In today’s digital landscape, protecting a computer network requires more than just standard security measures. Cybercriminals are evolving, and so should your defenses. If you want to keep your network locked down like Fort Knox, here are some brazen (and slightly unconventional) ways to secure it.
1. Create a Honeypot to Lure Hackers
Instead of just playing defense, why not go on the offensive? A honeypot is a deliberately vulnerable system designed to lure attackers. By setting one up, you can track malicious activity, understand attacker behavior, and divert threats away from your critical infrastructure.
2. Ban USB Drives Like They’re Plutonium
USB drives are one of the easiest ways to introduce malware into a network. If you’re serious about security, implement strict USB restrictions or disable USB ports entirely. Want to be extra brazen? Superglue the ports shut (yes, some companies actually do this).
3. Implement a Zero-Trust Model—Trust No One
The days of implicit trust are over. Zero Trust means verifying every device, user, and connection before granting access. Assume that every user could be compromised, and enforce strict identity verification, endpoint security, and least-privilege access policies.
4. Force Multi-Factor Authentication on Everything
Passwords alone are weak. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts, VPNs, cloud services, and privileged access. And don’t let employees use SMS-based authentication—it’s vulnerable to SIM swapping. Use hardware security keys instead.
5. Regularly Simulate Cyberattacks on Yourself
If you wait for an attack to test your defenses, you’re already too late. Conduct red team/blue team exercises where ethical hackers attempt to breach your network. The more aggressive the simulation, the better prepared you’ll be for real-world threats.
6. Use AI to Detect Anomalous Behavior
Why manually track suspicious activity when AI can do it faster? Deploy AI-powered threat detection tools that monitor network behavior and flag unusual activity in real time. These systems can detect insider threats, brute-force attacks, and phishing attempts before they escalate.
7. Physically Secure Your Hardware (Yes, Really!)
Hackers don’t just attack online. Dumpster diving, social engineering, and insider threats are real dangers. Keep servers locked in restricted areas, use surveillance cameras, and shred all sensitive documents before disposal. If someone can walk in and plug in a rogue device, your network is exposed.
8. Block Personal Devices from Connecting to the Network
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is a security nightmare. Personal laptops and smartphones can be infected with malware, which then spreads to your network. Implement strict network access controls and enforce mobile device management (MDM) policies to isolate untrusted devices.
9. Fake Admin Accounts to Trap Attackers
Set up fake admin accounts with dummy credentials. If an attacker attempts to access them, you’ll know your network has been compromised and can respond before real damage is done. This is a classic deception tactic that exposes threats early.
10. Educate and Trick Your Employees into Awareness
Your weakest link is often human error. Instead of boring security training, conduct simulated phishing attacks on employees. If they fall for it, require them to complete additional security training. The more realistic and unexpected, the better.
Conclusion: Be Bold, Be Paranoid, Stay Secure
Network security isn’t just about following best practices—it’s about staying ahead of the enemy. By implementing these bold strategies, you can build a fortress-like defense that leaves cybercriminals frustrated and defeated.
Want to know the best part? When done right, most attackers will move on to easier targets. Make sure that you’re never the weakest link.