What Is Network Security?

How Does Network Security Work?

Network security works by implementing multiple layers of defense to shield networks and connected systems from cyber threats. Each layer focuses on specific vulnerabilities.

For instance, firewalls act as gatekeepers that block unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through. Data security protocols, such as encryption, add another layer of protection by encoding sensitive data. At the same time, access control mechanisms verify user identities, ensuring only approved individuals can interact with critical resources.

Connected devices also play an important role in maintaining security. Each device is evaluated for compliance with established protocols. These interconnected measures work in unison to create a cohesive barrier that evolves to address emerging threats. Through this continuous process, networks remain resilient in an ever-changing digital environment.

What Are the Benefits of a Network Security System?

A proactive network security system ensures smooth, uninterrupted operations by mitigating risks that could compromise sensitive data or critical systems.

Here are some key benefits your organization can gain from implementing a network security system:

• Protection of sensitive data
• Compliance with regulatory standards
• Prevention of unauthorized access
• Mitigation of cyber threats
• Enhanced network performance

1. Protection of Sensitive Data

A strong network security system prevents unauthorized access to confidential information, such as customer records and proprietary data. This protection helps maintain customer trust and prevents potential financial losses due to data breaches.

Encryption and access controls are among the tools used to secure data both in transit and at rest. By safeguarding sensitive information, your business can avoid the severe consequences associated with data leaks.

2. Compliance With Regulatory Standards

Most industries need to adhere to strict regulations regarding data protection and privacy. Implementing network security measures ensures adherence to these standards, avoiding legal penalties and fines.

Regular audits and updates to security protocols help maintain compliance as regulations evolve. Staying compliant protects your organization and enhances its reputation among clients and partners.

3. Prevention of Unauthorized Access

Network security systems employ authentication mechanisms to verify user identities before granting access. Such a process ensures that only authorized personnel can reach sensitive areas of the network.

Techniques such as multi-factor authentication add additional layers of security. Controlling access can also help your organization reduce the risk of internal and external threats compromising its systems.

4. Mitigation of Cyber Threats

Advanced network security solutions detect and neutralize threats like malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. Meanwhile, real-time monitoring and intrusion detection systems identify suspicious activities promptly.

Swift response to these threats minimizes potential damage and downtime, helps maintain business continuity, and protects organizational assets.

5. Enhanced Network Performance

Effective security measures can improve overall network performance by filtering out malicious traffic. This process reduces the load on network resources, allowing legitimate activities to proceed without interruption.

A secure and efficient network supports productivity and fosters a reliable working environment.

15 Types of Network Security Tools

Here are 15 of the most common and effective tools and systems designed to protect the integrity of both internal and external networks:

• Firewalls
• Workload security
• Antivirus/antimalware
• Remote access virtual private networks (VPN)
• Web security
• Wireless security
• Network segmentation
• Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
• Access control
• Behavioral analytics
• Cloud security
• Email security
• Mobile device security
• Data loss prevention
• Security information/event management (SIEM)

1. Firewalls

Firewalls are network security systems that control incoming and outgoing network traffic and allow or block specific traffic based on predetermined security rules. The Next-Generation Firewalls that block malware and app-layer attacks are an important component of contemporary network security systems.

Example: A financial institution might use a Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall to filter out unauthorized access attempts while permitting internal employees to access customer records. These firewalls can detect malicious activity targeting sensitive data and immediately block it.

2. Workload Security

Workload security protects workloads as they move across cloud and hybrid storage environments. Due to the larger attack surfaces of distributed workloads, it’s crucial to secure them without compromising business agility.

Example: A retail company with a hybrid cloud setup may deploy workload security solutions to safeguard customer transaction data during Black Friday sales. The solution ensures every workload remains isolated and encrypted.

3. Antivirus/Antimalware

Malicious software, or malware, comes in the form of viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, and worms. These threats spread through computer systems and infect the entire network. Antivirus and antimalware programs are network security software that scan for malware upon entry, continuously track anomalies, and fix damages.

Example: A hospital uses antimalware tools to protect patient records from ransomware attacks. These tools continuously monitor incoming emails, attachments, and downloaded files for potential threats, ensuring that medical data remains secure and uncompromised.

4. Remote Access Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

A VPN is a network security tool that encrypts connections from endpoints, typically over the internet. It uses multi-factor authentication Secure Socket Layers (SSL) to authenticate the communication between the device and the network. VPNs (and Virtual Private Servers or VPS) also provide secure network access for individual users or clients, such as mobile users and extranet consumers.

