Introduction
While Internet technologies are advancing rapidly, numerous security issues are also surfacing at the same rate. With so much work done and efforts put into building something over the Internet, no one would ever want their work to be swayed away by any security loophole. One of the major security issues that web users encounter is network security. In this article, you will acquire insightful details about network security. From its meaning, functioning, and types to the significance of network security, everything is covered here. Moreover, you will also learn about the tactics the leading web companies employ to ensure network security threats stay far away.
What Does Network Security Mean?
Network security refers to an assortment of hardware and software solutions that prevent unauthorized users from accessing or manipulating a network and its resources. The ultimate purpose of network security is to build and ensure a secure working platform for programs, devices, and users.
Moreover, network security plays various essential roles when it comes to an IT environment. Some of them are –
- Blocking unapproved access to data and assets
- Securing web traffic, infrastructure, and network data against outside menaces
- Preventing network security threats from flowing through the system
- Facilitating secure data sharing between authorized users and the system
- Granting permission to users for adequate access to resources
- Identifying and countering suspicious user behavior and software anomalies.
Successful network security comprises three fundamental phases in its framework-
- Protection – Configuring systems and networks accurately while ensuring the absence of all vulnerabilities.
- Detection – Recognizing threats or risks before the intruder does any harm or grows through the network.
- Response – Promptly eradicating threats and turning the network into a secure state.
You must be aware of the fact that you require considerable time to set up and maintain network security. This is because there are many complexities involved in building up and managing network security. In general, most admins utilize network security management tools for monitoring all the activities well. These tools also help to speed up response times. The standard network security tools incorporate the following –
- Packet sniffers that render insights into the web data traffic
- Vulnerability assessment scanning tools
- SIEM tools that help to examine network data
- Penetration testing software
- Intrusion detection and prevention software
How Does Network Security Work?
The concepts of network security involve two principal processes: authentication and authorization. Authentication indicates the practice where the users’ identities are analyzed before granting access permission to their system. A network checks and confirms any user’s identity in the following three different ways:
One-factor Authentication
In this, the user is required to provide the username and password for logging in.
Two-factor Authentication
After the user enters the username and password, the network proceeds with further verification. The systems usually demand a security token, a credit card, a mobile phone, or similar information that the user owns.
Three-factor Authentication
Along with the two-factor authentication, the network asks for biometric recognition, for instance, voice, fingerprint, or retinal scan. All these types of security techniques provide complete assurance for data center protection.
Once the network validates the identity of the user, the user gets to log in. Afterward, the authorization decides and renders the access level to the user depending on the network policies. However, apart from restricting unauthorized access, authentication and authorization are not useful for checking the network traffic for harmful content. Thus, a firewall is employed to prevent spiteful traffic from infiltrating the network. Moreover, the anti-virus software and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) helps in identifying malicious tasks or activities within the network. Also, many companies make use of machine learning and behavioral analytics for investigating traffic and discovering existing threats.
Types of Network Security Control
You can find three different controls of network security. They are physical, technical, and administrative.
Physical Network Security
The physical network security controls restrict unauthorized users and invaders from physically penetrating through the network components. They help in securing routers, cabling cupboards, computers, dedicated servers, and other such components. The conventional methods of physical network security are guards, locks, security cameras, and fences. Both static equipment and portable devices get protection from physical network security.
Technical Network Security
The technical network security controls ensure the security of network data and systems. They provide the safety assurance of both stored and in-transit data. Moreover, the technical network security controls prevent data as well as systems from both unauthorized third parties and malicious insiders.
Administrative Network Security
Administrative network security controls involve the policies and processes that are employed to monitor user behavior. These administrative controls of controls determine the mentioned below aspects –
- How user authentication operates
- Level of access for different users
- How IT staff causes modifications to the network infrastructure
What Are the Different Types of Network Security?
The security experts utilize numerous network security strategies and techniques to ensure complete safety for the network. Mentioned below are the most efficient types of network security –
Anti-virus and anti-malware Software
It prevents, identifies, and eradicates software viruses and malware.
Application Security
It keeps testing features, updating tools, and removing compatibility issues to prevent applications from getting exploited.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
It detects and blocks unauthorized data flows.
Email Security
It secures the inboxes of employees while preventing the primary source of malware, spam, and phishing threats.
Endpoint Security
It renders the assurance that the endpoints like laptops, mobile devices, etc. do not serve as the entry point for malicious programs.
Firewall
It constructs the barriers between internal and external networks. It further scans and prevents unsafe content from entering the system.
Mobile Device Security
It helps to secure data that the phones, tablets, and other portable devices store or transmit.
Network Monitoring and Detection Systems
It enables the monitoring of the network traffic and automatically acknowledges unusual activity.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
It assures secure remote access for employees with virtual private networks.
Web Security
It guards a network by proactively identifying and eliminating web-based threats.
Although every network security strategy makes use of some technology, you must ensure a holistic protection strategy. This is because any fault in the integrations and compatibility issue between components can build vulnerable points through which hackers can breach the system.
Why is Network Security Important?
Simply stated, network security facilitates the organization to deliver products and services securely and consistently. Network security is the first line of defense when it comes to all the vital cyber threats, such as –
- Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS)
- Malware
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
- Vulnerability exploits
Network security also empowers a company to:
- Boost network performance and authenticity
- Decrease overhead expenses
- Limit costly downtime
- Assure compliance with relevant regulations and laws
- Establish trust with business partners and end-users
- Intensify the longevity of devices
How to Improve Network Security?
The best and prevalent seven ways to improve network security are –
- Regular auditing and mapping
- Network segmentation
- Strong password policies
- Create network security awareness
- Keep software up-to-date
- Implement zero trust
- Utilize honeypots
Also Read: How To Create New MySQL User and Grant Privileges?
Conclusion
With the understanding of network security, you must understand the significance of network security. Network security performs an effective role in the reduction of the risk of cyber threats. It makes sure to render safe and secure IT operations. While improving your network’s safety, you can enable your web business team to grow and advance without any unnecessary hindrances or setbacks. It will further save you from obtaining costly downtime.
