[James Settle]

Three ways networks become vulnerable can be due to outdated software, using the hardware outside of the preferred network, and compromised usernames and passwords (Pioth & Pioth, n.d.). Outdated malware or antivirus software doesn’t have updated security protocols and can be vulnerable as a result. In many cases employees use their company issued machines outside of the office & inside of internet cafes, coffee shops, etc on wireless networks that are less than secure which leave them wide open to cyberattacks. Lastly compromised usernames and passwords are a result of people writing them down and leaving them in insecure areas, or creating weak, easily decipherable passwords.

As a result of these vulnerabilities, three ways to protect your network infrastructure would be to;
1.) keep software, malware & antivirus definitions up to date.
2.) utilize encryption and strong secure network connections, as well as VPN, or virtual private network connections when outside of the office on company devices.
3.) Implement stronger access control features and MFA, or multifactor authentication when accessing the network.

References

Pioth, J., & Pioth, J. (n.d.). 3 Types of network vulnerabilities and how you can avoid them. https://www.coeosolutions.com/news/network-vulnerabilities