What is Network Security?

Network security protects networking infrastructure from data theft, unauthorized access, and manipulation. It also includes network segmentation for security, which involves dividing your network into regions by using firewalls as borders.

A computer network provides communication and enables the sharing of information to multiple users within a network. Network security technologies work within several layers to protect your network as a whole against any potential threats. 

Networking and security include three main areas: physical, technical, and administrative.

Physical network security controls are put in place to stop unauthorized personnel from accessing components of the network. For example, routers and cable cupboards can be protected by implementing biometric authentication and security locks.

Technical network security protects the data that is within the network. This type of network security protection prevents data from being maliciously corrupted from within the network and any secure information from getting out without proper authorization.

Administrative network security controls the level of access for each user within the network. Processes and policies are set to limit or allow access and control each user’s behavior on the network. This security will also control the amount and level of changes the IT staff can make to the infrastructure of the network.

Network security provides advantages for various stakeholders, including your customers and employees.

Network security in networking also helps ensure that your internal infrastructure operates as it should. When an attacker is allowed access to sensitive systems due to a network security vulnerability, they can do more than simply steal customer data. They can throw a digital wrench in your operations.

As an example within the context of the traditional network security definition, consider the effect of a ransomware attack. All a hacker needs to do is get their chosen ransomware into any area of your network, and they can cut this area off, including its resources, from your system. Even if only one computer is affected, the ripple effect could pause operations for untold lengths of time and erode confidence in your organization, both internally and externally.

Network security in computer networking is essential to protecting the information of clients, as well as any data your organization shares with other entities.

Customers trust you with their data. Have you ever given your wallet to someone, asking them to go buy something? What about a stranger? Maybe not. Your customers have, in effect, given you their “wallets,” meaning they have entrusted their most sensitive information with you. By securing your network, you protect those customers, earning their loyalty.

Security attacks are a global problem and occur on a daily basis. Some do not cause major damage and can be easily remedied. However, there are several that have been devastating to individuals, companies, and even governments. 

Vulnerabilities in your network security give hackers an opening to do untold damage to your network while exposing potentially sensitive and confidential information. Network security protection has been developed to implement measures to protect your computer network's data from being lost, stolen, or manipulated.

Network security protection includes a variety of tools, configurations, and policies implemented on your network to prevent any intrusion into your security. The fundamentals of network security include detection, protection, and response. Resources are set up to help you analyze traffic on your network and detect any potential threats before they infect your system. Configurations are set in place to protect your network from intruders and provide you with the tools to properly respond to and resolve any problems that are identified.

Firewalls filter the traffic on your network. They work to prevent and block unauthorized internet traffic and manage authorized access within your network.

Network segmentation divides a network into multiple sections, and each section then acts as their own individual networks. The administrator is able to control the access to each smaller network while improving performance, localizing issues, and boosting security.

Access control gives you the ability to grant or deny access to individual users based on their responsibilities within your network. This will define a person or group's access to a specific application and system on the network and prevent any unauthorized use.

A remote access virtual private network (VPN) provides integrity and privacy of information by utilizing endpoint compliance scanning, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and transmitted data encryption. The remote access VPN is typically provided for telecommuters, extranet consumers, or mobile users.

The Zero Trust Network grants specific access to an individual user based on the exact role they play within the network. Each individual is only granted access to certain processes or applications they need to complete their job successfully.

Email security is set up to prevent users from unknowingly providing sensitive information or allowing access to the network via a malware-infected email. This security feature will warn or block emails containing potentially dangerous threats.

DLP is a network security technology that aids in preventing sensitive information from accidentally being leaked outside of the network by users. It works to prevent the misuse or compromise of data to protect the network from exposure to outside entities.

A network security policy outlines an organization's network security environment. It also specifies how the security policies are applied throughout the network. In addition, a network security policy establishes rules for network access.

The network's integrity and safety are governed by security policies. They include guidelines for connecting to the internet, using the network, adding or changing devices or services, and more. These rules only work when they are put into practice. By ensuring that policies are streamlined, uniform, and enforced, network security policy management helps enterprises maintain compliance and security.

Here are seven ways to uphold high network security standards. Each of these network security tips bolsters the safety of your digital assets:

1. Ensure endpoint security is enabled for all of your endpoints. Every device attached to your network is a potential entry point for a hacker. Therefore, the first step in improving your business security is to make sure your endpoint security, whether on the device or part of a secure SD-WAN solution, is up-to-date and functioning optimally.
2. Keep all software updated. After ensuring your endpoints are protected, double-check that the software they run is the most recent version. This includes both the firmware that runs each endpoint and the apps they operate.
3. Update your router’s name and password. Don’t use your routers’ default network names and passwords. Using default authentication info is like rolling out a red carpet for hackers.
4. Use a network firewall. A firewall prevents multiple kinds of attacks, such as attempts at unauthorized network access, malware, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assaults.
5. Ensure you train all employees. By arming your employees with the knowledge they need to recognize and prevent cyber attacks, you empower them as proactive auxiliary "members" of your security team. 
6. Get rid of software you don’t use. Similar to endpoints, each piece of software, especially if it connects to the internet, gives a hacker an opportunity to penetrate your system. By discarding old or unused apps, you shrink your attack surface.
7. Use frequent backups. You should frequently back up and encrypt your data. In the event of a ransomware attack, theft, or loss due to a disaster, you can use the most recent backup to maintain business continuity.