What is network security & how it works?

Network security is an activity that consists of policies and practices to protect the usability and integrity of the data and network so that it is not misused or modified. It can be in both hardware and software technologies. Network security is an essential and important asset for the company or organization to protect its assets and data.

Image source: cisco.com

Every other day there will be a news of network hacking or misusing the data of other’s network. Recently yahoo, amazon and other world wide websites had become the victim for network hacking as result of which the website had to be shut down for a few hours. To prevent this type of damage or hacking the organization should monitor their system for attacks and unauthorized intrusion. The IT field of the organization should consider it as a daily routine to check their network security functionality.

There are many layers from which network security works on. Mainly it revolves around 3 phases physical network security, technical network security and administrative network security.

Physical network security:

Physical security is designed to prevent unauthorized access to physical component of the network or organization. Physical components include routers, lockers, cabling cupboards, biometric devices and other such organization’s devices. The organization can tighten its physical security by considering few of these steps:

• Use lockdown cables to secure computers and laptops.
• Keep the servers and wiring closets in locked doors.
• Take a right decision on whom to give access to server rooms, if the person is reliable or not.
• Monitor the network interconnection hardware rooms through CCTV.
• Remove the sign boards indicating the server and network installed room.

Technical network security:

Technical security is nothing but the authentication security. It is exactly the same as access card i.e. it checks and verify if the user logging in is belonging to the network. This prevents the unauthorized intrusion to the network system. It is more important to secure the information in the computer or laptop than the system or laptop itself. If the device is lost then can buy a new device or calm an insurance but no money can be paid for the confidential information in it.

Administrative security:

Administration security is the authorization security. It consists of policies and processes to control user behavior their authorization level and the implanted changes to the infrastructure. In better words the admin need access to entire network whereas the work member need access only till his specific work area.

Image source: techartes.com

Network security can be hardware and software technologies.

• Antivirus and Antimalware Software:  This software protects the system from any malware, viruses, trojans or worms. The viruses are very dangerous as it can damage the whole of the system. This software prevents the system from these threats by scanning for malware entry and also function a regular check on all files and folders.
• Application Security:  No application will be perfectly designed to say it as free from threats. There can be security vulnerabilities which lead the hackers to hack the network. Thus, application security is needed to safeguard the information in that app.
• Behavioral analytics:  In order to detect the abnormal behavior of the system behavioral analytics tool is essential. Behavioral analytic tool can detect the activities that deviate from the norm. By this the professionals can detect particularly where has the threat arrived from and act accordingly to prevent it.
• Data loss prevention:  It is very important for the organization to see that the staff members are not leaking the confidential information outside the network. This DLP technologies work to prevent people from leaking, uploading or forwarding any work-related information.
• Email security:  Now a days Email gateways are becoming more victims for security breach. The hackers collect the data from email and misuse them. Email security application blocks and controls such attacks and prevent the sensitive data from breaching.

There are many other types including

• Firewalls
• Endpoint Security
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• Mobile Device Security
• Network Segmentation
• Web Security
• Wireless Security
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
• Network Access Control (NAC)

As technology is developing the hackers are also becoming technically strong enough in data or information breaching. Enterprises cannot handle such scams without proper security system. Network security is a must for the companies or organizations to survive in today’s world. Some of the benefits of having network security are:

• Confidential data is protected- all organizations will be having more confidential data in their system which need to be protected from the threat. If not, then the organization may lose its value or business. Using this network security, they can not only protect the in and out flow of the data but also the confidential data within it.
• Increases the lifespan of the system/computer- protection of the system from harmful viruses, trojans and worms is essential to increase its lifespan. The more secure the system/network is, the more longevity of the system.
• Different level of authorization- Network security can give different levels of authorizations for different computers. A company consists of members working on different areas, the authorization to the fields should be given based on their works essentials so that disgruntled employees or untrained employees cannot leak the confidential data out of the network. The network security help to achieve this protection.

Most of the network breach are through emails. The hackers collect the information through email breaching and makes the students to click on the link that go to uncensored websites which disturbs the student’s reputation in the school. Sometimes this also leads to downfall of the school reputation. Many hackers are the insiders who hack and modify the information for their profitability. If any hacker does the same in the schools/colleges system with any of its student then the whole carrier of that student will be in trouble. Hence network security is a must to be adopted in all the organizations and educational institutions.