Network security is the practice of protecting computer networks and their data from threats, ensuring their confidentiality, integrity and availability through various protective measures.
Organizations implement varying levels of network security to defend against cybercriminal activities and data breaches, minimizing vulnerabilities and addressing them promptly when identified.
What Is Network Security?
Network security involves a set of strategies and tools designed to prevent unauthorized access, attacks or disruption of computer networks and their data, ensuring that both the network infrastructure and the information it carries remain safe and functional.
Types of Network Security
Network security involves various strategies and tools to protect data and prevent unauthorized access. Key types include:
- Zero-trust network access (ZTNA): Assumes no device or user is trusted by default, verifying every access request.
- Firewalls: Control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predefined rules.
- Network segmentation: Divides networks into segments to limit potential damage from breaches.
- Access control: Manages user permissions through Identity and Access Management (IAM) software and role-based access policies.
- Remote-access VPNs: Allow secure, encrypted access for remote users to corporate networks.
Additional techniques for robust network security include:
- Endpoint security: Protects devices from threats.
- Email security: Safeguards communications.
- Data loss prevention (DLP): Ensures sensitive data is not exposed.
- Sandboxing: Isolates potentially harmful processes.
- Cloud network security: Protects cloud-based resources.
- Hyperscale network security: Scales security measures to handle large amounts of data in cloud and data center environments.
While adding more protocols can enhance security, their integration must align with the specific needs of the organization for maximum effectiveness.
What Is a Network Protocol?
Network communication protocols are rules that govern how data is transmitted between devices on a network, ensuring secure and reliable exchanges.
These protocols enable accurate and secure data transmission between devices, such as computers and mobile devices. They define how devices send and receive information, ensuring proper communication. Organizations like the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) develop these protocols to establish guidelines for secure and efficient network communication.
Key protocols for internet use include HTTPS, TLS/SSL, DNS, TCP/IP, and SMTP, with new protocols evolving as networking needs change.
Network Security Training Best Practices
Network security training is an ongoing process that involves both the organization and its users, with new guidelines introduced as needed.
Organizations should provide regular cybersecurity training to keep both the network and users secure, especially as threats evolve. Networking professionals should update coworkers on new guidelines and security tools. Training sessions should also cover topics like using security products, creating strong passwords, using VPNs and understanding email security.
Employees must take network security seriously and follow protocols to protect both organizational and personal data. Both cybersecurity professionals and non-security roles can benefit from courses to further enhance their cybersecurity knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is network security?
Network security involves protecting computer networks and data from unauthorized access, cyber threats and damage through various technologies, processes and policies.
What are the main types network security protocols?
Key network security protocols include:
- HTTPS
- TLS/SSL
- DNS
- TCP/IP
- SMTP
Each of these protocols contribute to secure and efficient data transmission over networks.
Why is network security training important?
Network security training ensures both organizations and employees are equipped to protect data and networks from evolving cyber threats, fostering a secure environment.
