Network Security

Access Control

This refers to controlling which users have access to the network or especially sensitive sections of the network.

Using security policies, you can restrict network access to only recognized users and devices or grant limited access to noncompliant devices or guest users.

Antivirus and Anti-Malware

Malware, or “malicious software,” is a common form of cyberattack that comes in many different shapes and sizes.

Some variations work quickly to delete files or corrupt data, while others can lie dormant for long periods of time and quietly allow hackers a back door into your systems.

Application Security

Each device and software product used within your networking environment offers a potential way in for hackers.

For this reason, it is important that all programs be kept up-to-date and patched to prevent cyberattacks from exploiting vulnerabilities to access sensitive data.

Data Lost Prevention

Data loss prevention (DLP) technologies are those that prevent an organization’s employees from sharing valuable company information or sensitive data—whether unwittingly or with ill intent—outside the network, such as uploading and downloading files, forwarding messages, or printing.

DDOS Prevention

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks is becoming increasingly common.

They function by overloading a network with one-sided connection requests that eventually cause the network to crash.

A DDoS prevention tool scrubs incoming traffic to remove non-legitimate traffic that could threaten your network, and may consist of a hardware appliance that works to filter out traffic before it reaches your firewalls.

Email Security

Email is an especially important factor to consider when implementing networking security.

Numerous threat vectors, like scams, phishing, malware, and suspicious links, can be attached to or incorporated into emails.

Because so many of these threats will often use elements of personal information in order to appear more convincing, it is important to ensure an organization’s employees undergo sufficient security awareness training to detect when an email is suspicious.

Firewalls

Firewalls are another common element of a network security model.

They essentially function as a gatekeeper between a network and the wider internet.

Firewalls filter incoming and, in some cases, outgoing traffic by comparing data packets against predefined rules and policies, thereby preventing threats from accessing the network.

Network Segmentation (ZTNA)

Dividing and sorting network traffic based on certain classifications streamlines the job for security support personnel when it comes to applying policies.

Segmented networks also make it easier to assign or deny authorization credentials for employees, ensuring no one is accessing information they should not be.

Segmentation also helps to sequester potentially compromised devices or intrusions.

Web Security

Web security software serves a few purposes. First, it limits internet access for employees, with the intention of preventing them from accessing sites that could contain malware.

It also blocks other web-based threats and works to protect a customer’s web gateway.