If companies didn’t have network security, the internet as a whole would be in shambles. With everything already being online, network security is more important now than ever before. It doesn’t help that with COVID, remote work is becoming more of a norm and can require sensitive data, secure communications, and other important project collaborations to be all online. Without leaving all of this up for grabs to unauthorized users, Fognigma is here to help protect your infrastructure as well as keep you informed on how to innovate. Read more on everything there is to know about the purpose of network security.
What is Network Security, and Why is Network Security Important?
Network security are measures that IT teams take to protect your data. This could be through specific practices, firewalls, passcodes, and other technologies that are ultimately designed to protect information and keep it confidential. When network security is in place, it can keep out internal and external threats so that any sort of content you want protected isn’t taken or manipulated. Hackers are becoming more and more intelligent with how they can get into systems, and it’s network security’s job to limit that from happening.
Key Measures to Enhance Network Security
Having your network security constantly monitored and updated can go a long way in enhancing its power. Read more below on some key measures you can take:
1. Maintain Software
When your software infrastructure is up to date as far as the antivirus programs or other things installed, then it can be consistently effective. Remember to install updates as soon as they become available so you don’t have a dated system. It’s easier for your information to be hacked if your software hasn’t been updated in a while.
2. Make Visibility a Priority
A lot of times, military organizations only secure their data against external threats and forget about internal risks. Most of when security breaches occur, it originate from an insider threat, so you’ll have to be aware of monitoring user activity both inside and outside your organization. Also, restrict access to certain websites so that it’s easier to mitigate risks.
3. Restrict User Permissions
When insider threats happen, most of the time, its accidental, but intentional ones can cause significant damage. To prevent this from happening, you’ll need to limit user permission and accessibility to sensitive information. Additionally, using company-provided devices can help control the software and access permissions more effectively.
4. Establish a Security Policy
It’s best to let everyone in the organization know how security policies will be implemented and set clear expectations early. Providing ongoing security training and having a clear incident response plan in place can also help maintain security measures.
Types of Network Security to Have in Place
Believe it or not, there are multiple types of network security to have in place to keep your data safe, and having all or some is the safest practice. Here are some popular options.
1. Firewall Protection
Firewalls are perfect for creating a barrier of sorts between external and internal trusted networks. If you or your team collaborate over the internet a lot, firewalls are great for monitoring traffic, whether it’s outgoing or incoming. Then, when it’s used alongside your security rules, the data is completely secure.
2. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs are very popular in remote environments. It’s also a smart choice to create a secure connection over the internet without showing unauthorized users where you’re located. This is also a great tool for remote workers trying to get into their company’s network in the safest way possible.
3. Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
These systems work together to detect and prevent unauthorized access to networks or devices. IDS monitors network traffic for suspicious activity, while IPS takes action to prevent potential threats.
4. Data Encryption
Having your data protected is one thing, but having it encrypted is a whole other layer of security. Data encryption is the process of having a specific code or safeguard method that prevents outside users from accessing it. It makes it challenging for hackers to decipher information even if they were to intercept it.
How has network security changed over the years?
The internet, in general, has changed drastically over the years. Only a couple of decades ago, it was first created, let alone being about to use it for communication. With the growth of the internet and communicating online come more threats and cyber attacks. Network security has no other option but to continue to be better and offer more effective levels of protection. In the past, traditional firewalls were considered enough to protect a network. Fast forward to today, and additional measures such as intrusion detection systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and data encryption have been implemented.
Moreover, with the rise of cloud computing and remote work, network security has shifted towards protecting not just physical networks but also virtual ones. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication and access controls for remote users to ensure secure connections. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has also become increasingly important in detecting and preventing cyber-attacks. These technologies can analyze large amounts of data in real-time to identify potential threats and respond quickly. The biggest thing to take into account is that cyber attackers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s your job to be prepared for the worst with effective and efficient network security in place.
Summary
The purpose of network security is to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access to networks. It involves a combination of measures such as software maintenance, user permissions, establishing security policies, and staying updated on the latest technologies and threats. As technology continues to advance, it’s crucial for military operations to prioritize network security to safeguard their data and maintain the integrity of their systems. With Fognigma’s secure networking solutions, military organizations can stay ahead of potential threats and keep their networks protected. Visit our website for more information on how to get started.