What is Network Security?

Network Security Defined

Network security is a sizable term that covers an assortment of technologies, devices and processes. In simple terms, it’s a set of regulations and configurations designed for the safeguarding the integrity, privacy and accessibility of computer networks and data utilizing both software and hardware technology. All organizations, no matter the size, industry, or its framework, needs a level of network security solutions in place to safeguard it from the ever-growing environments of cyber threats out there today. Today’s network composition is complex and faces a threat setting that is ever changing and attackers are always trying to find and hack vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities exist in a wide number of areas, comprising of devices, data, apps, users, and locations. The reason for this is there are a lot of network security management tools and apps used today that address individual threats and hacks and also regulatory failure. When only a couple of minutes of downtime can cause extensive interference and immense devastation to an organization’s profit margin and standing, it is vital that these protective efforts are in place.

How Does Network Security Work?

There are a lot of tiers to think about when going through network security throughout an organization. Attacks can occur at any tier in the network security tiers model, so your networks security hardware, software and strategies need be designed to go through each of the areas. Network security usually comprises of 3 different types: physical, technical and administrative. Keep reading to find out more different kinds of network security and how each one works.

Physical Network Security

Physical security monitoring is designed to hinder prohibited personnel from gaining physical access to network elements like routers, cabling cupboard, etc. Controlled access, like locks, bio-metric authentication, and other devices, are vital in any organization.

Technical Network Security

Technical security monitoring safeguards data stored on the network or which is in transport throughout, in or out of the network. Safeguarding is two-fold; it is required to safeguard data and systems from prohibited personnel, and it also is required to safeguard against malevolent activities by employees.

Administrative Network Security

Administrative security monitoring consists of security measures and processes that manages user conduct, as well as how users are verified, their degree of access and how IT members execute modifications to the infrastructure.

Kinds of Network Security

This post has talked about the various kinds of network security monitoring. Now let us take a look at some of the various ways you can protect your network.

Network Access Control

To guarantee that possible attackers cannot encroach your network, extensive access control practices should be in place for both users and their devices. Your NAC can be set at the most miniscule level. For instance, you can allow administrators full access to the network but refuse access to particular business folders or hinder their personal devices from connecting to the network.

Antivirus and Anti-malware Software

Antivirus and anti-malware software safeguards organizations from a plethora of malicious software, comprising of viruses, ransom-ware, worms and/or trojans. The greatest software not only clocks files when the network is accessed, but continually scans and traces files.

Firewall Protection

Firewalls, acts as barriers between the un-trusted outside networks and your trusted inside network. The admin usually configures a set of regulated rules that stops or restricts traffic onto the network. For instance, many firewalls offer steady and centralized management control of network traffic, be it physical, virtual or inside the cloud.

Virtual Private Networks

VPN’s produce a connection to the network from another end point or site. For instance, employees working from home would usually connect to their organization’s network through a VPN. Data among the two is encrypted and the user is required to authenticate to enable communication between their device and the network.

Find IT Services in Phoenix, AZ

Wired IT Group is a full-service information technology (IT) vendor, based in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is capable of designing, installing and maintaining all of your IT solutions from network systems to security systems and low voltage cabling.