Trends in Technology

Network Security — Basics, Benefits, and Types

February 1, 2021 by Bamboo Duck
Read similar articles in: Business, Business Technology, Cybersecurity

Businesses today have access to a wider range of valuable private information. Subsequently, data security poses the greatest challenge for concerned organizations across the globe.

Unfortunately, cyber attacks happen more frequently and aggressively from increasingly sophisticated and tech-savvy hackers. As the world battles against COVID-19 pandemic continues, there has been a 37% increase in cyberattacks in the form of phishing and hacking.

According to Cybercrime Magazine, Cybercriminal activity is expected to be the biggest challenge organizations face  in the next two decades. In fact, the cost of cybercrime damages is expected to hit 6 trillion dollars by 2021!

As a result, organizations are scrambling to protect their assets and cyber networks against unauthorized access. They combat these emerging threats through best practices and with tools used for counter attack measures.

Understanding Network Security

Network security refers to any action, device, or system designed to protect the reliability and safety of a network and the data stored on it. Picture a barbed-wire fence surrounding a gated community. Similarly, network security prevents unauthorized access to the network by creating virtual barriers. This stops different threats and malicious content from entering and spreading throughout the network system and its data.

Network security is slightly different from cybersecurity. While cybersecurity protects inter-connected systems form initial attacks like a virus or a hacker, network security offers another layer of purpose. It protects the documents, files, and other confidential information from these attacks.

The most basic form of network security is an authentication form. The form restricts access for only those who have the proper username and corresponding password. Advanced network security tools include antivirus programs, firewalls, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and behavioral analytics protect the information stored on any network.

Benefits of Network Security Solutions

Digitization is no longer just convenient option for businesses. In a cutthroat market, it is a necessity for an organization’s survival.  As more and more organizations undergo digitization, securing the digital infrastructure has become a top priority for every operations manager.

Reliable and secure networks only protect the operations and interests of the company. Additionally, they ensure the safety of information for any customer or client that exchanges data with the organization. Clearly, investing in network security far outweighs the global cost of damages that occur due to cyber crime.

Other benefits that organizations stand to gain from investing in additional network security include:

Boosts Trust and Confidence

Network security helps create greater trust between the organization and its clients. Furthermore, it boosts consumer confidence and protects the businesses from legal and reputational fallout of a data security breach.

Decreases Risks and Ensures Compliance

Network security helps mitigate risks and minimizes the financial impact in case a breach of security occurs. The right network security solutions and tools also help organizations remain compliant with the government and local business regulations.

Protects Proprietary Information

Every business is in possession of sensitive data and information that their customers and clients rely on them to protect. Network security ensures that the proprietary information belonging to both the business and its various stakeholders is protected and securely shared across the network.

Enables A More Advanced Workplace

Having proper network security in place allows employees to work securely from anywhere in the world using a VPN. Moreover, the secure network access encourages collaboration between departments and enhances company culture. Effective network security also allows scaling the levels of security according to the needs of the growing business.

Types of Network Security Solutions and Tools

With the continued advancement of technology, organizations have the option of the latest and most innovative network security tools. Some of the top network security solutions being offered to companies in the United States include:

Access Control

Access control allows the network to recognize each user and only allow access to known users and devices. In addition, it gives companies the option to block and limit access to certain departments and employees as well as unrecognized or suspicious devices.

Anti-Malware and Antivirus Software

Malicious software, or malware for short, takes many forms when it attacks the network. This includes viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, and ransomware. While easily detectable malware corrupts or steals data immediately, others are stealthier and lie dormant for some time before secretly infiltrating the system.

State-of-the-art anti-malware and antivirus programs don’t just monitor and scan networks for entry of malware. They constantly keep an eye out for anomalies or suspicious behavior. More specifically, they flag possible malware immediately to eliminate it before trouble takes place.

Behavioral Analytics

Behavioral analytics tools are the latest form of network security. Interestingly, they are designed to flag risky behavior that doesn’t correspond with previous user behavior. By identifying possible threats in advance, behavioral analytics allow businesses to mitigate potential threats before they can cause a security breach!

Cloud Security

Cloud is the latest in internet technology. It has helped millions of companies and users reduce costs, increase efficiency, utilize integrated tools, and collaborate from remote locations. However, cloud technology also comes with its own security threats and challenges, such as data breach and unauthorized access. In response, cloud security solutions such as identification management and encryption help decrease the risk of data exposure and possible security breach.

Mobile Device Security

The use of mobile devices is part of everyday life, from online shopping to virtual business meetings. Consequently,  external threats present new challenges for security administrators via data exchanging mobile devices. With that said, organizations can ensure security by limiting access to the system from vulnerable mobile networks. They can also restrict access to sensitive information by building efficient firewalls.

The Right Network Security Plan

Establishing the perfect network security plan for any organization requires a number of tools and solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Accordingly, each plan needs to be carefully created to address the vulnerabilities and threats that are unique to the organization. The best way to go about it is to conduct thorough research and invest in reliable network security providers!

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