Example: NordLayer is a scalable business security solution that transforms remote access with multi-layered security. It helps your organization protect its networks from online threats and enables your teams to access their internal resources securely and remotely from any device.

5. Web Security

Web security refers to the steps taken to protect a website, including tools, hardware, policies, and other safeguards for external networks. It manages your employees’ internet usage, denies access to malicious websites, and blocks web-based threats.

Example: An eCommerce company, for instance, might use web security tools to block phishing attempts targeting their checkout process. By preventing access to fraudulent sites and scanning transactions for suspicious activity, they protect both their business and customers.

6. Wireless Security

Wireless networks are generally more vulnerable than traditional wired networks, so strict security measures are needed to prevent unauthorized access. Usually, organizations need specialized products to protect their wireless networks, such as Internet of Things devices.

Example: A manufacturing company implements wireless security to safeguard its IoT-enabled machinery. Tools like Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) encrypt the communication between machines and central servers. This prevents hackers from exploiting weak links in the network.

7. Network Segmentation

Network segmentation involves defining boundaries between network segments, where assets share a common function within an organization. It categorizes network traffic to enforce security policies more easily.

By segmenting the network, your organization can assign access privileges based on role, location, and other criteria, ensuring that the right level of access is given to the right people.

Example: A healthcare provider may use network segmentation to separate administrative functions from patient medical records. Staff in billing departments would have no access to sensitive health data.

8. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

An IPS is a network security method that scans network traffic to block potential attacks. It analyzes large volumes of global threat intelligence to identify and block malicious activity, while also tracking suspicious files and malware across the network.

Example: An online gaming platform might implement an IPS to protect user accounts from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The system detects abnormal traffic spikes and automatically blocks them.

9. Access Control

Access control defines users and devices that have access to network systems to deny unsanctioned access and potential threats. This tool recognizes each user and each device and enforces your security policies.

Example: You can block noncompliant endpoint devices or give them limited access.

10. Behavioral Analytics

Behavioral analytics tools make out activities that deviate from normal network behavior, helping your IT security team better identify threat indicators and respond quickly.

Example: A corporate bank might use behavioral analytics to detect irregular login patterns from employee accounts. If an account attempts to access from an unusual location at an odd time, the system triggers an alert.

11. Cloud Security

Cloud security includes a range of policies, applications, and technologies designed to protect online services and data. These tools shield users against cyber threats wherever they access the internet and secure data stored in the cloud.

Example: A technology startup using cloud services for product development might deploy cloud security tools to safeguard proprietary code. These tools monitor access logs and encrypt stored data to ensure that no one outside the company can steal intellectual property.

12. Email Security

Email security tools block incoming attacks via emails and control outbound messages to impede the loss of sensitive data. Attackers often use personal data to create phishing campaigns to trick email recipients and send them to malware-infested sites.

Example: An educational institution deploys email filters to prevent phishing scams targeting students and staff. By identifying and quarantining suspicious messages, the system reduces the risk of compromised accounts and leaked data.

13. Mobile Device Security

Mobile device security tools help configure the device’s connections to help your organization keep its network traffic private and secure.

Example: Consider a sales team using company-issued smartphones while traveling. Mobile security tools ensure that devices remain securely connected to corporate servers, even on public Wi-Fi. This protects sensitive sales data from being intercepted during transmissions.

14. Data Loss Prevention

Data loss prevention technology stops people from uploading, forwarding, and printing important information to ensure that staff members do not send sensitive data outside the organization.

Example: A legal firm might use DLP tools to prevent employees from accidentally emailing confidential case details to unauthorized parties.

15. Security Information/Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM products gather the information your security team needs to determine and respond to threats adequately. These tools can be physical and virtual applications, as well as server software.

Example: A multinational corporation might implement SIEM to centralize the monitoring of global offices. The security team can then identify trends and address vulnerabilities efficiently by consolidating logs and alerts from different regions.

Network Security Takeaways

Network security should be a top priority for any organization working with data networks. It protects company assets and user/client data from external threats, while also efficiently managing network traffic, boosting performance, and enhancing your organization’s credibility and user trust.

To ensure network protection, consider partnering with a cybersecurity consulting company or implementing scalable business security solutions like NordLayer to ensure your networks are safe from online threats.