The Ultimate Guide to Network Security

Computer networking is one of the biggest advancements of our age. It changed the way we work. In fact, it led to the foundations of the internet, which is now an integral part of our lives. But, with the internet, the primary concern is cyber threats. In recent years, the cases of cyber-attacks have become so frequent that network security has turned into essentiality.

Indeed, with the penetration of the internet deep in our daily routine, it is quite crucial to take care of network security to avoid any kind of cyber exploitation. Here is where robust solutions for network security come into play. They not only reduce the risk of loss of data, theft, and sabotage but also prevent a network from activities related to ransomware threats.

To know more about network security, let’s first start by knowing about network security, then we will discuss the types of network security solutions.

What is Network Security

Network security is a broad term that includes numerous technologies, devices, and processes. In simpler terms, it is a set of rules and configurations that are meant to secure a network by protecting the confidentiality, and accessibility of a network and data by utilizing both software and hardware solutions.

How does it work?

To address the network security of an organization, many layers are considered. Cyber-attack may occur in any of the layers. Therefore, it is preferred to address each layer to prevent any kind of cyber threat.

Network Security basically consists of three layers i.e., Physical, Technical, and Administrative. Here is a brief information about each layer:

●      Physical Network Security:

It is designed to prevent unauthorized access to network components like routers, cabling cupboards, etc.

●      Technical Network Security:

It is designed to protect data stored on the network. It involves the protection of both data and systems from unauthorized personnel.

●      Administrative Network Security:

It consists of security policies and procedures that control user behavior.

Types of Network Security

The market is full of diverse secure network solutions that can help you protect your network from any kind of cyber threat. Following is the list of some tools that you can incorporate easily.

Firewalls:

Firewalls are like a gatekeeper between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks. They filter traffic based on predefined policies and rules. There are two kinds of firewalls i.e., Software and Hardware.

The software firewalls are installed in the systems to offer protection by blocking unwanted traffic. Whereas hardware firewalls act as a barrier between two networking systems.

Access Control:

Access control means controlling which user can access the sensitive part of a network. Security policies are used to restrict network access by trusted users only.

Application Security:

All the devices and software used within a network are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Thus, it is essential to keep them up-to-date and patched to prevent any cyberattacks. Application security is a combination of software, hardware, and procedures that should be used to monitor issues and fill the gap in security coverage.

Antivirus and anti-malware:

Malware and viruses are common types of malicious activities that may delete your data and offer unauthorized access to your network. Thus, antivirus and anti-malware are the commonly preferred way of staying protected against these cyberattacks. They not only scan files to restrict malware entry into the network but also continuously track files and remove malware if present.

Network Segmentation:

Network traffic is divided and sorted based on certain classifications. Segmented networks ease the process of assignment of access.

Email Security:

Emails are vulnerable to various threats like scams, phishing, malware, and suspicious links that can impose a considerable threat to the network of an organization also. Therefore, Email security is essential. For this purpose, Email security software is used which filter out incoming threats.

Data Loss Prevention:

Data Loss Prevention technologies are used to prevent employees of a company to share valuable information either willingly or unintendedly to external networks.

Behavioral Analytics:

Behavioral analytics tools keep a check on any deviation in network behavior from set norms. It identifies where the problem is, accordingly, the threat can be tackled quickly.

Web Security:

These tools limit employees from accessing certain websites that could contain malware.

I think these network securities if used in a network, it will definitely help in keeping a network secure and free from any kind of cyber-attack.

Source Link: https://usamediahouse.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-network-security/