Network security and familiarity with its concept are essential for anyone who deals with computers and data collection and storage. Network security has become an important issue despite the overwhelming dependence of most businesses on digital technology and the subsequent increasing number of cyber attacks.
Cyber threats are advancing much faster than technology in businesses; for this reason, as someone who has expanded their business in the field of computer technology, you should be well acquainted with the concept of network security. In this article from Follow Technologies, we will learn about the types of network security and the reasons for its importance, advantages, features, and how it works.
What is network security?
Network Security is the sum of all the steps and actions taken to protect the integrity of a computer network and the data within it. Let’s go back a little and review the concept of “network.” A network consists of a collection of interconnected devices such as computers, servers, and wireless networks. Usually, these devices are very vulnerable to attackers (hackers). Providing security in computer networks is becoming important because they are becoming more complex, and companies are increasingly relying on their networks and data for their business. Security methods must change as new methods of cyber attacks are introduced.
Network security is important because it protects sensitive data from cyberattacks and gives you confidence that your network is secure. Successful network security strategies use a variety of security solutions to protect users and organizations from malware and cyberattacks.
Why is network security so important?
Now that we know what network security is let’s take a closer look at why it’s important. Maintaining network security prevents cybercriminals from gaining access to valuable and sensitive data. Here are four reasons why it’s important to protect your networks and data.
1. Operational risks
When an organization lacks adequate network security, it is at risk of operational and functional disruption. Whether it is a large business or a personal network, they depend on devices and software that cannot function effectively when infected with viruses, malware, or cyberattacks.
2. Financial risks for personal information at risk
Organizations that are responsible for managing personal information such as phone numbers, bank account information, and passwords must ensure its security. Any misuse of this data may result in the organization having to pay fines, recover damages, repair damage, etc. This is the most important reason why security is important.
3. Financial risk for intellectual property at risk
In addition to data and physical property, an organization’s intellectual property may also be at risk. Sometimes, hackers directly attack and steal ideas, inventions, innovations, and products from companies. This can lead to loss of business and competitive advantage.
4. Regulatory issues
In addition to the organizations’ own regulations, many governments require businesses to comply with data security regulations that cover aspects of network security. Violations of these regulations can result in fines, work bans, and even imprisonment.
Understanding how network security works
In general, network security is achieved through a combination of hardware and software tools. By examining the concepts of network security in the above materials, we know that its main goal is to prevent unauthorized access to various parts of the network.
The security officer or team sets strategies and policies that ensure the security of the organization’s network and help it comply with security standards and regulations. Once these security policies are set and communicated, everyone on the network must follow them. These rules include everyone who has access to data or works in a department that might expose the data to a malicious actor through carelessness or user error.
Four main benefits of establishing network security
In any computing environment, network security is used to protect information from unauthorized users. There should be three main components in the concepts of network security:
1. Confidentiality;
2. Integrity;
3. Availability.
The confidentiality feature of network security ensures that data cannot be intercepted by hackers while being transmitted over the network. The integrity feature also ensures that data remains unchanged during transmission over the network, preventing it from being damaged or tampered with.
Finally, network security’s availability feature ensures that systems and devices are only available for use by authorized individuals. Based on these features that can be introduced for network security, what are the benefits of network security?
● Implements network security approaches and ensures excellent and consistent network performance between businesses and users.
● By implementing network security, you can help protect the data security and privacy of users and employees.
● Protecting the network in your organization can preserve the intellectual property of ideas, products, services, business strategies, etc.
● By implementing network security policies, you comply with the laws set for data protection in the country where you work.
Types of network security software and tools
The policies and tools that exist to maintain network security vary from network to network and may even change over time. A strong security policy typically includes multiple approaches, known as layered security, that provide the organization with maximum security controls. In this tutorial, we will explore the different types of network security and the tools and software needed in this area.
1. Access Control
This is one of the basic approaches to maintaining network security that allows access to network applications and systems only to a specific group of users and devices; that is, in this system, access is not possible for non-predetermined users and devices.
2. ZTNA (Zero-Trust Network Access)
This method is similar to network access control. In the ZTNA method, which is a type of network security, only users are allowed to do their jobs, and all access permissions to other parts are blocked.
3. Antivirus and Antimalware
We are all familiar with antivirus and antimalware, which are tools for maintaining network security. These software programs are designed to detect, remove, or prevent infection of the computer and, consequently, the network. They also deal with viruses and malware such as Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware.
4. Application Security
Organizations use applications to perform various business functions, and it is very important to monitor and protect them. Both the organizations that designed these applications and the organizations that use them must pay attention to their security. Modern malware threats often target open-source code and components that organizations use to build software and applications. Therefore, application security is part of securing the organization’s network.
5. Behavioral Analytics
Behavioral analysis is a type of network security that analyzes network behavior and automatically alerts organizations to any unusual activity.
6. Cloud Security
If you have used cloud-based systems and tools, you know that their providers often provide you with separate security tools that offer security capabilities in the cloud. Securing cloud spaces and systems is part of ensuring the network.
