Network security refers to protecting computer networks from unauthorized access, damage, or disruption. The primary purpose of network security is to protect an organization’s infrastructure and data integrity through prevention and detection measures.
Protecting against damage caused by malicious attacks requires the implementation of many types of security. Here are some of the most common types you’ll find today.
1. Firewalls
Firewalls are common security solutions used to restrict access between computers and networks. Firewalls can be hardware-based or software-based, but they all share the same goal: to control the flow of information around your network. A firewall will block suspicious traffic coming in from external connections like the Internet while allowing legitimate traffic through.
2. Intrusion Detection Systems
An intrusion detection system, or IDS for short, is a network security solution used to monitor the usage of your computer networks. An IDS will be able to detect suspicious activities that are occurring on the network and take action when another computer appears to be breaching the defined security parameters.
3. Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is a very popular security solution that not only detects and eliminates viruses but also prevents them from entering your computer. While antivirus cannot contain viruses and malware from entering your network entirely, it will be able to recognize malicious files before they are able to attach themselves to other files on your computer or network.
4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A VPN allows you to connect to a private network over a public network like the Internet and is commonly used in remote access situations. If you need secure communications between your office and mobile devices while at home or traveling, then a VPN may be the solution you’re looking for!
5. Network Segmentation
Network micro-segmentation is a standard security solution employed by organizations to logically divide their network into different segments, with limits on the type of traffic allowed between those segments. Network administrators have control over which devices can communicate, as well as what data can be shared across those devices.
6. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data loss prevention refers to any kind of technology that’s designed to prevent sensitive data from being released without proper authorization — either accidentally or through malicious intent. DLP can be implemented in many ways, but it usually involves monitoring user activities on the network by analyzing destination addresses found in emails and data packets.
7. Intrusion Protection Systems (IPS)
An IPS is a form of IDS, but it’s generally considered to be more advanced due to its ability to take action when an intrusion attempt has been successful. In other words, the IPS will have the ability to lock out attackers from your network in real-time — preventing them from being able to access your devices or files at all!
8. DDoS Protection
DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service and involves bombarding a certain destination with so much false traffic that they cannot keep up with legitimate requests for service, causing their systems to crash under the strain. A DDoS attack can affect your website or other important services by flooding them with constant requests and is a major security risk today.
9. Spam Filters
Spam filters are a common email filtering solution that catches any unsolicited commercial messages coming in from the Internet. While spam filters don’t prevent spam itself, they can help you to save time by not having to sift through hundreds of irrelevant emails every day!
10. Data Encryption
Data encryption is commonly used on networks where sensitive data needs to be protected against unauthorized eyes. When data is “encrypted,” it’s converted into an unreadable format without readable text or images. Data encryption can protect important documents containing proprietary information about your company, which could cause serious damage if accessed by rival companies’ spies!
11. Email Archiving
Email archiving is an important security measure that allows you to keep copies of your emails for auditing purposes, in addition to the original email. Legal requirements for record-keeping dictate that any organization which conducts business electronically must be able to keep track of their digital communications for a certain period, and email archiving can provide this functionality.
Network security is an important term that refers to the protection of computer networks from unauthorized access, damage, or disruption. Now you have an overview of the different types of network security protections.
By employing various types of protections, you can keep your network safe from a variety of threats like malware and DDoS attacks. While no single solution can provide 100% security, using multiple layers of defense will help to ensure that your data is kept safe and confidential.
