What Is Meant by Network Security?

Is network security that important? 

Network security is especially important for businesses because an attack can affect not just the business, but their customers, employees, and vendors. A computer system has sensitive data for many reasons, and a proper network security system will protect that data from cyberattacks. It ensures that the network is trustworthy while staying usable by the people that should have access. 

It isn’t anything ‘new’ to see a news story about a company’s computer network system having experienced a security breach. It has been reported by one company known internationally that over $4 million was lost due to data breaches in 2022 alone. Without improving their network security, this amount is only going to increase every year. 

What measures can be taken to protect a computer network from malicious actions? 

There are best practices that every business should implement and practice today that will provide their network security.

1. Install a firewall and monitor it regularly: Blocks unauthorized access with a set of rules that control all accesses by network traffic.
2. Change passwords every 6 months or more frequently: Advise all employees not to use default passwords that can easily be hacked like ‘123456’ or date of birth, etc. 

Utilize advanced endpoint detection: AI offers technology to watch for any possible compromises of the network system and react accordingly. 

3. Create a VPN: What is a VPN?  A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an encrypted connection between a device and a network, a key in network security. Every employee that has offsite access should be assigned a VPN for authorization to access the company system. This decreases any chance of the company system being hacked through a wireless access point. 

4. Train all employees, review and update that training once a year: Educating your employees and frequent meetings that remind them about risks and mitigation steps will keep network security in mind. 

5. Require all computers to be shut down when not in use: Leaving computers on all night (or day) when not in use makes them easily accessible and visible to hackers. By turning them off, access is limited and even blocked simply by turning every computer off that isn’t being used. 

6. Delete and filter spam emails: Hackers and phishing emails go hand in hand in luring employees to open the email, click on an incredible offer or link, and BOOM, your company system is hacked.  

7. Encrypt all company files: “HTTPS” is an indication of a network security system has encryption in place. Encryption protects sensitive data on your operating system with special software that masks the company’s IP address. 

8. Securing personal devices: Implement and review with each employee that uses their personal devices the predetermined security protocols. This includes requiring Bluetooth to be turned off when not in use and to never use unsecured public Wi-Fi. 

9. Attain the services of a network security specialist: Hiring a technology management provider that is experienced in network security is the best way to overcome the challenges of today’s hackers. 

How does a firewall protect a computer network? 

A successful network security strategy employs multiple security solutions that will protect your business from cyberattacks or malware by denying access and service. A firewall is installed between the network connection and the network and keeps attackers from using one computer in your company to infect the other. Keep in mind that if an unauthorized user gains access to a computer, it can attack all computers within that segment. 

What is a black hat hacker and a white hat hacker, and what is the difference?

This can go back to the days of old westerns where the good guy wore a white hat and the bad guys wore a black hat.  A white hat hacker is a person that works with a company in identifying weaknesses in the company network security and computer system. They make updates as necessary to keep the network security protected and strong. A black hat hacker is a person(s) that illegally accesses a network with malicious intent, and/or personal gain. 

How can antivirus software help protect a computer network? 

Antivirus software will detect, quarantine, and/or delete malicious code that can damage your network. Security of antivirus software prevents malware from causing damage, and today, you can choose one that will update automatically. This ensures it is providing protection against various malware and the latest viruses.

What are the benefits of implementing two-factor authentication?

When you own a business, there can’t be enough steps for network security, and two-factor authentication reduces an account from a hacker while being monitored. The two-step factor is one more layer of protection.

What exactly is encryption and how is it useful in network security? 

When it comes to network security, the word ‘encryption’ is frequently used, but what is that exactly? To simplify, encryption is a process that encodes data to keep it hidden from unauthorized users and makes it inaccessible. Encryption protects private information and sensitive data,  providing enhanced network security between client apps and company servers. 

What is a DoS attack and how can it be prevented?

A DoS (Denial of Service) attack slows or takes down machines or networks so they are no longer accessible by authorized people. It is important to note that there are DoS and DDoS attacks. A DoS attack uses a single system. A DDoS attack is on multiple systems. As you may guess, a  DoS attack is easier to detect & contain. 

CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, is an organization with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It can appear as a non-malicious issue, like a technical problem, or system maintenance.  There are steps to increase network security and protect a company’s system:

• Monitor and analyze network traffic.
• Strengthen their security posture.
• Monitor traffic.
• Establish a DoS attack response plan.