How do you define Network Security?

Definition of network security

The term "network security" encompasses a wide range of technologies, devices and processes. Using both software and hardware technologies, it is simply a set of rules and configurations that helps protect networks and data from unauthorized access, modification, deletion, tampering, and unauthorized access. Every company, regardless of the size, industry, or infrastructure, needs some level of network security to protect itself against today's ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

The network architecture of today is complex, with a constantly evolving threat environment, and with attackers that are constantly searching for and exploiting vulnerabilities. There can be vulnerabilities in a wide range of areas, including devices, data, applications, users, and locations. Therefore, there are many tools and applications in use today that address individual threats and exploits, as well as addressing regulatory issues. These protection measures are essential when even a few minutes of downtime can cause massive damage to an organization's reputation and bottom line.

How does network security work?

Network security is the result of several layers. Since attacks can occur at any layer of the network security layers model, you must design your network security hardware, software, and policies to address each area.

There are typically three types of network security controls: physical, technical, and administrative. The following is a brief description of different types of network security and how they work.

Physical Network Security

Physical security controls protect network components such as routers, cabling closets, and so on. In any organization, access must be controlled by locks, biometric authentication, and other devices.

Security for Technical Networks

Technical security controls help protect data on the network or in transit. System and data protection must be ensured against unauthorized personnel as well as malicious employee activity.

Administrative Network Security

Administrative security controls are used to control user behavior, including authentication, access levels, and how IT staff members modify the infrastructure.

Types of network security

controls have already been discussed. These are some ways to secure your network.

Network Access Control

If you want to prevent potential attackers from infiltrating your network, you need comprehensive access control policies for users and devices. You can configure NAC at the granular level. You can, for example, grant administrators full access to the network but deny them access to certain confidential folders or prevent their personal devices from joining the network.

Software for Antivirus and Antimalware

Malicious software, such as viruses, ransomware, worms, and trojans, is protected by antivirus and antimalware software. Best-in-class software scans and tracks files continuously as well as upon entry into the network.

Firewall Protection

As their name implies, firewalls protect your internal network from untrusted external networks. Administrators usually configure a set of rules that block or allow traffic entering the network. Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) like Forcepoint's offer seamless network traffic control, whether it is virtual, physical, or in the cloud.

Virtual Private Networks

A virtual private network (VPN) provides remote access to a network from another location. VPNs are typically used by users who work from home in order to connect to their company's network. Data between the two points is encrypted, so users would have to authenticate in order to access the network. With Forcepoint's Secure Enterprise SD-WAN, organizations can create VPNs using easy drag-and-drop and protect all locations with a Next Generation Firewall.

Network security for employees, customers, and consumers.

Any organization that uses networked data and systems should consider network security a top priority. Besides providing protection from external threats, network security can also enhance network performance, manage network traffic more efficiently, and ensure secure data sharing between employees and data sources.

You can protect your networks from attacks and downtime with a variety of tools, applications, and utilities. We offer a suite of network security solutions from Forcepoint that centralize and simplify what are often complex processes and ensure comprehensive network security across the enterprise.