The Transmission Control Protocol over the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) serves as the fundamental network backbone of the internet, facilitating the majority of internet activity through TCP and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). This article explores the significance of monitoring TCP network activity in protecting businesses and organizations from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Remote access software leverages TCP and UDP networks to establish connections, utilizing network ports identifiable by a range of numbers up to 65535. When computers establish remote connections, they do so through these ports, identifying the remote computer by its IP address.
Without proper monitoring and firewall configurations restricting access to remote systems, businesses expose themselves to cyber threats, particularly when allowing remote access for work-from-home purposes. In cases like a famous hotel chain, cyber criminals gained undetected remote access between 2014 and 2018, emphasizing the risks of unmonitored network communication channels.
Skilled Network Engineers and Cybersecurity Professionals are adept at identifying remote network ports used for access and monitoring them using tools like those provided by Microsoft. Their expertise extends to updating firewalls and creating access control lists, allowing them to authorize or deny remote access. By engaging with these professionals, organizations can effectively close remote access ports to unauthorized intruders, enhancing overall security.
Companies and organizations utilizing Microsoft already own and possess the means to implement robust security controls, but the key lies in having skilled professionals to regulary monitor and update these controls. Secure remote connections, especially in "work from home" scenarios, are feasible with dedicated IT staff or contractors overseeing network security. If you would like to learn more on how you can safeguard your networks, give us a call or send us an email.