How to Create a Network Security Plan Tailored to Your Business Needs

Security risks are evolving faster than most people can follow. These rapid changes highlight your need for a dynamic network security plan. Using a network security plan template can make it easier to implement, but your unique needs may not quite fit into a template.

“While there are certain best practices every business should follow to prevent security breaches, there are certain measures that will be unique to your operations.”  - Kent Morris, President of Gravity Systems. 

So, instead of copying someone else’s network security plan example, it’s best to dig deep into your needs to pinpoint the best course of action for your systems. Doing it this way will better secure your network because all of your security measures are perfectly fit for your IT.

We understand that this process is easier said than done. That’s why we created this article to help you get started. This blog will be a high-level overview of what you need to start your tailored network security plan, alongside key implementation steps.

How to Decide What to Include in Your Network Security Plan

1. Identify Your Network Components

Start by listing every device, system, and connection that makes up your network. This includes both hardware and software tools, such as computers, servers, routers, switches, and IoT devices. Understanding the full scope of your infrastructure ensures no part of your network is left unprotected.

2. Assess Your Business Needs

Identify which services are vital for daily operations and evaluate how your network enables these services. Use that information to design security measures around these functionalities to reduce the likelihood that a network issue could disrupt critical processes.

3. Understand Your Data

Determine the types of data your organization handles, such as personal information, financial records, or intellectual property. Determine which data is subject to compliance standards or carries the highest risk if exposed. Then, tailor your network plan accordingly.

4. Evaluate Existing Risks

Evaluate the risks your network faces by identifying your current vulnerabilities. Examples may include outdated software, insufficient monitoring, or unauthorized access points. Approximately 80% to 90% of network vulnerabilities are easy to exploit, so it’s crucial to incorporate strategies to keep these gaps filled into your network security plan.

5. Prioritize Your Goals

Using information from steps 2, 3, and 4, set your plan’s priorities. Clear prioritization ensures your efforts address the most important areas first. Attempting to tackle everything at once can dilute focus, overwhelm your team, and delay progress on urgent needs. By setting clear priorities, you can make meaningful improvements quickly.

6. Outline Roles & Responsibilities

Assign clear responsibilities for security tasks, such as updating software, monitoring network activity, and responding to incidents. Having designated roles within a security team ensures accountability and prevents lapses.

7. Document Your Findings

Record all identified risks, priorities, and action items to create a comprehensive security plan. A detailed document ensures clarity and provides a reference for ongoing security improvements. Use this information to build a security plan that fits your specific needs.

5 Key Tips To Get Buy-In From Leadership

Before you can implement your network security plan, you need approval from your executive team. Like any investment, this will require a well-thought-out proposal. So, here are some network security proposal example best practices.

1. Highlight the Business Impact of Security

Show how a strong security plan reduces downtime and prevents costly incidents that could impact the company’s reputation or bottom line. When leadership sees the direct connection between security and business performance, they are more likely to approve the plan. For instance, you may discuss how 85% of consumers will not trust a company with a history of data breaches.

2. Provide Cost & Value Comparisons

Present a breakdown of the costs associated with implementing the network security plan compared to the potential financial losses from threats such as data loss or downtime. Highlight the return on investment by showing how these measures save money in the long run.

3. Address Potential Concerns Proactively

Anticipate leadership’s potential objections, such as budget constraints, resource requirements, or disruptions to operations. Prepare detailed answers that address these concerns, and offer clear solutions to mitigate these challenges.

4. Include Measurable Outcomes & Milestones

Define specific metrics and milestones to track the success of the network security plan over time. For example, show how implementation will reduce vulnerabilities or improve response times to incidents. Providing a timeline and measurable outcomes reassures leadership that the investment will deliver tangible results.

5. Outline a Plan for Continuous Improvement

Explain how your network security plan will evolve to address future challenges, including new technology and emerging threats. Highlight processes for regular reviews, updates, and staff training to keep the plan effective. Demonstrating adaptability assures leadership the investment will stay relevant and effective over time.

7 Steps in Implementing Your Network Security Plan

1. Review & Finalize the Plan

Verify that your network security plan thoroughly addresses all identified vulnerabilities and aligns with your business needs.  Assign clear responsibilities for managing tasks such as threat detection, software updates, and incident response, and ensure the plan incorporates feedback from key stakeholders.

2. Set Up Tools & Technologies

Deploy and configure the necessary hardware, software, and cloud-based solutions to support your security plan. Confirm that these tools are compatible with your existing infrastructure and meet the security needs identified in the plan.

3. Conduct Initial Testing

Run tests to validate that all security configurations and tools function as expected. Check for any unintended system disruptions or vulnerabilities introduced during implementation. Use these tests to confirm that security measures can detect and respond to cyber threats effectively.

Here is a quick overview of the steps involved in such a test.

4. Document Changes & Processes

Maintain a comprehensive record of all updates made during the implementation process, including system configurations and installed tools. Develop user-friendly documentation outlining steps for troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and system monitoring. Ensure the documentation is accessible to relevant team members.

5. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Establish a timeline for applying software patches, updating security tools, and reviewing system performance. Regular updates prevent outdated systems from becoming weak points in your security. Also, include checks for compliance with evolving regulations and industry standards.

6. Train Employees

Organize training programs to educate employees on security policies and their specific responsibilities. This includes both your security team and any employee who interacts with your network. Human error still accounts for 95% of security threats, and training helps prevent that.

7. Evaluate & Refine

Perform regular risk assessments to identify gaps or inefficiencies. Use insights from audits, incident reports, and performance metrics to refine your strategy. Continuous monitoring helps you adapt to emerging threats and integrate new technologies as needed.

Avoid Potential Roadblock During Network Security Implementation With Experts

Creating a strategically tailored network security plan that thoroughly protects your sensitive data can be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. Therefore, you may want to consider working with IT consultants to keep your network ahead of cyber attacks. 

The team at Gravity Systems will always focus on your unique business goals first. Once we know those well, we will use our in-depth knowledge of the latest network security technologies to help you create a solid, long-lasting plan.

Reach out today to get started.