What is network security?
Network security is a set of strategies, software, and devices that protect technological systems from cyberattacks or misuse.
In today's business landscape, most organizations rely on digital tools to run their websites, mail servers, and security systems. Without a proper security protocol, these operations can stall, crash, or fall into non-compliance.
Network security services protect organizations from threats and breaches, provide cloud security and compliance, control access, and detect bots.
Types of network security
Network safeguards fall into three main categories. An organization should consider including all three when creating a comprehensive plan to mitigate risk:
- Physical: Serves as a tangible deterrent against confidential information or network components, such as routers. Examples include locks, biometrics, and surveillance cameras.
- Technical: Uses technology, such as software, to protect data across the network. Examples include antivirus software, firewalls, and encryption.
- Administrative: Involves personnel behavior and access. Examples include user training, acceptable use policies, or a personal device policy.
Basic elements of network security
To protect an information technology (IT) system, a business should have a comprehensive plan in place. Some of the basic elements of such a plan include:
- Antivirus and antimalware software: This prevents attacks from malicious software, such as ransomware, trojans, and viruses, that could corrupt data or provide hackers a point of entry. Typically, antivirus software will scan files and monitor network traffic for issues.
- Network access control (NAC): NAC allows a company to decide which users will have access to network applications and systems. Access controls are very specific. For instance, an administrator could have access to the entire network, except for a single confidential file.
- Email security: Email is a crucial component of today’s businesses. Filters protect inboxes and keep devices safe from suspicious phishing scams and malware.
- Data loss prevention (DLP): DLP technology helps ensure employees don’t share proprietary or confidential information with outsiders.
- Firewalls: To keep a business safe from external threats, a barrier is needed between the trusted company network and the internet. Firewalls control what traffic is allowed into the internal system.
- Virtual private networks (VPN): As more and more employees shift to working at home, VPNs have become increasingly important. VPNs allow secure access to a company’s network from a remote site. Encryption and multi-factor authentication provide a layer of protection.
- Network segmentation: This provides separation between various network parts, making it easier to define authorization controls and isolate infected segments.
Benefits of network security
Network security measures keep a business running efficiently and securely. Other benefits include:
- Shields against external attacks. Companies must remain vigilant against threats, such as hackers and malware. Cybersecurity can thwart potential attacks and send an alert when an attempted attack occurs.
- Prevents employee misuse. While most employees show integrity in their online activities, network security ensures that they only have access to necessary data and sites. In this way, proprietary information stays confidential.
- Increases employee productivity. IT controls can keep computer systems safe from viruses, which could slow or shut down employee workstations. Businesses can also set internet controls that limit access to time-draining game websites and other distractions.
- Increases company trust. Consumers want assurance that their credit card numbers and other personal information are safe. Knowing that a company uses security measures like two-factor authentication can build trust – and prevent massive breaches that could tarnish a brand’s reputation.
- Ensures compliance. Various regulatory bodies set standards for network compliance to safeguard personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), and confidential financial information. Using network security software can ensure a company’s compliance in these areas and prevent litigation.
Network security best practices
Businesses must follow several best practices to ensure safe and productive digital interactions. Namely, a business should consider the following preventative measures:
- Perform a security audit. Before moving forward with a network security plan, test for strengths and vulnerabilities in the existing system.
- Update software. Because threats are always changing, make sure to have current software and install updates. For example, virus protection software may have to be updated after identifying a new virus.
- Back up data. Companies should frequently back up data, creating a copy on the cloud or a local storage device. If the network is breached, the company can restore data and bounce back quickly.
- Train employees. Employees can be a solid line of defense against security events. Educate employees on creating strong passwords, accessing protected data, and recognizing phishing and malware schemes.
- Create a plan for incidents. Even companies with well-protected systems may experience a breach from time to time. Create a plan to deal with such situations long before they arise. Consider how the company will recover and reset after an incident.
Kelly Fiorini
Kelly Fiorini is a freelance writer for G2. After ten years as a teacher, Kelly now creates content for mostly B2B SaaS clients. In her free time, she’s usually reading, spilling coffee, walking her dogs, and trying to keep her plants alive. Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Notre Dame and her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Louisville.
