposed sensitive data, including passwords and encryption keys, on millions of websites . These examples show why it’s crucial to identify and replace outdated protocols.

Warning Signs of Outdated Protocols

Your organization could be at risk if you’re still using any of the following:

• MD5 or SHA-1 for hashing
• RC4 or DES for encryption
• TLS versions below 1.2
• SNMP versions 1 or 2

"Removing support for older versions from implementations reduces the attack surface, reduces opportunity for misconfiguration, and streamlines library and product maintenance." – RFC 8996

To secure your network, adopt modern encryption standards like AES, schedule regular security audits, and keep your systems updated with the latest patches . Remember, vulnerabilities in outdated protocols won’t be fixed, leaving your network exposed .

3. Missing Multi-Factor Authentication

Skipping multi-factor authentication (MFA) exposes your systems to serious risks. Over 80% of hacking-related breaches are tied to weak or stolen passwords . With cybercriminals holding access to more than 15 billion stolen credentials, relying on passwords alone is like leaving your digital front door wide open.

The Cost of Ignoring MFA

In early 2024, UnitedHealth Group suffered an $870 million loss from a cyberattack linked to poor MFA practices . Microsoft highlights that implementing MFA can effectively block most account hacks . Despite this, many companies still depend solely on passwords, making themselves easy targets for phishing, brute force attacks, credential stuffing, and account takeovers .

Here are some warning signs that your authentication methods need an upgrade:

• Single-factor logins: Relying only on passwords for critical systems.
• Frequent account breaches: Regular reports of unauthorized access from users.
• Compliance challenges: Struggling to meet industry regulations requiring stronger authentication.
• Outdated systems: Applications that don’t support modern authentication methods.

"We cannot reduce cyber risk to zero… but if you don’t have two-factor authentication, what are you doing?" – Clare O’Neill, Australia’s Minister for Cyber Security

Eye-Opening Statistics

Google reports that hackers steal nearly 250,000 web logins every week . Companies with 50,000 or more employees face a 60% weekly risk of account takeovers , and U.S. cybersecurity threats jumped by 139% between 2019 and 2020 .

Strengthening MFA isn’t just a good idea – it’s a must for protecting your network. Consider solutions like Platview Technologies’ Identity and Access Management tools. These include advanced MFA options like biometric verification, hardware tokens, and automated provisioning, all designed to integrate smoothly with your current systems and guard against unauthorized access.

4. Delayed System Updates

Putting off system updates can leave your network vulnerable to breaches. The consequences can be severe, as shown by major incidents caused by unpatched software.

The Cost of Ignoring Updates

Take the 2017 Equifax breach as an example. A single unpatched Apache Struts vulnerability led to the theft of sensitive data from nearly 150 million customers, costing the company about $700 million . Similarly, in 2018, the Marriott breach exposed up to 500 million customer records due to unpatched software in the Starwood network . These examples highlight how costly delayed updates can be.

Signs Your Updates Are Falling Behind

If you’re experiencing any of the following, your network could be at risk:

• Running outdated software
• Taking weeks or months to apply security patches
• Frequent crashes or performance problems
• Non-compliance with security standards
• Devices running inconsistent software versions

These delays weaken your overall security, leading to serious risks.

How Delays Affect Security

Failing to update systems not only increases the chance of breaches but also affects operations, finances, and your reputation:

Studies show that nearly 60% of breaches could have been avoided with timely patching . Here’s how to address this issue effectively.

How to Stay on Top of Updates

• Enable automatic updates for both operating systems and applications .
• Keep an updated inventory of all authorized hardware and software .
• Test updates in phases by using preview, broad, and critical deployment groups .
• Schedule maintenance during low-traffic hours to minimize disruptions .
• Use patch management tools to automate updates across devices .

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5. Weak Device Protection

Endpoints are the first line of defense in any network. When their security is lacking, the entire system becomes vulnerable. In fact, 68% of organizations have faced targeted endpoint attacks that compromised their data or IT infrastructure . These breaches can lead to serious financial and operational consequences, as demonstrated by incidents like the 2014 Target breach. In that case, attackers exploited a poorly secured HVAC system to steal credit card data from 40 million customers .

Common Warning Signs

If your organization is experiencing any of the following issues, your endpoints might be at risk:

Real-World Impact

The 2016 Mirai botnet attack is a prime example of what happens when endpoints are left unsecured. Hackers took control of countless IoT devices to launch massive DDoS attacks, disrupting major online platforms and services across the U.S. and Europe .

"Attack methods that exploit endpoint vulnerabilities are evolving, and network security teams are scrambling to keep pace." – Michael Marvin, Portnox

Key Security Gaps

Research highlights several alarming trends in endpoint security:

• Only 14% of small businesses feel confident about their ability to manage cyber risks effectively .
• Over 80% of breaches involve human error or social engineering tactics .
• Between 2019 and 2024, 76% of organizations reported experiencing insider attacks .

Strengthening Endpoint Security

To better protect your endpoints and, by extension, your entire network, consider these measures:

• Use advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.
• Encrypt data both when stored and during transmission.
• Enforce strict access policies, including privilege management.
• Perform regular security audits to ensure compliance.
• Automate patch management to address vulnerabilities quickly.

6. Poor Network Monitoring

Failing to monitor networks effectively leaves organizations exposed to serious risks. With over 35 billion IoT devices in use today, keeping a close eye on network activity is more important than ever . Let’s break down the key warning signs and real-world consequences of poor network monitoring.

Key Warning Signs

Real-World Consequences

Recent breaches, such as those involving Blackbaud and EasyJet, show how weak network segmentation and lack of monitoring can lead to massive data leaks . Much like skipping system updates or neglecting device security, poor network monitoring creates openings for attackers to exploit.