These providers oversee the security of their overall infrastructure and provide tools to protect it. For example, Amazon Web Services (AWS) organizes security groups to monitor inbound and outbound traffic associated with an application or resource.
7. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
In this method, after identifying data in use, in transit, or even at rest, it is monitored to prevent its breach. Usually, in the DLP (Data Loss Prevention) method, the most important data at risk is classified, and employees are trained to protect it in the best possible ways. This is one of the steps in learning network security that employees should be trained in. For example, one simple and important method is not to send important files in email and as attachments.
8. Email Security
Email is often considered one of the most vulnerable points in a network. In most cases, employees of an organization click on email attachments that contain malware and malicious software, downloading them without knowing the contents of the attachment, making the entire organization a victim of phishing and malware attacks. Therefore, email security should also be mentioned in the steps of learning network security for employees.
It is important to understand that email is an insecure way to send sensitive files and data. Employees in all departments should be familiar with this, and it is one of the core network security concepts that should be taught to employees in an organization.
9. Firewall
A firewall is a software or an operating system that inspects incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access to a network. Firewalls are located in different areas of computer networks and can be considered one of the most widely used security tools. Later generations of firewalls offer greater protection against application layer attacks. They are better able to resist malware by inspecting inline packets.
10. Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is another type of network security. It detects unauthorized attempts to access data or the network. It flags them as potential threats but does not eliminate them. IDS and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) are usually used alongside firewalls. This system is part of the network security types.
11. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
An IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) is designed to prevent network intrusions by detecting and blocking unauthorized attempts to access the network. Intrusion prevention is a very important and fundamental application of network security.
12. Mobile Device Security
The numerous applications designed for smartphones and other mobile devices have made them an important part of network security. Monitoring and controlling applications that access mobile networks is crucial for protection in the modern network.
13. Multifactor authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a simple security method that is becoming increasingly popular among users. In this method, user authentication requires two or more different factors to ensure that only the original user is trying to log in to the network. One type of network security in this authentication system is called Google Authenticator, which is actually an application that generates unique security codes that the user enters along with their password to verify their identity.
14. Network Segmentation
Another tool that can be considered in various network security services is the network segmentation method. Typically, organizations with large, high-traffic networks use this method to divide the network into smaller, more manageable segments. This approach allows organizations to have greater control over data and access compared to the flow of traffic.
15. Sandboxing
Another method that can be introduced in response to the question of what a network security approach is is sandboxing. This method is a type of isolation that allows the organization to scan the file in an isolated environment before it is accessed on the network. After scanning and opening the file in a secure environment, the organization can check whether the file is acting maliciously or shows signs of malware.
16. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Approach
In the SEIM (Security Information and Event Management) method, the security of managed data from network applications and hardware is recorded, and suspicious behaviors are monitored. When any suspicious behavior or anomaly is detected, the SEIM network security system alerts the organization, and appropriate actions are taken to resolve it.
17. Software Defined Programming (SDP)
Software-defined perimeter (SDP) is another network security approach that protects the network and hides it from attackers and unauthorized users. In essence, this approach uses identity criteria to restrict access to resources and files, creating a virtual perimeter around it that makes it impossible for threats to penetrate.
18. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
You’re probably familiar with VPN (Virtual Private Network), but you may not have considered how it works and its role in computer network security. VPNs secure the connection from one endpoint to another on an organization’s network. In this method, tunneling protocols encrypt data as it travels over a less secure network.
19. Web Security
In this method, along with maintaining the integrity of the organization’s websites, employees’ use of the web on the organization’s devices and networks is controlled. This is done by controlling and blocking certain threats and websites. You can use these methods, along with the methods and steps for learning network security for employees, to prevent their performance in maintaining greater network security.
20. Wireless Security
One of the most vulnerable parts of any network is the wireless network, which requires much more careful protection and monitoring. In these systems, wireless security practices, such as segmenting Wi-Fi users based on service set identifiers (SSIDs) and 802.1X authentication, are very important. Also, to ensure the security of the wireless network, proper monitoring and auditing tools are needed.
21. Workload security
In this approach, the organization balances the workload across multiple devices in cloud and hybrid environments. This increases the exposure to cyberattacks and threats. Using security measures to monitor workloads and secure load balancers is important to protect data and network security.
What compromises network security?
Computer network security is provided in numerous and effective ways and can protect organizations’ important data. However, sometimes, the process of providing security may be accompanied by problems. Below, we explain the possible security problems in the network.
1. Evolution of network attack methods
One of the major challenges facing network security is the rapid evolution of cyberattacks. As technology advances, both the agents that threaten networks and the methods they employ change. For example, new technologies such as blockchain have led to new types of malware attacks, such as cryptojacking; therefore, defense strategies and types of network security must adapt to these new threats.
2. User adherence to the rules
As we previously explained about network security, ensuring this security is the responsibility of all network users; for this reason, it is usually difficult for organizations to ensure that all members adhere to network security rules and strategies.
