Network Security - The Benefits of Keeping Your Network Safe

Globally, one cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds. That means that every 39 seconds, someone is breaking into a network and trying to steal valuable data. Network security is a vital element to protecting a company's data, intellectual property, and customer information.

In this article, we'll give you an overview of network security, the benefits of network security and introduce you to some of the most common types of network protection.

What is a Network?

A network is basically a group of computers that are connected together. These computers exchange data and resources with each other, facilitating communication and collaboration between the members of the network. 

There are all sorts of different types of networks, but the most common and frequently used type is the local area network (LAN). Businesses and organizations use this type of network to connect computers together within a limited geographical area. 

Today, organizations’ data, apps, and devices are distributed across locations and continents as they move to multi cloud and hybrid systems. Wide Area Networks (WAN) are much larger and are used to connect computers that are dispersed across multiple geographical locations, such as between cities, states or countries. WANS are typically used by organizations to enable data transfers between their computers in scattered offices. With the advent of remote work, WANS have become increasingly popular, since they enable employees to work from remote locations. 

While the basic function of a network is to facilitate communication, collaboration, and data exchange among its members, modern day networks deliver much more than just connectivity. Today’s networks are capable of supporting multiple types of applications and services, 

The important thing to remember is that an organization’s network is a closed system, which means that only authorized users can access it and operate within its confines.

What is Network Security?

Network security is the process of protecting the information, applications, hardware, and other resources in a network. This protection is accomplished by implementing security measures in order to protect the network from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, and destruction of the network. The word “network security” is broad and encompasses a variety of technologies, tools, procedures, guidelines, and settings. By putting these protections in place, computers, users, and programmes are able to carry out their authorized crucial functions in a secure setting.

There are a number of different ways to protect your network, from installing firewalls and antivirus software to creating user policies and encrypting your data. But the bottom line is that network security is essential for any business, large or small.

Why Do You Need Network Security?

Without network security, your business would be exposed to a wide range of potential threats. A hacker could easily gain access to your network and steal your critical information, or your credentials and client data. Not to mention, they could install malware on your computers that could give them control of the entire network. Moreover, with multiple devices and resources spread across multiple locations, attackers have so many pathways into your network. 

That's why it's so important to have a strong network security system in place. By keeping your network safe, you're protecting your business and your clients from hackers and cybercriminals who are always looking for new ways to penetrate networks.

How Does Network Security Work?

Network security consists of numerous security measures both inside and outside a network to protect it against malicious or unauthorized access and use. Each layer of protection has a specific function and is designed to counteract threats from each direction.  A layered approach to network security ensures that you have a solid foundation to work from, while giving you the ability to expand upon your security system as threats evolve. 

According to IBM, secure networking is based on two basic principles: authentication and authorization - every user on your network must be a real person with permission to be there, and they must have the permission to access the particular data they are accessing.

Network security controls can include firewalls, endpoint detection and protection solutions, virtual private networks, intrusion detection systems, and much more. By implementing various controls you ensure that hackers have to work harder to get into your network, and that even if they do get in, they are detected and stopped in their tracks.

Benefits of Network Security

Network security is about more than just protecting your data. It's also about protecting your systems, your customers and your reputation. Here are some of the key benefits of network security:

Increased Productivity

By encouraging safe, limited browsing and reducing interruptions at work, network security management boosts employee productivity.

Customer Trust and Brand Reputation

Network security controls provide the foundation for a trustworthy customer experience. Once customers are assured that their data is in safe hands, they’re much more likely to trust your brand and your services and become repeat customers. 

Quicker Recovery from Security Incidents

In order to protect sensitive data and enable speedy recovery from security incidents, network security management operations include monitoring, threat detection, and backup procedures.

Risk Reduction and Better Compliance

An effective network security solution can minimize threats to your organization and reduce the business and financial impacts of a breach. In addition, it can help you stay compliant with government regulations by ensuring that network configuration and policies meet the standards set by regulatory bodies. 

Safeguards Confidential Information from Threats

This is the main objective of network security management - to prevent attackers from damaging your company’s resources and reputation. Network security protocols and controls protect your data such as customer information, trade secrets and patents from unauthorized access.

Types of Network Security Protections

When it comes to network security, there are a variety of protections you can put in place to keep your data safe.

Access Control - Network access control ensures that the people and devices connecting to your network are authorized to do so. Access lists are used to restrict access to different parts of the network.

Firewalls and Antivirus Software - Firewalls are critical to stop unauthorized users from connecting to your network, and antivirus software safeguards your devices from malware and other online risks.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDP) - An intrusion detection and prevention system monitors network traffic and alerts you when an unauthorized user tries to access your network.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) - A virtual private network allows you to establish a safe and secure connection to the internet when you are at a remote location or using a public Wi-Fi connection. 

Endpoint Protection - Endpoint protection solutions protect all the endpoints of your network, including computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets - anything that connects to your network. 

Data Loss Prevention - Data loss prevention strategies help to prevent end users from maliciously or accidentally leaking critical data outside of a business network. 

Network Segmentation - When it comes to data protection, network segmentation is key - separating your network into secure, separate areas based on the type of data there and the level of risk it presents. 

Zero Trust - A zero trust network security model is based on the principle that all network users must be authenticated and authorized before being granted access into the network. 

Sandboxing -  A sandbox is a safe environment away from your network that can be used to examine, test and/or destroy any suspicious files that are received by your network. By testing potentially harmful files in the sandbox, you can prevent them from damaging your whole network. 

Honeypots - A honeypot is a hidden computer that is used to trick attackers and protect the network from attacks. It is a system that has been purposely compromised and is connected to the network to deceive attackers and divert them from the important devices.

Conclusion

No network is impenetrable. Every network has experienced a breach at some point - from Yahoo, Target, Facebook, eBay, Apple and many more. However, having a reliable and effective network security solution is critical for safeguarding your data and reputation. 

Thanks to Evolve, you can get unmatched visibility across your entire organization so that you can monitor, manage, and respond to network security threats and breaches throughout your network. To learn more about our security solutions, schedule a demo/consultation with one of our security experts. 

When you have a secure network, you have peace of mind. You know that your data is safe and that your systems are protected from intruders. So don't wait – start protecting your network today.