Network security: what is it?
Your network and data are safeguarded by network security against hacks, intrusions, and other threats. This is a broad and all-encompassing phrase that refers to processes, regulations, and settings about network use, accessibility, and overall threat protection, as well as hardware and software solutions.
Access control, antivirus software, application security, network analytics, various forms of network-related security (endpoint, online, wireless), firewalls, VPN encryption, and more are all included in network security.
The merits of network security
Network security is essential for safeguarding client data and information, maintaining the security of shared data, guaranteeing dependable network performance, and defending against online attacks. An effective network security solution lowers overhead costs and protects businesses from significant losses brought on by a data breach or other security event. Ensuring appropriate access to systems, applications, and data facilitates company operations and customer service.
wide variety of network security protocols
- Firewall
Using pre-established security rules, firewalls manage the incoming and outgoing traffic on networks. Firewalls are an essential component of daily computing since they block malicious traffic. Firewalls, particularly Next Generation Firewalls, which concentrate on thwarting malware and application-layer assaults, are crucial to network security.
Network segmentation
When assets within a group have a common function, risk, or role within an organization, network segmentation establishes boundaries between such groups of assets. The perimeter gateway, for instance, isolates a corporate network from the Internet. The sensitive data of an organisation is kept inside the network by preventing potential outside threats. Organizations may take things a step further by creating more internal network borders, which can enhance security and access management.
- Access Control: What is it?
Access control limits unauthorised access and possible risks by defining the individuals, businesses, and devices that have access to network applications and systems. Role-based Access Control (RBAC) regulations guarantee that the person and device are permitted to access the asset. Integrations with Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions may strongly identify the user.
- Remote VPN Access
Telecommuters, mobile users, and extranet users may all access a workplace network remotely and securely with the use of a remote access VPN. Each host normally uses a web-based client or has VPN client software installed. Multi-factor authentication, endpoint compliance screening, and encryption of all transferred data all contribute to securing the privacy and integrity of sensitive data.
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
According to the zero-trust security paradigm, a user should only have the access and privileges necessary to carry out their assigned responsibilities. This strategy differs significantly from that offered by conventional security solutions, such as VPNs, which provide a user complete access to the target network. Zero trust network access (ZTNA), often referred to as software-defined perimeter (SDP) solutions, allows users who need granular access to an organization’s applications to do their jobs.
- Security for Email
Any procedures, items, and services aimed at keeping your email accounts and email content safe from outside dangers are referred to as email security.” Although the majority of email service providers have built-in security measures to protect you, they might not be sufficient to prevent hackers from accessing your data.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data loss prevention (DLP) is a cybersecurity technique that integrates technology and best practises to prevent the exposure of sensitive data outside of an organization. This involves regulated data, such as personally identifiable information (PII) and compliance-related data, such as HIPAA, SOX, PCI DSS, etc., as well as data that is subject to regulation.
- Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
IPS solutions can recognise and stop network security assaults, including brute force, denial of service, and exploitation of known flaws. A vulnerability is a flaw in a software system, for example, and an exploit is an assault that takes advantage of that vulnerability to acquire control of that system. When an exploit is revealed, attackers frequently have a window of opportunity to exploit that vulnerability before the security patch is implemented. In these circumstances, an intrusion prevention system can be employed to swiftly stop these attacks.
Layers of Network Security
When discussing network security, we must consider the following levels of defense:
- Physical Network Protection
Physical network security measures are concerned with preventing unauthorised individuals from physically accessing the workplace and network devices such as firewalls and routers. Physical locks, ID verification, and biometric authentication are just a few of the safeguards in place to address such concerns.
- Technical Network Security
Technical security measures address network devices as well as data stored and in transit. Furthermore, technological security must safeguard data and systems from unauthorised individuals and harmful staff activity.
- Network administration and security
Administrative security controls are concerned with security policies and user behaviour compliance processes. It also involves user authentication, permission levels, and modifying the current infrastructure.
Best practises for network security
Now that we have covered the fundamentals of network security, let’s look at some of the network security best practises you should be following.
- Conduct a network audit.
The first step in securing a network is to conduct a comprehensive audit to uncover flaws in the network’s posture and architecture. A network audit identifies and evaluates:
- The presence of security flaws
- Unused or superfluous applications
- Allow access to ports
- Malicious traffic detection software and anti-virus/anti-malware software
- Backups
- Third-party vendor evaluations should also be performed to discover further security.
- Install network and security equipment.
Every firm should have a firewall and a web application firewall (WAF) to protect their website from different online-based assaults and maintain data security. Various additional systems, like intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) systems, security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and data loss prevention (DLP) software, should be utilised to maintain the organization’s optimum security and monitor traffic.
- Update antivirus and anti-malware software.
Businesses buy desktop computers and laptops equipped with the most recent anti-malware and antivirus technology but fail to maintain them up to speed with new regulations and upgrades. By keeping antivirus and anti-malware software up to date, one may ensure that the device is running antivirus software with the most recent bug patches and security upgrades.
- Protect your routers.
A security flaw or incident might occur simply by hitting the reset button on the network router. As a result, it is critical to consider relocating routers to a more secure area, such as a secured room or closet. In addition, video monitoring and CCTV can be put in the server or network room. Furthermore, the router should be set to modify default credentials and network identities, which are easily found online by hackers.
- Make use of a secret IP address.
Private IP addresses should be allocated to critical network servers and equipment to prevent illegitimate users or devices from accessing them. This technique allows the IT administrator to simply monitor any illegal attempts to connect to your network by individuals or devices for any suspicious behaviour.
- Establish a network security maintenance system.
It is necessary to develop a robust network security maintenance system that includes procedures such as:
- Make frequent backups.
- Software upgrades
- Change the network name and credentials regularly.
Once you have built a network security maintenance process, record it and distribute it to your team.
Check Point Can Help You Secure Your Network
Network security is critical in protecting client data and information; it secures data access, protects against viruses, and improves network performance by lowering overhead costs and expensive liabilities from data theft. Because there will be less downtime from unauthorised attackers or viruses, it saves businesses money in the long run.
Check Point Network Security systems simplify network security without sacrificing speed, offer a single approach for simplified management, and allow you to expand for corporate growth.
