Security begins with hardening the network against misuse and unauthorized access. In this episode, we review core hardening policies that every network should implement, starting with password standards, login lockouts, and multi-factor authentication. You’ll learn how to manage device access, enforce idle timeouts, and limit who can access what through role-based permissions.

We also cover data loss prevention (DLP) strategies, including USB restrictions, email filtering, and file encryption. These controls work together to reduce both accidental and malicious data leaks. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to design and enforce a strong security posture using built-in network device features and enterprise policy.