Network Vulnerabilities: 3 Disasters You Should Watch For

Anyone who is even remotely connected to a network these days (which is essentially everyone) has heard the scary statistics and startling trends around cybersecurity and digital threats. From ransomware and DDoS attacks to data leaks and account hacking, it’s clear that avoiding network disasters and keeping our digital identities safe from prying eyes is not a task for the faint of heart.

In the past, we’ve explored cybersecurity threats (and solutions that help ameliorate those challenges) but the truth is that these kinds of well-known events are only part of today’s nefarious network disruptions. There are other more insidious issues afoot in our modern business environment that can spell disaster for advanced, innovative applications and mission-critical growth goals.

The way businesses operate has changed, which means new weaknesses, vulnerabilities and pitfalls are cropping up that any organization needs to know about. Today, we’re talking about three network disasters in particular.

Threat 1: Siloed Work, Disjointed Data Delivery

In a new(ish) landscape of work-from-home offices and remote jobs, it turns out that a lack of collaboration tools and proper connectivity really can be the biggest issue plaguing productivity. Of course, these kinds of network disasters might not have the pizzazz that frightening stats about malware have, but trust us when we say that siloed, disconnected workforces can create just as much of a disaster scenario.

For a moment, let’s consider just how crucial it is that teams across distances can have reliable, quick access to necessary files, data and communications tools. Work can’t be accomplished without the right insights or materials in hand, and if teams are always waiting on a document to be in their inbox, processes can be stalled and workflows are quickly broken. Offline communication in a centralized office has rapidly turned into online communication, meaning that connectivity is at the core of everything. Bridging the distance between people and workplaces is vital — and sending documents and information safely across these distances is absolutely paramount. This combination of fast, reliable and secure communication is the bedrock of new age, digital business.

Threat 2: Sluggish Speeds, Slow Experiences

The foundations of modern work have definitely changed, but the additional technological layers on top are certainly transforming organizations as we know them too. New applications, additional platforms and advanced services are making their way into every facet of business — from medical wearables and distance education programs to cloud-based services and online banking. The world is built on new innovations, and those new innovations depend on robust networking.

Low latency and lightning-fast speed are the name of the new technological game, and without them, customer experiences deteriorate and end user demands can’t be met. Nowadays, everyone expects to be able to tap into their online bank accounts any time and complete any necessary transactions — but if the connectivity fails, those handy options are lost. Consider medical advancements too; AI-assisted surgeries and treatment plans are making waves in the level of care patients receive, but if a network can’t keep up with that data processing and delivery, that value dissipates. The future of our experiences across everything from entertainment to life-saving care relies on uncompromisingly speedy network results.

Threat 3: Lengthy Time to Resolution

With all of this in mind, let’s say the worst does happen: An organization experiences network disasters in the form of an outage, an interruption or a network intrusion. No one wants that for their organization, but no strategy is absolutely perfect. Anything from natural disasters to man-made mistakes or attacks can impact an organization's networking, and many times it’s out of their hands. Here’s what’s never out of a business’s hands, however: The way they respond to inevitable network issues.

The time it takes to resolve an issue is a make-or-break element for network utilization and business success. After all, every minute of downtime means disappointed (or endangered) customers, loss of brand reputation and big impacts on the bottom line — still, with all of this on the line, not everyone gets it right. In this scenario, it comes down not only to what kind of network you have, but how it’s being managed and cared for. Is your network backed by a promise of customer care excellence? Is there a dedicated team to help you out around the clock if something goes wrong? Is that team local, or are they on the other side of the world?

In an uncertain world, these are the vital questions that must be answered.

Network Vulnerability Tools to find Solutions to Anything and Everything

To find an answer to these three top network vulnerabilities and business operations threats, let’s start with a question: Who is your network partner?

These days, combating these kinds of issues across an ever-evolving network landscape and an aggressively innovating, competitive business landscape necessitates a dedicated, experienced partner. Only the most conscientious, trusted network providers will help you find the ideal solutions for your speed, reliability and security needs (like DIA or dark fiber) and ensure you’re harnessing next-gen collaboration tools (for that, check out voice connect). Beyond these physical strategies, network tools and tech assets, it’s the level of care and customer assistance that will ultimately keep any organization on its way to success — and that can only come from a business that knows your goals and challenges and will design custom options backed by consultative care.

Here at Glo Fiber Business, we know a thing or two about what it takes to keep up with this digital age, and we’ve helped a lot of customers find their stride, leveraging the best network options for their needs and delivering the best experiences. If you need extra peace of mind when it comes to these three network disasters, we’ve got you covered.

To learn more about how the Glo Fiber Business team has helped other organizations overcome their most pressing challenges with the right network vulnerability tools, be sure to check out our case studies.