Introduction to network security
Before discussing about network security, let’s know what is network!
A network is comprised of interconnected devices like servers, wireless networks and computers. Different network devices are susceptible to cyber attackers. So, network security is required to prevent cyber threats.
Network security is mainly defined as the procedure of taking preventive measures undertaken by any enterprise to networking infrastructure from misuse, theft and unauthorized access. It is also an area of technologies that keep internal network safeguarded from data breaches and cyber attacks. The prime goal of network security is to deter unauthorized access into or between parts of the network.
However, network security is an overarching term describing hardware along with software solutions and configurations associated with network usage and threat protection. It primarily includes developing a secure infrastructure for users, devices and applications to work in a secure manner. It encloses all the key steps taken for safeguarding the integrity of the computer network and data within it.
Importance of network security
Network security is highly important for companies to protect their interconnected devices from theft and misuse. It is vital since it deters cyber criminals from acquiring access to valuable information and make sure that network is usable as well as trustworthy. Additionally, protection of networks and sensitive data is crucial to prevent major risks such as operational risks, regulatory risks and financial risks.
Moreover, every business depends on networks for internal and external communication. If devices are compromised by malware and virus or cyber attacks, then it cannot be operated efficiently. Intellectual property of many firms can be stolen, which is costly to obtain. It means loss of ideas and invention of the company can cause loss of business and competitive benefits. To prevent regulatory risks, businesses are required to comply with data security regulations that cover key aspects of network security; for instance, HIPAA and GDPR.
Hence, network security is significant that many companies focus on sharing tactics and policies to adapt to modern threats and protect their valuable data. Many institutes present for providing free security frameworks and knowledge for sharing cyber threat data. It also aid businesses evaluate their network security approaches.
How network security works?
A security team used to determine different policies and tactics to keep businesses’ network safe and thereby, aid in complying with security standards and legislations. Network security combines various layers of defences at the edge and in the network. Each layer of network security implements controls and policies which must be abided by everyone present on the network. It is known that authorized users can gain access to network resources wile malicious actors are blocked from carrying out such threats. Data can be compromised by the authorized user in the network due to mistake or carelessness.
Network security benefits
Network security is considered the procedure of protecting network entails removal of abuse and illegal access to network. It offers several benefits to businesses. Let’s take a look at some benefits of network security.
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Functionality
Individual users and businesses usually depend on high performance of the networks. So, network security helps in ensuring the ongoing superior performance of the networks to protect sensitive data.
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Protection against cyber-attacks
Majority of network attacks occurred through internet due to presence of many professionals. They may perform a range of data networks if negligent. Therefore, network security can keep such exploits from causing harm to machines.
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Prevent illegal access
Network security assists in preventing illegal access to software and hardware. Users have diverse access levels to security software. Authentication process needs to be followed in order to determine if the user is allowed to access certain resources. Network security keep data safe while maintaining access level to the network.
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Intellectual property protection
As we know, intellectual property is the key to numerous organizations’ ability to compete. It is required to secure access to intellectual property associated with products or services. Network security aids in securing intellectual property access to support firms maintain their competitive frame.
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Compliance
It is crucial to comply with various data security and privacy laws like GDPR and HIPAA to secure networks. Adhering to the regulations can help in securing networks.
Network security challenges
Despite having numerous benefits, network security also includes various challenges. Take a look at some challenges.
Remote and mobile access: As more and more firms are adopting network security which brings complicated network of devices to protect. Remote work makes network security more significant as users tend to use personal or public network when accessing any networks.
Emerging network attack approaches: The increasing rate of cyber attacks is identified as the major challenge. With the change of technology, approaches and cyber attackers also consistently change. It led network security to adapt new strategies to overcome new threats.
Client adherence: Every user has the responsibility to maintain security of network. It could be hard for the firms to make sure that every user adhere to network security best practices.
Expensive setup: Security is of high concern for businesses but the installation of network security solution can be expensive. It is because a network of machines store massive amount of information but it should not be overlooked.
Different kinds of network security protections
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Firewalls
A firewall is one of the network security devices that observe incoming and outgoing network traffic. It decides whether to permit or block certain traffic based on the set of security rules. It aid keeping out unfriendly traffic. It can be said that network security depends highly on firewalls which emphasis on blocking malware and application-layer attacks.
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Workload security
It is one of the other forms of network security protection. Workload security safeguards workloads moving throughout diverse cloud and hybrid atmosphere. However, these disseminated workloads contain large attack surfaces which need to be secured without impact the business agility.
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Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
An IPS used to scans network traffic to block security attacks. This technology is utilized for detecting and preventing network security attacks like DoS attacks and brute force attacks. A massive amount of global threat intelligence is correlated for secure IPS appliances in order to block malicious activity and track development of suspect files.
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Access control
Every user should not have access to network. Access control mainly defines the individuals and devices that have access to network applications and thereby, deny threats. Enforcing security policies can help in blocking noncompliant endpoint devices or provide limited access.
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Network segmentation
It defines boundaries between network segments where assets within the group have common function within the firm. With the use of network segmentation, potential threats can be prevented, which further, aid in ensuring that sensitive data of an enterprise remains safe. Defining additional boundaries within network can help in enhancing security and access control.
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Sandboxing
It is recognized as a cyber security practice where one can run code in a safe atmosphere on a host machine. Additionally, sandboxing monitors the code or file when opened and search for malicious behaviour to deter threats from arriving on the network. For instance, malware in files like PowerPoint, excel and PDF could be safely detected as well as blocked using sandboxing.
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Data loss prevention
It is regarded as a cyber security approach that combines technology and best practices to deter the exposure of sensitive data outside of the firm. Data might involve personally identifiable information and HIPAA data.
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Cloud and hyper scale network security
In the modern technological period, applications and workloads are not hosted on-premises in a local data center. Safeguarding the modern data center needs high flexibility and innovation so that it can keep pace with the migration of application workloads to the cloud. It is beneficial to integrate networking resources in a software defined system, as it would help in utilizing all hardware resources in a mass solution. Hyper scale is said to be the ability to scale properly since growing demand for network security added to the system.
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Email security
It is referred to the products, services and procedures designed for safeguarding the email accounts and content safe from outside threats. Cyber attackers mainly utilize personal data and social engineering strategies for developing classy phishing campaigns in order to mislead recipients. Meanwhile, an email security is beneficial to block incoming attacks and regulate outbound messages to deter the loss of sensitive and valuable information.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, a strong network security can protect businesses and users against virus, Trojan, worms, adware, ransom ware and spyware. Network security is critical for safeguarding client valuable data and information from theft and misuse. It primarily involves VPN, access control, email security, network segmentation, firewalls, sandboxing and IPS and many more. A number of jobs available related to network security such as security engineers, security analysts and chief information security officers. Network security protects reputation of business by protecting sensitive data from cyber attack.