What Effective Monitoring Requires

To safeguard against modern threats, organizations need advanced tools and strategies, including:

• Traffic Analysis Tools: Solutions like SolarWinds Observability and Kentik offer powerful monitoring capabilities .
• Multi-Source Monitoring: This includes:
  • Flow-based measurements (e.g., NetFlow, IPFIX)
  • Packet-level inspections
  • Log analysis
  • Real-time traffic pattern tracking
• Automated Threat Detection: Tools should flag unusual communication between systems that don’t normally interact .

Without these measures, organizations are far more vulnerable to cyberattacks. High-profile incidents, such as the Capital One and Twitter breaches, underline how inadequate monitoring can lead to regulatory penalties and damage to reputation .

7. No Emergency Response Plan

Not having an incident response plan is like driving without insurance – it leaves you exposed to massive risks. In 2023, the average cost of a data breach hit $4.88 million, highlighting the financial toll of unpreparedness .

Why Unpreparedness Costs So Much

Without a clear response strategy, your organization faces major vulnerabilities:

Failing to plan for incidents compounds the damage caused by outdated protocols or delayed updates.

Signs Your Response Plan Needs Work

Ask yourself these questions. If you can’t confidently answer "yes", it might be time to revisit your security approach:

• Do you have documented steps for detecting and containing incidents?
• Are roles and responsibilities clearly assigned for emergencies?
• Have you set up backup communication channels for crises?
• Does your team practice response scenarios regularly?

What Most Plans Miss

Many organizations think they’re prepared but overlook critical elements. A well-rounded plan should include:

• Escalation Paths: Who gets notified and when? Define this based on the severity of incidents.
• Secure Communication Protocols: Ensure safe channels for crisis coordination.
• Incident Documentation: Clearly outline what needs to be recorded during an event.
• Recovery Steps: Specify how to restore operations efficiently.
• Regular Testing: Review and update the plan quarterly to address new threats.

"Facing cyber threats without an incident response plan is like walking into a storm unprepared." – DataGuard Insights

Strengthening Your Response Plan

Focus on these areas to build a stronger incident response:

1. Team Structure
   Form a dedicated team with experts in technical analysis, crisis communication, and legal compliance.
2. Documentation and Training
   Clearly define procedures and provide regular training to your team.
3. Testing and Updating
   Conduct drills to identify weaknesses, then refine your plan based on what you learn.

An effective plan isn’t a one-and-done effort. It needs regular updates to stay relevant as threats evolve and business needs change. If your organization doesn’t have these basics in place, it’s time to make this a priority.

8. Failed Security Standards

Falling short on industry security standards can expose your network to serious risks. With the average cost of a data breach hitting $4.88 million , ignoring compliance isn’t just risky – it’s expensive.

The Real Cost of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet security standards can lead to hefty penalties and damaged trust. Here’s a breakdown of potential fines across industries:

Beyond the fines, breaches also erode customer confidence. In fact, 65% of customers lose trust in a company after a security incident .

Warning Signs of Standards Failure

If these issues sound familiar, it’s time to step up your security game:

• Outdated Documentation: Policies that haven’t been updated to reflect current threats.
• Failed Audits: Recurring gaps in compliance reviews.
• Missing Controls: Basic safeguards like encryption or access logging are absent.
• Incomplete Training: Employees lack proper and updated security training.

Key Standards to Watch

Each industry has its own compliance challenges. Here’s how to address some of the major ones:

1. Healthcare Organizations

HIPAA compliance is a must for healthcare providers. Studies show that 40% of major breaches involving 500 or more patient records stem from business associate negligence . This highlights the importance of vetting third-party partners.

2. Payment Processors

For payment processors, staying PCI DSS compliant requires constant vigilance. Key actions include:

• Running regular vulnerability scans
• Encrypting data during transmission
• Enforcing strict access controls
• Conducting ongoing security tests

3. International Business

Companies handling EU data must comply with GDPR. Under the newer NIS 2 directive, essential sectors like healthcare and energy face fines up to €10 million or 2% of annual revenue for non-compliance.

"The cost of non-compliance goes beyond regulatory fines. It can hit an organization’s bottom line, disrupt operations, and shake customer trust to its core." – Vinod Mohan, DataCore

Steps to Take Right Now

To avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance, focus on these actions:

• Perform risk assessments using frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001 .
• Require strong passwords and implement multi-factor authentication.
• Update all protocols to meet the latest compliance standards.
• Ensure employees complete certified security training.
• Use compliance scanning tools to identify and fix vulnerabilities .

Taking these steps can help protect your organization from both financial penalties and reputational damage.

Conclusion

Network security is essential for protecting your organization’s future. For small businesses, a single data breach can cost around $200,000 , with 60% shutting down within six months of a cyberattack .

Immediate Actions to Take

Focus on upgrades based on your risk level and available resources:

These steps help create a solid, risk-focused strategy.

Risk-Based Approach

Perform security risk assessments at least once a year – or more frequently if you handle sensitive data or work in fast-changing environments. Ignoring patch management can significantly increase your exposure to threats.

"Outdated software poses significant security risks. By prioritizing updates, consolidating apps, and replacing unsupported apps, companies can mitigate performance problems, limit the chance of revenue loss, and better defend against data breaches."
– Jody Jankovsky, Founder and CEO of Black Line IT

This approach emphasizes the importance of staying updated, actively monitoring systems, and planning for incidents.

The Cost of Waiting

Delaying action can lead to serious consequences.

• 53% of connected medical devices in hospitals have known critical vulnerabilities .
• The financial impact of breaches can be devastating.
• Key industries may face fines of up to €10 million under the NIS 2 directive.

Act now to strengthen your security. Start by documenting your network assets, managing vulnerabilities, and addressing high-risk areas without delay.

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