What is Network Security?

What is Network Security

Threats to network security have become increasingly common. This has caused private and public companies to focus more on advanced network security protocols to mitigate the effects of growing online threats. 

What is network security? It is a security infrastructure that implements hardware and software solutions to secure the access from devices, unauthorized personnel, malfunctions, misapplications and improper disclosures. 

The purpose is to provide a secure platform for computers, laptops, smartphones and other digital devices connected to the network. At the same time, network security aims to protect users from threats and allow them to perform specific functions in a secure environment. 

Gartner reports that companies spent over $123 billion on network security in 2020. Threats by hackers and cybercriminals that comprise network infrastructure and data systems have increased network security demand. 

Do you know if your company’s infrastructure is vulnerable to online threats? Contact Cyber Tech Connection for a free one-hour consult and we can help assess your situation.  

What are Network Security Methods All Businesses Should Implement? 

A secure network security system allows companies to reduce the risk of data theft and misapplications. Not only does a tightly aligned network security plan protect the business’s devices from spyware but it also ensures advanced data security. 

The different network security methods we will touch on in this article are access control, anti-malware, application security, data loss prevention, behavioral analytics, firewall, email security, web security and network segmentation. Each one of these plays an integral part in a company’s entire IT system.  

Access Control 

Access control is a network security method that limits a specific number of illegitimate devices from accessing the same network. Similarly, it allows authorized users to access the network and perform their functions by accessing and using a specific set of data resources. 

Anti-Malware

Malware refers to different malicious software variants such as viruses, spyware and ransomware. It is code developed by cybercriminals and hackers, leading to extensive data and system damages or accessing a network in an unauthorized way. 

Malware infects the entire network and stays on different devices connected to the network for a prolonged period, sometimes weeks or months. 

Anti-malware is a security system that uses various tools and techniques to prevent malware infections and immediately takes action on the infected systems. 

Application Security 

Application security is another method used by the organization’s IT team to eliminate threats to its applications. Cybercriminals use unsecure and malware-based applications to access a company’s entire network. This is the reason why it is critical to implement advanced hardware and software systems to restrict suspicious applications. 

Data Loss Prevention 

Businesses create networks to provide a means of data transmission from one device to another. Bear in mind that accuracy, efficiency and speed of daily business transactions are vital for many organization’s successes. Data networks allow companies to share resources and transfer critical business files quickly and efficiently.

The loss of sensitive data can lead to an organization’s reputational damage and financial losses. Data loss prevention protects against errors and mistakes that lead to information and misuse by individuals or groups inside and outside the organization. 

Behavioral Analytics and Email Security 

Businesses use various resources to analyze the network behavior and maintain normal operations. Behavioral analytics allow companies to identify abnormal network behavior and develop protective methods to eliminate risks and threats. 

Email protection is a network security method to ensure safe and secure emails. For example, phishing emails trick network users into giving up sensitive data and information, approve fake bills or download malware that can infect the organization’s network. 

Email security allows an organization to identify and inspect incoming emails for malware and other malicious threats. At the same time, it automatically encrypts and secures outbound emails to protect inboxes, users, data and companies from hacking, cyberattacks and other online threats. 

Firewall 

A firewall protects against external cyber attackers by safeguarding the network devices from unusual or malicious traffic. It also prevents malware and other threatening software from accessing a network via the internet. In addition, it detects and prevents intrusions by scanning the network traffic. 

Web Security 

Web security is an advanced network security method that integrates protective measures and allows you to implement safety protocols to protect your company from hackers, cybercriminals and threats that use the internet. A proactive web security program is crucial for businesses to protect their sensitive data, users and networks from  various threats. 

Network Segmentation 

Network segmentation is an effective security method used by organizations to enhance their security policy. It focuses on limiting access privileges to users and protects the network from cybercriminals, leading to better network performance. Dividing your network into multiple segments or subnets allows companies to create individual small networks, enabling administrators to control the traffic flow between subnets. 

Do you have network security protocols in place? 

The primary purpose of network security is to protect the network’s usability and integrity by safeguarding data. It focuses on the integration of hardware and software technologies to mitigate the harmful effects of threats from hackers and cybercriminals. 

At Cyber Tech Connection, we help our clients diagnose, assess and implement network security solutions that will protect confidential data and company information. Don’t let your worst nightmare become a reality. Call us today at (800) 218-9471 to schedule a consultation!