What is Network Security?
Network security is a broad term that encompasses a multitude
of technologies, devices and processes. Simply put, it is a set of rules and
configurations designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and
accessibility of computer networks and data using software and hardware
technologies. Every business, regardless of size, industry or infrastructure,
needs a certain degree of network security solutions to protect itself from the
growing landscape of cyber threats as they are today.
The current network architecture is complex
and faces an ever-changing threat environment and attackers who are constantly
trying to find and exploit vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can exist in
a wide number of areas, including devices, data, applications, users, and
locations. For this reason, there are many network security management tools
and applications in use today that address individual threats and exploits, as
well as regulatory noncompliance. When just a few minutes of downtime can cause
widespread disruption and massive damage to an organization's results and
reputation, it is essential that these protective measures are in place.
How Does Network Security Work?
There are many layers to consider when addressing network
security in an organization. Attacks can occur at any layer of the network
security layer model; therefore, your hardware, software, and network security
policies must be designed to address each area.
Network security usually consists
of three different controls: physical, technical, and administrative. Here is a
brief description of the different types of network security and how each
control works.
Physical Network Security
Physical security controls are designed to prevent unauthorized
persons from physically accessing network components such as routers, wiring
closets, and so on. Controlled access, such as locks, biometric authentication,
and other devices is essential in any organization.
Technical Network Security
Technical security controls protect data stored
on the network or in transit on the network, inside or outside the network. The
protection is twofold; it must protect data and systems from unauthorized
persons and also protect against malicious employee activity.
Administrative Network Security
Administrative security controls consist of
security policies and processes that control user behavior, including how users
are authenticated, their level of access and also how IT staff members
implement changes to the infrastructure.
Types of Network Security
We talk about the different types of network
security controls. Now, let's take a look at some of the different ways you can
secure your network.
Network Access Control
To ensure that potential attackers cannot
infiltrate your network, comprehensive access control policies for users and
devices are required. Network access control (NAC) can be set at the most
granular level. For example, you can give administrators full network access
but deny access to specific confidential folders or prevent their personal
devices from joining the network.
Antivirus and antimalware software
Antivirus and antimalware software protects
an organization from a variety of malicious software, including viruses, ransom
ware, worms, and Trojan horses. The best software not only scans files upon
network entry, but also continuously scans and scans files.
Firewall Protection
Firewalls, as the name suggests, act as a barrier
between untrusted external networks and your trusted internal network.
Administrators typically configure a set of defined rules that block or allow
traffic on the network. For example, Force point’s Next Generation Firewall
(NGFW) provides integrated, centralized control of network traffic, whether
physical, virtual or cloud.
Virtual Private Networks
Virtual private networks (VPNs) create a
connection to the network from another terminal or site. For example,
home-based users typically connect to the organization's network through a VPN.
Data between the two points is encrypted and the user would need to
authenticate to allow communication between the device and the network. Force
point Secure Enterprise SD-WAN enables organizations to quickly create VPNs
using drag-and-drop and secure all locations with our next-generation firewall
solution.
Network Security for Businesses and Consumers
Network security should be a high priority for any
organization that works with networked systems and data. In addition to
protecting assets and data integrity from external exploits, network security
can also more effectively manage network traffic, improve network performance,
and ensure secure data sharing between employees and data sources.
There are many tools, applications, and utilities available that
can help you protect your networks from unnecessary attacks and downtime. Force the point offers a set of network security solutions that centralize and simplify
often complex processes and ensure robust network security across the
enterprise.
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