What is network security?

How does network security work?

As the internet facilitates inter-device connectivity, this is also one of the greatest sources of cyber threats. For this reason, network security has to be achieved at three levels:

1. Physical network security

The most rudimentary level of protection aims to prevent unauthorized personnel from obtaining physical access to various network components. This includes servers, laptops, peripherals, routers, and cable connections. This reduces the physical attack surface by making key components inaccessible to outsiders.

2. Technical network security

A technical layer of network security focuses on the data's security at rest and in transit. The main goal of these network security technologies is to protect the data when it is transferred within the network. At the same time, the data has to be secured against malicious activities.

3. Administrative network security

Administrative network security is targeted at user behavior, directly concerned with authentication conditions and authorization processes. This layer directly deals with network access control and can be an indicator of various improvements that could be made to the infrastructure.

Traditionally, most network security solutions focused on the technical and administrative layers of network security. Since most network threats target these areas, they are considered a priority and a more significant challenge.

Types of network security

The basis of network security controls is ensuring that all mentioned network layers are protected against potential threats. Therefore, some types of network security use various detection mechanisms to block malicious connections, while others encrypt used channels, making them inaccessible without credentials.

User authentication

While passwords used to be a go-to solution, it is more popular to enforce multiple-factor checks nowadays. That way, even if a password becomes compromised, there's still a piece of information that the perpetrator might not have. As current smart devices usually come with built-in biometric readers, relying on biometric confirmations is also becoming popular.

Applications delivery platform

The application delivery platform ensures that applications are delivered reliably, and the load is balanced. Usually, it's applied for network traffic management in data centers and cloud environments.

DDoS protection

DDoS targets network devices, flooding them with a barrage of requests. As hardware devices are overloaded with an endless processing stream, they eventually crash, effectively shutting the service down. Depending on the target, this may disrupt network performance for its users.

DDoS mitigation filters the incoming network traffic blocking requests intended to overload the system. It also breaks down the stream of requests into more manageable chunks and distributes them across multiple network devices.

Transport Layer Security

Although many standards exist, many organizations use TLS to secure network traffic between their web servers and browsers. It's a cryptographic protocol that scrambles sent data to be unreadable while in transit. The data is decrypted only after reaching its destination as the process is repeated back and forth.

Firewalls

Firewalls are online network traffic filters that block or allow access to the internal network. While it can be set up in the application layer, it's more common to have them set up on hardware appliances like routers.

Access control

One of the first things a hacker might do when infiltrating an organization is to scan what ports open on the company's network that have external exposure. Open ports expand your external attack surface and can be exploited to get inside your company's perimeter.

Therefore, network access control limits user access to internal resources and other company assets. It may rely on various identity access management solutions or other tools to limit incoming connections.

Intrusion prevention system (IPS)

An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a security tool that checks all network traffic to prevent cyber-attacks. It uses vast amounts of global threat information to halt harmful activities and monitor and prevent the spread of suspicious files and malicious software in the network. IPS technologies are especially useful for network security as they block attacks like brute force, Denial of Service (DoS), and other exploits that exploit software vulnerabilities.

Network segmentation

Network segmentation divides network traffic into categories and simplifies enforcing security policies. It focuses on endpoint identity rather than just IP addresses. This method assigns access based on roles and locations, enhancing control and security. It also helps prevent external threats, manage internal access, secure sensitive data, and improve network security.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A remote access VPN creates a secure, private connection from an endpoint, like a laptop, to a company's network over the internet. It uses encryption and authentication methods such as IPsec or SSL to ensure secure communication between the device and the network. This type of Virtual Private Network is particularly useful for remote workers who need to access company resources safely from outside the office, even when using public Wi-Fi.

Cloud security

Cloud security helps you manage and protect your entire setup, whether your data and apps are in the cloud, on-premises, or both. This includes your data center's servers and storage, IoT devices in your warehouse, remote laptops, phones, and even employees at branch locations-all protected under cloud security.

Data loss prevention (DLP)

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) technologies help organizations protect sensitive information by preventing employees from sharing, uploading, or printing it unsafely. DLP tools work across cloud systems to detect sensitive data, prevent accidental sharing, and block data theft.

Email security

Email gateways are the primary way security breaches happen. Attackers use personal details and clever tricks to create advanced phishing campaigns, which fool people into visiting harmful sites. An email security application stops these incoming attacks and monitors outgoing messages to protect sensitive data from getting out.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), or software-defined perimeter solutions, follow a zero trust security model. Unlike traditional security like VPNs that give full network access, ZTNA only offers users the specific permissions they need for their roles. This approach ensures users get only the necessary access to their jobs, enhancing security by providing more controlled access to an organization's applications.

Endpoint security

Cybercriminals are now focusing more on mobile devices and apps. Over the next three years, 90% of IT organizations are expected to allow employees to use their mobile devices for work applications. To safeguard your network, you must manage which devices can connect and set up their connections to secure network traffic properly.

Why is network security important?

A company's servers store confidential customer and internal information, so its security is critical to business operations. Access control has to allow authorized users and deny unauthorized ones, a network security field.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, most offices moved to work from home, increasing our reliance on internal networks and the pressure on their security. Currently, most organizations are pursuing a hybrid work approach, leaving a sizable attack surface for hackers to test.

Without proper network security solutions, successful cyber-attacks can ruin a company's reputation and attract hefty fines from the government. For this reason, cybersecurity and network security importance cannot be underestimated in a modern business environment.

