What is a network security

Network security is a board term that encompasses a multitude of technologies, devices, and processes. In its simplest expression, it is a set of rules and configurations designed to protect the integrity , confidentiality, and accessibility of computers, networks and data, using software or/and hardware technologies.

Any company regardless of size, industry or infrastructure, needs a certain level of network security solutions to protect it from the ever-growing cyber threat landscape.

Before we dive into the importance of network security, let’s take a look at some numbers : 

According to IBM and Ponemon Institute’s The cost of insider threats global report, small businesses spend an average of $7.68 million per cyber incident and it takes an average of 77 days to contain the damage. Despite this, 42% of small businesses with 50 or fewer employees have no cybersecurity defence plan.

After these shocking numbers, you may wonder how important network security and its benefits are to my business.

Importance of Network security

In today’s hyper-connected world, network security presents a greater challenge as more business applications move to private and public clouds.

Moreover, the applications themselves now tend to be virtualized and distributed across many locations, some of which are outside the physical control of IT security teams. With the number of attacks on companies climbing ever higher , protecting network traffic and infrastructure is critical.

Network security is key to an organization’s ability to deliver products and services to customers and employees. From online stores to enterprise applications to remote desktops, protecting apps and data on the network is essential to moving the business forward , not to mention protecting an organization’s reputation.

In addition , effective network security can improve network performance by eliminating downtime due to successful attacks.

Benefits of network security

• Protect Data : Network security keeps a check on unauthorized access. A network contains a lot of confidential data like the personal client data. Anyone breaking into the network can interfere with this sensitive data.

So network security should be in place to protect them.

• Prevent cyber attacks : Most of the attacks on the network come from the internet. There are hackers who are experts in this area and then there are virus attacks. In case of recklessness, they can play with a lot of information available in the network.

So network security can prevent these attacks from harming computers.

• Create an attractive business proposition : As awareness has grown about the risks of businesses holding a large amount of personal data, consumers have been taking more of an interest in how companies protect their data.

What’s more, if you can actively demonstrate a commitment to data security, you may pick-up long-term customer loyalty and additional revenues as a result.

Simple touches stand out here. You could require all customers to log in via two-factor authentication,for example. Small actions like this show you take cybersecurity seriously, without showing your entire strategy to potential attackers.

• Centralized updates : It is very important that an antivirus software is updated in a timely manner. An older version may not offer you enough security against attackers.

A centralized network security system offers the advantage of timely updates without even the knowledge of individuals.

We talked about the importance and benefits of network security.Now let’s look at some of the different ways to secure your network

Network security tools / ways

• Anti-malware software 

Malware,  in the form of viruses, trojans, spyware, and so on .. are designed to spread through computer systems and infect networks.

Anti-malware tools are a kind of network security software designed to identify dangerous programs and prevent them from spreading. Anti-malware and antivirus software can also be able to help resolve malware functions,minimizing network damage.

• Data loss prevention 

The weakest link in network security is the human element. DLP technologies and policies help protect staff and other users from misuse and potential compromise of or authorization of sensitive data outside the network.

• Firewalls 

Firewalls work as barriers that can be used to secure the borders between your network and the Internet. Firewalls are used to manage network traffic, allowing authorized traffic while blocking access to unauthorized traffic.

• Virtual Private Network (VPN) 

VPN tools are used to authenticate communication between secure networks and a terminal.  Remote VPNs typically use IPsec or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for authentication, creating an encrypted line to prevent other parties from listening.

• Wireless security

In general, wireless networks are less secure than traditional networks. As such, strict wireless security measures are required to ensure that threat actors do not gain access.

• Network Segmentation 

There are many types of network traffic, each associated with different security risks. Network segmentation allows you to grant the right access to the right traffic. while limiting traffic from suspicious sources.

• Email security 

As with DLP (data loss prevention) , email security focuses on building humain security weaknesses .

Using phishing strategies , attackers persuade email recipients to share sensitive information using a desktop or mobile device or by accidentally downloading malware to the targeted network. Email security helps identify dangerous emails and can also be used to block attacks and prevent the sharing of vital data.

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