What Is Network Security? Everything To Know In 4 Easy Points

Introduction

Let’s dive deeper into what is network security? In todays world of fast paced technological growth, digitalisation has taken control over our everyday lives. Our means of functioning have changed over the years, hence, protection of our data and network is imperative, to keep it away from harmful users and exploiters. All data today is available on the internet, and what must be ensured is that this data is only accessible to the right hands and not any unauthorised individual or group of individuals. 

Securing your network prevents it from being misused by exploiters, and also keeps your data secured and safe. It can be important in business organisations, or even in our households on an everyday basis. 

This article can help you understand network security in simple terms and can work as a guide to network security for beginners. 

1. What is network security?
2. Types of network security 
3. Why is network security important?
4. Different components to network security

1. What is network security?

“Network security is a broad term that covers a multitude of technologies, devices, and processes.”

In simple words, network security is a means to protect the underlying network infrastructure, be it hardware or software. This is done to prevent the access to your networks of unauthorised individuals or group of individuals. It is a method that provides a set of rules, that protect the infrastructure and integrity of the given network. 

One of the key features of network security is that it combines multiple layers of defence, also known as network security layers, with the attempt to keep the network users and the network itself protected. It provides these layers of security from edge to edge and also within the network. 

In todays world, cyber threats are on the rise. As technology modifies itself, the threat to our data also increases and the methods used to create this threat also become more sophisticated. The attackers are always on the look out to take advantage of our vulnerabilities and exploit the environment. 

Any company, be it a large scale company, or a small scale company, have to secure their network to prevent it from exploitation. The environment around networks is constantly changing and hence it is important to find the most suitable network security for your firm. 

There are many network security tools that look into the needed issue by addressing individual threats. The result of these network securities is to ensure quick damage repair when needed. 

2. Types of network security 

Network security can broadly be divided into 3 categories, which are :

1. Physical  – This aspect deals with the physical components of network security, such as, cables, routers etc… it helps prevent unauthorised entities from gaining access to the network. Controlled access such as locks and biometric authentication are essential in any organisation for prevention of misuse of data. 
2. Technical –  This aspect deals with the protection of the data that is moving in or out of a given network. Over here, it has to protect both the network itself and the data that is in transit. 
3. Administrative – As the name suggests, this aspect deals with user behaviour and how these users are authenticated, and also, the infrastructural changes made by the IT department.

3. Why is network security important? 

Digitisation in todays world is a rapid and fast paced process. Everybody depends on the technological advancements happening in our everyday lives. To us, all information must be provided on our finger tips and at our convenience. They also prefer to stay up to date, by changing their devices every time there is an update.

Over time, our methods of functioning have changed. Every profession and every organization in each profession depends on the networks available and the data present. They all aim at satisfying the demands of the customers, and due to digitization, this aim can be met through the networks present. Therefore, the protection of their data, through network security, is essential. It also helps keep their information secure from attack. 

In an organisation, irrespective of the size of the firm, network security not only protects the integrity of the firm by keeping it away from unauthorised users, but it also helps manage the network traffic received and enhances the performance by making it more efficient. It helps create a secure portal between the employees and data sources to share data. 

In simple words, it can be believed, that in the present-day world, it protects or helps recover your reputation.  

4. Different components to network security

they are-

1. Network access control – To prevent unauthorised access to your network and the data present in that network, access control policies can be put into place,  on both, the users and the device. Example, you could provide access to some files, while providing access to only a certain individual or group of individuals on a confidential folder. 
2. Antivirus software – Antivirus software can prevent the data present in your devices from being harmed by viruses. Antivirus software can protect your organisation from dangerous software viruses that can harm the documents present on a given device. 
3. Firewall protection – Firewalls act as a wall that prevents unauthorised or untrusted networks from having access to your trusted networks. You can set up rules and protective measures according to the function of your organisation and its infrastructure. 
4. Virtual private networks – The virtual private network helps create the network to another endpoint or site. For example, if you were to work from home, you would be connected to your organization’s network through a virtual private network (VPN). 
5. Application security – We use “apps” on an everyday basis. All that we need to access is available on these apps. Unfortunately, these apps may have loopholes, making it vulnerable to unauthorised usage. 
6. Data loss prevention – With the help of network securities, data loss can be prevented. It helps you keep track of the information going out, or the information coming in. It also helps alert you when critical information is being released in an unsafe manner. 
7. Mobile device security – It is important to keep this network traffic private, as, we are becoming more dependent on our phones increasingly. All our information can be accessed through our mobile phones nowadays. Therefore, it is important to keep this network and our data secure and safe. 

Conclusion

All these network security tools are most essential in today’s world as our dependency on technology is increasing day by day. Soon, it is believed that the majority of the IT firms will function through provided networks and physical presence will be decreased. This increases the need for creating a secure environment for all our data. 

So, have you made up your mind to make a career in Cyber Security? Visit our Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Red Team) for further help. It is the first program in offensive technologies in India and allows learners to practice in a real-time simulated ecosystem, that will give you an edge in this competitive world.

Also Read

• Malvertising: All You Need To Know In 4 Simple Points