You probably already know how important it is to secure information on your computer system. However, a common mistake is assuming that cybersecurity is only needed on a device-level. In our increasingly interconnected business landscape, most organizations need a few types of network security for full cybersecurity.
| “What works for personal use won’t work for your company. Most businesses need multiple security features to keep their information locked-up tight.” – Dustin Frost, President, Attentus Technologies |
Consider that 60% of security breaches began with an unpatched network vulnerability. While this statistic highlights the importance of regular network scans and software updates, it also shows that neglecting network security is letting 60% of attackers get easy access.
If you don’t know where to start, consider the following 6 different types of network security. Even if you already have a network security strategy in place, you can always enhance it by adding additional network security features.
1. Network Segmentation
Network segmentation is the process of dividing a computer network into multiple sections or segments. This division allows for better control and monitoring of data flow between these segments. Because it restricts data flow, data can only move between specific segments when permitted.
Isolating different parts of the network means that if one segment faces a security threat, it doesn’t easily affect the others. Smaller segments are also easier to monitor and manage, which allows for more precise security measures.
2. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN works by routing your internet connection through a private server rather than your internet service provider (ISP). This means that when you access the internet using a VPN, your IP address is replaced with the IP address of the VPN server.
Most VPNs automatically encrypt your data. This makes it difficult for hackers to use anything even if they do manage to intercept data transmission. Additionally, your online activities remain confidential. Bad actors can’t track your browsing history, giving them less ammunition for a phishing attack.
3. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
An IPS is a security tool designed to monitor network traffic in real time. Its primary purpose is to identify and block potential threats before they can cause harm to the network. Once a potential threat is detected, the IPS takes immediate action, which can range from blocking malicious activity to alerting your security team.
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Because IPSs are proactive, malicious software can be stopped before it enters your system. Of course, this won’t replace the power of a proactive cybersecurity team. However, it can provide that extra layer of protection that lends your human team a hand.
4. Email Security
Email security refers to the measures and techniques used to protect email accounts, content, and communication. It works by scanning incoming and outgoing emails for malicious content, such as viruses, malware, and phishing links.
If you aren’t already using an email security tool, now is the time to get started. Phishing attacks increased by 61% in 2023 compared to 2022, and they’re only getting smarter. Education is important, but blocking these malicious emails from ever entering anyone’s inbox is even better.
5. Application Security
Application security refers to the processes and tools used to defend software applications from external threats. This can be achieved through various means, including:
- Regularly examining the application’s source code to find and rectify security flaws
- Using tools and methodologies to test applications for vulnerabilities, such as penetration testing
- Regularly updating and patching software to address known vulnerabilities
By proactively identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, the risk of a successful cyberattack is diminished.
6. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
DLP is both a strategy and set of tools designed to detect and prevent the unauthorized sharing, transmission, or loss of sensitive information.
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DLP solutions monitor the movement and storage of data across a network. They use predefined policies to identify sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or identifying personal information. When an attempt is made to move, share, or transmit this data outside the secure network, the DLP system can block the action, alert administrators, or both.
Types of Encryption in Network Security
Encryption should be part of any network security strategy. This is true regardless of the other types of network security you are using. These are the different types of encryption in network security.
1. Symmetric Encryption
This is like having one key to both lock and unlock a door. Both the sender and receiver use the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. It’s fast and efficient, but if someone else gets the key, they can access the information.
2. Asymmetric Encryption
Asymmetric encryption uses two keys, a public key to encrypt and a private key to decrypt. Imagine a mailbox where anyone can drop a letter in (using the public key), but only the owner can open and read the letters with a special key (the private key).
3. Hash Functions
This isn’t encryption in the traditional sense. Instead, hash functions take data and turn it into a fixed-size string of characters. Think of it like a unique fingerprint for the data. This is an important practice because it verifies data integrity and ensures it hasn’t been tampered with.
4. Transport Layer Security (TLS)
TLS is a protocol that ensures secure communication over a computer network. It’s an additional layer of protection to help prevent data from being intercepted during transmission.
Types of Scanning in Network Security
Like encryption, you’ll always need network scanning in place. Here are the different types of scanning in network security that you should consider.
| Port Scanning | Identifies open ports on a computer. Important to know which doors to lock to prevent unauthorized access. |
| Vulnerability Scanning | Checks for weaknesses in a system. Important to fix these weaknesses before attackers exploit them. |
| Application Scanning | Examines apps for security flaws. Important to ensure apps don’t become a security risk. |
| Banner Grabbing | Determines the software version on a device. Important because outdated software can have known vulnerabilities. |
Stay Ahead of All Kinds of Cyber Attacks With a Sophisticated Network Security Solution
Dealing with such network issues can be frustrating and time-consuming. Implementing any of these types of network security can help, but it’s not the end of the story. You need a 24/7 team that can leverage any type of network security to its fullest.
Attentus Technologies offers 24/7 monitoring, optimization of network connections, and a dedicated team that identifies problems at their source. With our help, you can ensure a secure and efficient network environment for your business, minus the technical interruptions.
Reach out today to see how we can do it.