IT security is a fundamental and mandatory aspect for every organization seeking to protect both its data and network from a myriad of threats among them hacking, stealing and attacking as well. IT security is composed of a number of areas which include: network security, email security, and database security among others.
Nonetheless, the sole focus of this article is Network Security. Network infrastructure security systems are a major component in firms and attacks are generally increasing on a daily basis. This means that proper adherence to system maintenance and focus on the various areas of network security are among the major steps needed to deal with this concern.
There are numerous parameters through which attacks can be carried out on an organization and without proper and prior prevention, these attacks can affect an organization negatively and significantly.
Network Security
In simple terms, Network security is any process designed to offer protection to a network. Such processes offer protection to the reliability, applicability, dependability and security of both your data and your network as well. Efficient network security aims at protecting the user from precise threats and attacks, working diligently to guarantee that these threats and attacks do not invade and spread through your network.
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How It Protects You
To formally understand how Network security protects you, one must first identify the particular threats that your network is prone to. There is a wide spread of network threats all over the internet but the most common ones include spyware and adware, Denial of service attacks, Viruses, Worms, Trojan horses, Hacker attacks, Identity theft and Data interception and theft among many others.
How Network Security Works
Similar to most problems in the universe, there is almost never a single solution that can completely eradicate a problem. In most cases, effective eradication of a problem requires more than a single solution and Network security is no different.
There is not a single Network Security solution that can protect you from a variety of these attacks and threats alone. Numerous security layers are mandated so that where one fails, the other can act in place of it. In Network Security, both software and hardware are required, where the software must be updated constantly to ensure that the hardware is threat free.
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The best thing about a Network Security system is that it comprises numerous components, all of which work in unison. This is beneficial for the user since it enhances security and reduces maintenance. These components normally include:
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for providing secure remote access.
- Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) for identifying fast-spreading threats like zero-hour attacks.
- Firewall for blocking unauthorized access to a network.
- Anti-virus and anti-spyware.
Network Security Solutions and Measures
In order to have a fully protected security network, a number of steps need to be in place to ensure that it can function practically. These series of steps are what are known as security measures. These measures comprise numerous tactics including firewall rules modification, software updating particularly on networked hosts and authentication routines just to name but a few.
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To guarantee a properly protected network, effective security strategies and a subsequent spot-on selection of techniques are mandatory in effecting these strategies. Moreover, there are distinct and precise steps fundamental in ensuring that the security strategies are efficiently and correctly implemented. The following are some of the steps that can be taken:
- Identification of the network assets.
- Security risks analysis.
- Security requirements and adjustments analysis.
- Security plan development.
- Defining a security policy.
- Developing procedures for security policies application.
- Developing a strategy for technical implementation.
- Provide training to stakeholders.
- Implement the technical strategy and security procedures.
- Test the security and update it if any problems are found.
- Maintain security.
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Conclusion
Attacks, threats, and risks can be hostile and detrimental to any form of organization, firm or individual with a network that is not properly protected. Moreover, the fact that nearly every activity and process is automated and is handled almost exclusively by use of the internet has not lessened the risk of attacks on these networks. As such, having an understanding of IT security and network security solutions is not only fundamental but also mandatory to ensure smooth operation of all activities and processes that are driven by computers.
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