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Network Infrastructure Magazine | Friday, December 03, 2021
Network security refers to the policies, processes, and practices used to prevent, detect, and monitor unauthorized access to, misuse of, modification of, or denial of service attacks against a computer network and its network-accessible resources.
FREMONT, CA: Network security is the practice of safeguarding the network and its data to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of the network's computer systems. It encompasses various technologies, devices, and processes, incorporating both software and hardware technologies.
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Regardless of industry or infrastructure, each organization requires comprehensive network security solutions to safeguard against the numerous cyber threats that exist today.
Layers of network security
When discussing network security, people must take into account the following layers of defense:
Physical network security: Physical network security controls aim to keep unauthorized individuals from the office and network devices such as firewalls and routers. Physical locks, identification verification, and biometric authentication are just a few of the safeguards in place to address such concerns.
Technical network security: Technical security controls apply to network devices and data in storage and transit. Additionally, technical security must safeguard data and systems against unauthorized personnel and malicious employee behavior.
Administrative network security: Administrative security controls address user behavior in terms of security policies and compliance processes. Additionally, it encompasses user authentication, their privilege level, and modifying the existing infrastructure.
Best practices for network security
Consider some of the network security best practices people should follow.
Establish a network and security infrastructure: Every organization should have a firewall and a web application firewall (WAF) to safeguard their website against various web-based attacks and secure their data storage. Various additional systems, such as intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) systems, security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and data loss prevention (DLP) software, should be used to ensure the organization's maximum security and monitoring of traffic.
Disable file sharing functionality: While file sharing may appear to be a convenient method of exchanging files, it is recommended that file-sharing be enabled on a small number of independent and private servers. On all employee devices, file sharing should be disabled.
Maintain antivirus and anti-malware software updates: Businesses purchase desktop computers and laptops equipped with the latest antivirus and anti-malware software but fail to keep them updated with new rules and patches. Keeping antivirus and anti-malware software up to date can ensure that the device runs antivirus software, including the most recent bug fixes and security updates.
Utilize a dedicated IP address: Private IP addresses should be assigned to critical devices and servers in the network to prevent unauthorized users or devices from accessing them. This practice enables the information technology administrator to easily monitor all unauthorized attempts by users or devices to connect to the network for any suspicious activity.
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