Network Security

Network security is key component of cybersecurity that protects network infrastructures and data from breaches or disclosures, intrusions, disruptions, misconfigurations and other security threats. It is the protection of the underlying networking infrastructure and platform from unauthorized access, misuses, tampering and theft.  Moreover, it is the process of developing a comprehensive and strategic defensive mechanism capable of securing organizational data and resources across the entire network infrastructure.

Network security is a vast domain that describes network hardware, software solutions and the personnel involved. Moreover, it includes the processes, rules, models, and security configurations related to usage, accessibility and security threat protection endeavors.

Network Security involves establishing a secure infrastructure for devices, applications, users and systems to work in a secure fashion. Besides, it is consisted of firewalls, virtual private network (VPN), internet protocol security (IPSec) or encryptions, access controls, antivirus software, endpoint and web security, wireless security and so on. Furthermore, robust network security controls protect individuals and organizations from viruses, worms, Trojan horse, spyware, malwares, ransomware, adware, spam, man-in-the-middle and other cyberattacks.

The types of network security controls that organizations deploy to protect their data may include:

• Firewalls
• Virtual private networks (VPNs)
• Access Controls
• Network segmentations
• Email security
• Endpoint security
• Data loss prevention (DLP)
• Intrusion detection systems/Intrusion prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
• Security information and event management (SIEM)
• Security operations center (SOC)
• Cloud network security
• Log management
• Sandboxing
• Bastions, Honeynets/Honeypots
• Application security
• Antiviruses or antimalware
• Mobile device security
• Industrial network security
• Web Security
• Wireless security
• Identification, Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (IAAA)

As in other cybersecurity programs, network security may involve the following best practices:

• Multifactor authentication
• Security awareness training
• Devices management
• Risk assessment
• Penetration testing
• Vulnerability management
• Backup security
• Business continuity plan/Disaster recovery plan (BCP/DRP)
• Cyber insurance
• Incident response plan (IRP)
• Vendor management (Supply chain risk management)
• Security policies

Network security controls can be administrative, technical and operational controls.