Types of Network Security

What is Network Security?

Network security refers to the processes and activities involved in protecting your computer network, data and resources from any potential threat or unauthorised access. Security measures include both software and hardware technologies and are designed to protect your infrastructure from a variety of different threats.

The security works by identifying and targeting threats, and then preventing them from entering your network – network security is essentially a protection wall for your computer network.

Types of Network Security

Protecting your network is extremely important in today’s world. According to CSO, “around 65,000 attempts to hack small-to medium-sized businesses occur in the UK every day, around 4,500 of which are successful”. This is an alarming statistic that indicates the appropriate measures need to be put in place at your business.

There are a whole host of different network security measures you can implement. Which you require will depend on your business’ individual circumstances, but below we’ve listed and explained the most common types of network security. Generally, a combination of these are used to form a more sophisticated network security model.

Firewalls

A firewall is a security device that acts as a gatekeeper between your network and the wider internet, separating trusted networks from untrusted ones. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and decides whether to allow or block traffic based on a set of predefined rules. This is invaluable when it comes to reducing the risk of hackers accessing your network.

A firewall should be an essential component of your network security arsenal.

Email Security

Email security secures the access and data of an email account by blocking incoming attacks. Multiple threats, such as scams, phishing and suspicious links, can be attached or incorporated into emails, and because attackers use elements of personal information in order to appear more legitimate, they can often deceive recipients. However, once they have access, attackers can use your personal information to cause all kinds of damage – deceiving your clients or sending them to sites full of malware, to give just two examples.

Email security can also be configured to control outbound messages to ensure certain forms of data aren’t shared.

Antivirus & Antimalware Software

Antivirus and antimalware software protect your network against malware, such as viruses and ransomware. Malware is a common form of cyberattack and can come in different shapes and sizes – whereas some variations work quickly to delete files or corrupt data, others can stay calm within your network for long periods of time allowing hackers entry into your systems.

Antivirus and antimalware software operate by scanning for malware upon entry and also by continuously tracking files afterwards to detect anomalies that may have slipped through.

Application Security

Any application your business uses in its day-to-day operations needs to be protected, and as its name suggests, application security is a type of security software designed to protect these applications. Regardless of whether you’ve developed these applications yourselves or if you’ve purchased them, any app can contain vulnerabilities and loopholes that attackers can use to infiltrate your network.

This type of security tracks and identifies your application’s weaknesses before fixing and preventing them from any cyber threats. Each device your business uses presents a potential way in for hackers so it’s vital all apps you use are constantly updated and patched to prevent attackers from exploiting any holes.

Network Segmentation

Network segmentation technology enables your computer network to be classified into subnetworks. This allows you to provide access privileges based on your employees’ role, location and so on, ensuring that the appropriate level of access is given to the right people. This means you can make sure no one is accessing information they shouldn’t be and also enables you to ensure suspicious devices are contained.

Web Security

The primary purpose of web security is to determine the level of internet access available to employees, preventing them from accessing any malicious websites. However, it also helps you to protect your own website and block other web-based threats to prevent the sensitive data of your organisation from being compromised.

IT Security & Support Bristol

If your business doesn’t have a dedicated IT security and support team, there’s a strong possibility that you’re vulnerable to the wide range of cybersecurity threats out there.

To find out how you can improve your network security, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with CAB IT Services today. Based in Bristol, we’re a professional IT support company providing a comprehensive range of managed IT services to businesses across the UK. Contact our team today for a bespoke network security recommendation based on your specific needs.

See more: Managed IT Services – Everything You Need to Know About Managed IT Services

See more: VoIP Telephone Systems – The Ultimate Guide to VoIP Telephone Systems