Network Security

Understanding Network Security

  • Network Security refers to measures taken to protect a network from unauthorised access and to avoid the disruption of network-connected services. It focuses on preventing threats from entering or spreading on the network.
  • These threats can include anything from viruses and malware, to data theft or data interception, all with the intent to cause harm or exploit the network in some manner.
  • Network security covers a broad range of devices, including computers, servers, switches, and routers, as well as physical infrastructure.
  • Good network security can help protect privacy, prevent identity theft, and guard against loss of service.

Layers of Network Security

  • Access Control ensures only authenticated and authorised users can access the network or certain parts of it.
  • Application Security establishes security on software applications, preventing the software from being compromised and used as a point to damage the wider network.
  • Behavioural Analytics enables the network to determine abnormal behaviour and take automatic preventative actions.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ensures sensitive data is not lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorised users.
  • Firewalls establish a barrier between secure and uncontrolled networks, scrutinising incoming and outgoing traffic for threats.
  • Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) identify potentially harmful incidents and respond by blocking potentially threatening activity.
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPN) create a secure connection between two points on a network, usually between a user and the network.

Network Security Protocols

  • Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protect the data during transmission between systems.
  • Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, encrypting all communication between a browser and a website.
  • Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) provides file access, file transfer, and file management functionalities over any reliable data stream.
  • Post Office Protocol (POP) and Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) are used for online mail retrieval, with secure versions (POP3S and IMAPS) offering an additional layer of security.
  • IP Security (IPSec) authenticates and encrypts the packets of data to provide security at the network level.

Why Network Security is Important

  • Network security is of utmost importance due to the increasing reliance on networks for daily activities and the rapidly evolving nature of threats.
  • Network security helps protect sensitive data, such as customer information and business plans, from falling into the wrong hands.
  • It ensures business continuity by preventing downtime due to security breaches.
  • Strong network security boosts customer trust and reputation.

Remember, an understanding of network security, its layers, protocols, and importance, will provide a solid basis for exploring larger themes within security and data management.