What is network security?

All the measures taken to safeguard a computer network's integrity and data are collectively referred to as network security. Network security is crucial because it protects sensitive data from online threats and guarantees the network's dependability. Multiple security measures are used in successful network security plans to safeguard users and organizations against malware and online threats like distributed denial of service.

Computers, servers, wireless networks, and other associated devices make up a network. Many of these gadgets are open to possible intruders. Utilizing various hardware and software tools on a network or as software as a service is necessary for network security. As networks get increasingly complicated and businesses rely more on their networks and data to operate, security becomes more crucial. Security techniques must change as threat actors develop new ways to target these increasingly complex networks.

Security is typically described as everyone's duty because every user on the network represents a potential vulnerability in that network, regardless of the specific method or business security plan.

Why is network security important?

Network security is essential because it keeps hackers from accessing sensitive and valuable data. Hackers' access to this data may cause several issues, such as asset theft, identity theft, and reputational damage.

The following four points highlight the significance of safeguarding networks and the data they contain:

·        Operational risks:

A company that lacks sufficient network security runs the danger of having its activities interrupted. Businesses and home networks rely on hardware and software that cannot function properly when infected by viruses, malware, or cyberattacks. In addition, the majority of internal and external communication in business is also supported by networks.

·        Financial risks for compromised personally identifiable information (PII).

Both individuals and corporations may incur costs as a result of data breaches. Companies that handle PII, such as passwords and Social Security numbers, must keep data secure. The victims of exposure may have to pay fines, make reparations, and pay to repair damaged equipment. Additionally, data leaks and breaches can damage a company's brand and put it at risk for legal action. The average data breach cost increased to $4.35 million in 2022 from $4.24 million in 2021, according to IBM's "Cost of a Data Breach 2022 Report" by Ponemon Institute.

·        Financial risk for compromised intellectual property:

Additionally, organizations may experience expensive intellectual property theft. A company's economic and competitive advantages may be lost if its ideas, inventions, and products are lost.

·        Regulatory issues:

Many governments have laws governing network security and data security that firms must follow. For example, organizations that deal with individuals' data in the European Union must adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation, just as medical organizations in the United States are obligated to follow the rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (GDPR). Fines, bans, and even jail time may result from breaking these rules.

Many businesses place a high priority on implementing and exchanging methods for how to respond to contemporary threats because network security is so crucial. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Center for Internet Security, and Mitre ATT&CK offer accessible, open-source security frameworks and knowledge bases to help companies and other organizations assess their network security measures and share information about cyber threats.

How does network security work?

Hardware and software tools are used in conjunction to enforce network security. Network security's main objective is to stop unwanted access to or communication within a network.

A security professional or team decides upon an organization's network security strategies and policies to help the organization meet security requirements. These security guidelines must be followed by everyone using the network. Data can be compromised anywhere in the network where an authorized user could access it, whether by a malevolent actor or a negligent or mistaken user.

Fortinet FortiGate NGFW

Companies can no longer afford to choose between protection and speed in the current era of digital transformation and cloud computing. Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) from FortiGate, which have won numerous awards, deliver high-performance, integrated security that offers complete network security.

By comprehending your network's users, programs, content, and users, FortiGate NGFW offers a thorough picture of known and undiscovered threats (such as ransomware, dangerous botnets, zero-day malware, ransomware, etc.). Protects by offering. They offer the best performance possible with Fortinet's potent security processors, scalable throughput of security solutions, and flexible and innovative network interfaces. Our top-notch FortiOS operating system also offers the best price-per-performance and security efficiency.

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