What are the basics of network security?

network cable

Is security a threat?

Today, online theft is becoming more rampant, regardless of the government making punishment stricter and tougher. A business that handles customer’s personal information can’t afford to have their network hacked for several reasons. A hacker can ruin a business’ reputation and standing, not to mention the damage they can do to the customers with the information they’ve stolen.  This is why network security is so important to every business, no matter how big or small.

What about your network security at home though? This can be as devasting as your personal information being stolen from the restaurant or stores you frequent. Most homeowners have at least one computer in their home, many of us have multiple units that access the internet. Even our cell phones today are internet accessible, which means they are at risk without network security in place. 

Those who create and generate computer security threats are a relentless and inventive sort of people. They are the masters of disguise with extreme skills in manipulation and are constantly evolving to find other ways to cause harm and steal from others. 

It is only wise to implement a network security system to protect yourself and your personal information, including your finances. A network security is used to protect system from hackers and the following threats that are out here every day, all day: 

  •  Viruses: Everyone that has used a computer at any point know that a computer virus is the biggest security network. A computer virus can alter how your computer operates whether you give it permission or not. It will replicate and then execute itself and proceed to damage a computer beyond anything the average  person can remove or repair. 
  • Spyware: A serious computer network security threat, this program monitors all online activities. Spyware will  install a program without your consent that captures all personal information, including credit cards, debit cards, and banking information and use that information for profit. 
  • Hackers, Predators: Computers are not the guilty ones, they are the tool that the guilty uses to create malware and computer network security threats. Those are the hackers and predators with programming knowledge and skills and use that to victimize other people for financial gain. The government is making punishments harder for cyber theft, but it still out there, threatening everyone’s network security. 
  • Phishing: Everyone and every business you “meet” on the internet doesn’t have good intentions, even though they may appear to be of trusting contact. These are phishers are out here masquerading as a business or person you want to do business with but they are only working you to get your sensitive information, both financial and personal. They approach through email or instant messages with fraudulent plans known as phishing attacks, the latest in cybercrime activity. 

 What are the types of network security?

Cybercrime is fast growing, and experts predict the damage from cybercrime to reach over  $6 trillion by the end of 2021. The network security basics we had just 5 years ago isn’t strong any more and developers are working to improve network security every day. It is an ongoing job to stay ahead of cybercriminals. 

Some of types of network security tools that business use, and some can be used at home too include:

  • Access control. This controls which users can access your network, helpful for protecting sensitive sections like financial information.  
  • Antivirus and anti-malware. Malware is a common form of cybercrime attacks and it can come in various shapes and sizes. Some of these work quickly and delete files or even corrupt data, a problem that you’ve heard happening to larger companies. Most likely, you received notices if your personal information was involved at your bank or favorite store. 
  • Application security. Each device and software used within your network is a pace for hackers to get inside and do damage. This is why it is important to allow your computer to do updates so that cyber-attacks can be prevented.  
  • Email security. Email is something that we take for granted in our homes, but at work, it is an important factor that must be protected by implementing network security tools.  Protection from threat vectors with malware, phishing, and scams is necessary to protect your home computer just as much as it is a business’ network. 
  • Firewalls. Firewalls are common element for network security. This is the gatekeeper between your home network and the wide word of the internet. Incoming and outgoing information is protected which helps prevent cyber threats and cybercrime access.
  • Mobile device security. You’d be hard pressed to find a home that doesn’t have at least one person with a mobile device, chances are everyone in your home has one. Each of those have personal and often sensitive data that needs to be  protected from hackers.             

What are the 4 types of networks?

A group of computers that are linked together create a computer network. This is commonly found in business, but many homes have multiple computers linked to the modem and some are set up where they can communicate with each other or with the printer/scanner. The four computer networks are: 

  • Local Area Network
  • Personal Area Network
  • Metropolitan Area Network
  • Wide Area Network

What are the three main threats to networks?

For home network security , the most common security threats are: 

  • Computer viruses
  • Computer worms
  • Trojan horse

Other threat for home network security include, Adware, DOS and DDOS attack, QL injection attack, Phishing, Rootkit, Rogue security software, Spyware, and Man-in-the-middle.

woman enjoying secure connection

What are the 5 reasons to network security problems?

Seems like there is something new every day doesn’t it?  At work, you have an IT team to watch out for you, but at home, you’re on your own. Currently, the top five cyber network security threats that you need to be aware of at home are, and not listed in order of importance because they are all dangerous to your home network security: 

  • Data leaks
  • Hackers
  • Insider threat
  • Phishing
  • Ransomware

Because you don’t have an IT team watching out for you at home, every homeowner should know the network security or cyber security safety protocol and how to check your network security. Here are 5 things you need to do to check your home’s network security. 

  1. Test the Firewall Weaknesses: The firewall is the first port to your internet security. If it is weak, your network security is weak. 
  2. Test the  Antivirus Strength: A strong antivirus software will secure everything that is  downloaded, keeping anything that is malicious out of your network security system.
  3. Check the Browsing Protocol: Data and information sent to a website that is HTTP protocol does not encrypt your personal data like credit cards. Never send information to a site that doesn’t have HTTPS in the payment section of the web address. 
  4. Hacker Router Security: The central hub to your home internet and network is the router. If anyone outside of your home can access your computer through the router, you’re an open target for hackers.  
  5. Check for Leaks in the VPN Connection: If you are working from home with a VPN, make sure it doesn’t have a leak that is pulling information from your computer. If you’ve never used a VPN, then you don’t have any worries. 

Need network security in Long Island, NY? TotalTech Repair is here to assist! Call us today at (631) 517-0021!