There is no doubt that the number of cyber related attacks on small businesses is on the rise. In fact, according to Symantec, 43% of all cybercrime is now directed at small business. Understanding your business’ network assets such as software and devices, is one way to help keep your business from becoming vulnerable to cyber threats.

Many business owners are not aware of what assets are on their network, how to find them, or how to monitor them. An asset discovery tool is a relatively simple solution to monitoring your network; it works by pinpointing your assets and understanding their relationship with your network and devices.

Here are a few ways your network can become vulnerable and how asset discovery can help you manage those risks:

Vulnerabilities Associated with Software

Malicious software is one way hackers attempt to penetrate your network. With asset discovery – your network is monitored 24/7 and you receive a notification when new software becomes installed. If malicious software does become installed, you can quickly respond with corrective action.

Asset discovery also assists in determining when software requires an update or maintenance. When software is outdated, the number of holes that become available for hackers to enter your network through increases; by keeping your software up-to-date, you reduce the number of potential entry points hackers can attempt to penetrate.

Asset discovery also routinely checks the authenticity of the software on your network. Vendors that issue commercial software licenses have the ability to check if commercial implementation of their product is licensed. If employees or business partners are using unlicensed software it could possibly lead to penalties.

Vulnerabilities Associated with Devices

Network assets include devices like personal computers, smart phones, and tablets. If your business has a “Bring Your Own Device” policy (BYOD) you run the risk of employees connecting an infected device to your network. Employees or business partners may also have devices that are easily penetrable by hackers. With asset discovery, all devices connected to your network are scanned for vulnerabilities and you receive an alert when a threat is detected.

Threat Response Time

The monitoring of your network assets is one step you should not overlook when safeguarding your business.  The ways in which your business’ network could potentially become vulnerable are numerous, therefore, it is critical to be able to detect, manage, and respond quickly when threats arise.

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