Benefits of network security

Implementation of network security measures drastically improves enterprises' cybersecurity status. It reduces the risks of disruption of critical business processes and infrastructure.

This doesn't affect only businesses with online stores. As digitalization has affected most enterprises, protection of internal resources and applications is necessary to advance the business and meet the set targets.

Bolstering defenses

Network security acts as the frontline defense against various cyber threats like hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. Implementing robust security measures creates multiple layers of defense designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate potential breaches. This shield, built with modern network security technologies, protects sensitive data from a wide range of security threats and reinforces your enterprise's trustworthiness.

Ensuring operational integrity

Downtime due to cyber attacks can be costly and disruptive. Network security ensures that your business operations remain stable and efficient by preventing attacks that could cripple critical infrastructure. This stability is crucial for maintaining customer trust and ensuring that your business processes run smoothly without interruption.

Protecting across the board

Network security extends its protective umbrella beyond just your online storefronts. It encompasses internal communications, proprietary data, employee information, and other digital resources. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your business's digital footprint is secure, reducing the risk of internal vulnerabilities and external threats.

Facilitating goal realization

A secure network environment enables your business to focus on achieving its strategic objectives without the distraction and setback of dealing with security breaches. It ensures that resources are allocated towards growth and development rather than constantly managing and recovering from security incidents.

Supporting digital evolution

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, businesses constantly evolve and adopt new technologies. Network security is not just a protective measure; it's an enabler of this digital evolution. Providing a secure foundation allows businesses to confidently explore and integrate new technologies, driving innovation and staying competitive in the market.

Network security best practices

The best security tools in the world can't protect you from human error. Your team is your first and last line of defense. Network security best practices are the rules that transform every employee into a security asset. They build a culture of security that protects your network from the inside out.

• Segment your network: Think of your network like a ship with watertight compartments. Network segmentation divides your infrastructure into smaller, isolated zones. If one area floods-or is breached-the damage is contained. This prevents an intruder from moving freely across your entire system.
• Enforce least privilege: Every user and application should only have the exact permissions needed to do their job, and nothing more. This is the principle of least privilege (PoLP). A compromised account with limited access can only do limited damage. A user with the keys to the kingdom can cause a catastrophe.
• Patch your systems: Cybercriminals love an open door. Unpatched software is just that-a known vulnerability waiting to be exploited. Regular patch management closes these doors before attackers can walk through them. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to shrink your attack surface.
• Train your people: Your employees can be your greatest security asset or your biggest liability. Regular security awareness training turns potential targets into a human firewall. Teach your team to spot phishing, use strong passwords, and understand security policies. An educated employee is an attacker's worst enemy.
• Back up everything: An attack can happen to anyone. The real question is: how quickly can you recover? Regular, secure data backups are your insurance policy against disaster. In the face of a ransomware attack or system failure, good backups mean the difference between a minor disruption and a complete business shutdown. Always test your recovery process-an untested backup is just a hope.

The enterprise network security arsenal

Yesterday's security tools can't stop tomorrow's threats. As networks grow more complex with remote work and cloud apps, so do the attacks against them. Enterprises need a modern arsenal of network security solutions. These technologies are designed to protect a perimeter that no longer has clear walls.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

The old model of a central office protected by a firewall is dead. Today, your users and data are everywhere. SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is the solution for this new reality. It combines networking and security into a single cloud-based service that follows the user, not the location. This means consistent, strong security for everyone, whether they are in the office, at home, or on the road.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

In a traditional network, once you're inside, you can access almost everything. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) throws that model out. It assumes no one is trustworthy, inside or out. ZTNA verifies every user and device for every application they try to access. This stops attackers from moving laterally through your network, containing a breach before it can spread.

Next-generation firewall (NGFW)

A traditional firewall is like a security guard who only checks the address on a package. A next-generation firewall (NGFW) opens the package to inspect its contents. NGFWs look beyond simple ports and protocols to understand what applications are running on your network. They can identify and block sophisticated threats hiding in what looks like legitimate traffic, giving you a much smarter and stronger line of defense.

Types of threats that network security prevent

Many cyber attack types also target specific network layers depending on the hackers' goals.

Viruses-malicious program files that inject themselves into the system when opened.

Trojans-viruses disguised as other programs. The user unsuspectingly launches a trojan, injecting itself into the system in the background.

Phishing-a cyber-attack in which convincingly-looking emails are sent with the intent to obtain some confidential information from the receiver. Phishing emails trick users into revealing credit card details, personal data, and other sensitive data.

Denial of Service-an attack on the organization's systems when they are flooded with more requests than they can resolve. As the system resolves every single one, it's overloaded, disrupting the service.

IP spoofing-involves stealing a specific IP address to bypass IP blocks. The hacker uses IP-spoofed packets to gain entry into protected networks.

Effective network security policy

A network security policy is a set of rules that helps protect an organization's IT assets. It explains how to enforce, manage, maintain, and monitor these assets to keep them safe.

Not having clear security policies can be risky and lead to the loss of important data. Staff must learn about these policies when they start working and follow them closely.

These security policies cover topics like safe internet browsing and proper use of company resources. The goal is to create a shared standard for security that applies to daily activities.

The benefits of having such a policy include clear instructions to protect against digital threats, guidelines for using company assets, and a legal basis for action if needed. This is often required for compliance with regulations like GDPR or ISO 27001.