3. Remote and mobile access
As businesses expand, more individuals and companies are using the organization’s policies for network security, leading to a larger and more complex network. Also, many people involved in the organization may have chosen to work remotely. This presents security challenges to computer networks, often making them more difficult to maintain.
4. Third-party partners
Companies and individuals, including cloud service providers, managed security services, and network security vendors, often gain access to your organization’s core network, making the entire system more vulnerable to attacks.
Important network security measures
So far, we have thoroughly examined what network security is and its types. Now the question arises, what measures can organizations take to maintain network security? To prevent attacks on their network and important data and information, an organization should take these measures:
1. Create a network security policy
A network security policy is a written document that defines the level of access and restrictions for authorized users in the organization. It also outlines security measures that should be taken periodically, such as how to conduct data risk assessment tests or data recovery plans.
2. Password Policy
Password policies dictate that passwords for user-provided systems should not be too simple or contain numbers and letters that can be easily guessed. This is part of the learning process for network security.
For example, passwords should not contain personal dates that can be easily guessed. They should also be strong enough to thwart attacks such as dictionaries, rainbow tables, or brute-force attacks. Employees should also change passwords periodically to maintain network security.
3. Use a multi-layered security system
One type of network security is multi-layered security. This approach uses a combination of multiple security tools, such as antivirus, firewall, and intrusion detection system.
4. SIEM deployment
Earlier, we mentioned SIEM as one type of network security. SIEM helps organizations secure data networks and prevent threat actors from infiltrating them by alerting system analysts.
5. Keeping the network up to date
Threats and malicious actors can often easily infiltrate older versions of the operating system, software, device drivers, etc. To prevent this, the organization must update the system in a timely manner to apply the latest security policies. Keeping the network up to date is one of the essential network security services.
6. Provide training to employees
Many network security experts believe that humans are the weakest link in any network. For this reason, every organization and business should provide their employees with the necessary training so that they can take the required measures against potential threats and prevent damage to the entire network.
The steps to learning network security vary, and the training depends on the level of access employees have. For example, users should know that they are not allowed to use social media, download unnecessary files, or do anything else during office hours.
7. Physical preventive measures
In addition to all software and system solutions, physical security in the network security infrastructure is essential. For example, DNS servers, data servers, and other critical systems and network devices should be kept in a secure center and secured using physical controls and biometric locks.
8. Wi-Fi encryption and security
In addition to data being secured through network encryption before being sent to other destinations, Wi-Fi network security needs to be ensured through digital certificates.
What attacks does a strong network security system resist?
Finally, after fully examining the answer to the question of what network security is and how it can be ensured? We want to see what network security approaches deal with. The important threats that the security system in computer networks deals with are:
1. Viruses
Viruses are malicious, downloadable files that can be dormant and replicate by modifying other computer programs. Infected files can be transferred from one computer to another, destroying data or an entire network. So, identifying and dealing with viruses is part of network security.
2. Computer Worms
Computer worms slow down data processing by consuming bandwidth and reducing computer performance. Unlike a virus, which requires a host program, a worm is a standalone malware. Security policies for computer networks should consider these types of attacks.
3. Trojan
A Trojan uses a program that looks like a real program to gain entry into a system, which may result in deleting files, activating hidden malware, or stealing valuable data, ultimately compromising network security.
4. Spyware
Spyware is a type of computer virus that can access a person’s or organization’s information.
5. Adware
Adware may redirect users to unhelpful advertising websites while browsing the web. It collects marketing information about you and then shows you customized ads based on your search history. Employees should be trained on how to deal with adware in the network security learning stages.
6. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of cyber trojan designed to extort money from a person’s or organization’s computer by encrypting data. This malware can block access to the user’s system and compromise network security.
Conclusion
What is network security? How is it ensured? What are its types? And…. In this article from Follow Technologies, we have thoroughly examined the answers to these questions. Types of network security help maintain and protect information against all kinds of cyber attacks. Attacks on computer systems have improved along with the advancement of these computers, making it more difficult to maintain data security.
For this reason, in this article, by teaching you from zero to one hundred the concept of network security and how to implement it, we have tried to help you improve the information security of your business or organization. If you want to know what network security is and how to implement it on your organization’s computers, don’t miss reading this article. You can also share your questions about this topic with us in the comments section.
To increase the security of computer networks, companies need new security solutions that keep cyberattacks away by forming complex networks based on greater data dependency. Effective strategies in this field can protect sensitive data from cyberattacks and become a secure network by using diverse security solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is meant by network security?
Network security is a set of technologies that leverage the integrity of a company’s infrastructure to prevent a wide range of potential threats from entering or propagating across the network.
2. How do security networks work?
Network security refers to the set of measures taken to protect a network from various security threats. This set of measures usually includes several policies and procedures that aim to prevent unauthorized access to the network. By doing so, they avoid any misuse of network resources.
3. Why is it so important to use network security?
Network security is important because it keeps sensitive data safe from cyberattacks and ensures that the network is secure and usable.
