Network Security: Basics, How to Implement


Today's businesses are more technologically sophisticated than ever, and as technology advances, organizations' security postures must as well. Network security is now a crucial idea, with so many devices interacting with each other via wired, wireless, or cellular networks. In this post, we'll examine network security's definition and salient characteristics.

Network Security – What Is It?

Network security is the process of taking precautions to guard against unauthorized access, misuse, malfunction, alteration, destruction, or improper disclosure of the underlying networking infrastructure.

Undoubtedly, the Internet has occupied a significant portion of our life. In today's generation, a large portion of people's professional, social, and personal activities are conducted online. How secure is your network, though?

Many people try to break into our computers that are connected to the Internet, invade our privacy, and prevent us from using Internet services. Network security has emerged as a key issue in the field of cybersecurity due to the frequency, variety, and potential of new and more damaging attacks in the future. By putting network security mechanisms in place, computers, users, and applications can operate in a secure environment while performing their authorized vital duties.

Endpoint Security vs. Network Security

Network security is merely one component of overall security, and it is typically thought to solely apply to the hardware protecting the network. A firewall can be a standalone piece of networking hardware that sits next to routers or switches, or it can be software running inside the same physical box as routers and/or switches. Firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual private network (VPN) appliances, data leak prevention (DLP) systems, and other security measures are present on the network.

The network's purpose is to link systems together. You can use it to browse Amazon or shop for groceries online at your nearby supermarket. Endpoint security is the term for the safeguarding of end systems. IoT devices include items like connected thermostats, webcams, refrigerators, locks for front doors, and smart duvets. Not all of these devices are sufficiently advanced to have features like a host-based firewall or an anti-malware agent, even though they all require security precautions. Network security is probably what keeps the endpoint, a light bulb, safe.

Elements of Network Security

A network security system has numerous parts that all work together to strengthen your security position. The following discussion covers the most popular network security elements.

  • Access Control − You should be able to prevent unauthorized users and devices from connecting to your network in order to keep out possible attackers. Users who are given access to a network should only be able to use the resources for which they have been given permission.

  • Software Security − Application security comprises the tools, programs, and procedures that can be used to identify and patch application flaws that hackers could use to break into your network.

  • Firewalls − A firewall is a piece of equipment or a service that controls access to and from the network. To permit or prohibit traffic, they employ a set of predetermined regulations. A firewall may be composed of both software and hardware.

  • Virtual Private Networks (VPN) − The link between an endpoint and a network, frequently through the Internet, is encrypted using a virtual private network. This establishes an encrypted, secure "tunnel" across the open Internet for communication between a device and a secure network.

  • Analytics for Behavior − In order to identify anomalies or network breaches as they occur, you need to be familiar with typical network behavior. Tools for behavioral analytics automatically spot actions that differ from the usual.

  • Mobile Security − Compared to wired networks, wireless ones are less secure. Mobile apps and gadgets are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. Therefore, you must limit the devices that can access your network.

  • System for Preventing Intrusion − These systems analyze network traffic in order to detect and prevent attacks frequently by comparing network activity signatures with repositories of well-known attack vectors.

These are some strategies for implementing network security. To ensure network security, in addition to these, you'll need a number of software and hardware tools, including the following −

  • Firewalls

  • Packet crafters

  • Browser scanners

  • Network sniffers

  • System for detecting intrusions

  • Penetration testing applications

Because the network serves as a significant line of defense against external attacks, network security is crucial for overall cybersecurity. Since almost all data and apps are network-connected, strong network security prevents data breaches.

How Do Zero-Trust Models Affect the Security of a Network?

Zero-trust networks demand authorization and authentication procedures from any client trying to connect to the network. These networks operate under the assumption that all packets are dangerous. Users only have limited network access in zero-trust networks.

This security model can be challenging to implement since security personnel must always be on guard and explain every aspect of the security system to both inside and outside traffic. However, once the zero-trust network is in place, it can spot any flaws or gaps in a security model.

Updated on: 05-Aug-2022

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