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Home / Cybersecurity / What is Network Security
Network security covers many technologies, devices, and processes. It refers to a set of rules and configurations designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks and data.
Sound network security controls are recommended for organizations to reduce the risk of an attack or data breach. These measures also enable the safe operation of IT systems. Network security consists of hardware and software technologies and are ideally composed of layers that include applications, antivirus, access management, servers, firewalls, physical access, and policies.
Network security attacks are categorized on the basis of the end goals and are known as active and passive.
Passive: The purpose here is to monitor/screen sensitive information. Here, the security of enterprises and their customers is compromised. Examples of passive threats:
Malware: Upon infecting a computer, the malware gains entry over the network and then spreads to other connected devices.
Worm: A worm infects the system when a vulnerable network application is executed.
An effective network security policy also defines certain tools that offer better protection. These tools are known as network security controls.
Internet Protocol (IP): It is the address system of the internet with the core function of delivering information packets. IP is a primary key to network connections.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): TCP works with IP for exchanging data packets. TCP organizes data to ensure secure transmission between the client and the server.
Wireless Network Protocols: These protocols work on wireless networks, e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE. It proves useful for mobile and electronic devices that are not directly connected with a wire.
Wireless Network Protocols: These protocols work on wireless networks, e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE. It proves useful for mobile and electronic devices that are not directly connected with a wire.
A firewall refers to a hardware or a software program designed to enhance network security. Its purpose is to block all unwanted incoming traffic while allowing authorized communications to flow freely.
A traditional network security firewall can only protect the internal network against incoming traffic. Despite this, firewalls have played an important role for the last three decades. Modern firewalls are modified as NGFW and target focused NGFW to block emerging cyber threats.
Network security is monitored to ensure the safety of the internal systems and the data that is generated during the process. This data is helpful in various IT operations and case studies.
Network traffic monitoring tools are broadly classified into two types. There are deep packet inspection tools and flow-based tools. These tools are gaining popularity in the cybersecurity community as companies are relying on mechanics like cloud and VOIP. Network monitoring software are helpful in monitoring network traffic whenever the stress on the network increases.
No network is safe in an environment where hackers continuously find ways to exploit the system. A threat can cause problems at any moment. A foolproof network security system will ensure these problems won’t occur.
Here are some of the must-have network security tools that help you protect your internal systems from intrusions.
Anti-malware is one of the security essentials that identifies viruses, worms, Trojans, etc., and prevents them from infecting the network.
Security personnel establish guidelines for what is considered as normal behavior for customers as well as users. Behavioral analytics software keeps an eye on any suspected activity to identify abnormal behavior.
Application security helps establish security guidelines for applications that are relevant to network security. This process blocks any suspicious application from entering the system as well as for closing gaps in security coverage.
Humans are considered the weakest security link. Data loss prevention (DLP) technologies protect staff and anyone who uses the network from misusing and possibly compromising sensitive data.
Firewalls are an important part of the network security system as they act as a barrier between the network trusted zone and everything beyond it.
Phishing allows intruders to access an insecure network illegally. Email security blocks phishing attempts and outbound messages carrying sensitive data.
Mobile and wireless devices are vulnerable to possible network breaches and therefore require extra scrutiny.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems AKA intrusion detection system analyze network traffic/packets to identify different types of attacks and respond quickly. Intrusion detection systems create a database of known attack methods to identify patterns and thwart any similar incidents in the future.
SIEM collects data from various network tools. This information helps in identifying and responding to threats accordingly.
A virtual private network authenticates safer communication between a network and a device.
Due to huge data exchanges, businesses are transferring from internal networks to a bigger and secure platform. The cloud infrastructure is a self-contained network in both physical and virtual mediums. Physical infrastructure refers to multiple cloud servers working together. Virtual stands for instances of clouds networking with each other on a single physical server.
Cloud vendors create security control policies on their platforms which often don’t match the internal policies of their client. This results in excess load and mismatches due to multiple security policies. In such cases, a certified network defender would come up with viable solutions to resolve these complexities.
Law firms have a lot of information to protect. A network breach will not only damage the reputation of the said entity but will also expose their clients to blackmailing and identity theft. Since the beginning of 2020, many law firms have started online consultations, increasing these risks. Impenetrable network security measures will establish a better business-client relationship with a higher degree of privacy and confidentiality.
Network security measures are always recommended for film, music, and the publishing industry. Proper defensive measures in place will reduce the risk of theft of intellectual property and massive damages.
Network security measures are always recommended for film, music, and the publishing industry. Proper defensive measures in place will reduce the risk of theft of intellectual property and massive damages.
The food and hospitality industries handle sensitive private information including bank account and credit card details. These companies should have a proper network defense infrastructure to keep the information private and ensure a higher level of trust.
Any entity that holds confidential information like personal records, card details, and even CCTV footage should consider implementing network security solutions.
The BFSI sector is fueled by fast-paced technology adoptions leveraging AI, blockchain, cloud computing, etc. These innovations, integrated with a massive growth in fintech, are spearheading the rise of the cashless economy around the world.
This switch to a cashless mindset and popularity of payments through apps, cards, and other similar mediums, has resulted in the sector becoming a target for cyber criminals. Vizom, the malware that used remote overlay attacks to strike Brazilian bank account holders, is a cautionary tale. The BFSI sector needs to improve its network security infrastructure to protect customer data, credit and debit card information, and confidential information that can cause a lot of damage if leaked.
Network security is not a destination but a journey. It is a process that strengthens the internal systems with the help of various strategies and activities. These can be grouped into four phases — protect, detect, respond, and predict. Every phase of network security control requires strategies that move the process to the next phase. Any modification in one phase affects the overall process. An experienced network security official would take a proactive approach in the prevention phase to enable the other three approaches to be successful.
A Blue Team is a team of defenders that keep an eye on any possible attack on the network. Organizations hire individuals who have a deep understanding of and training in network defense to stay safe from any attacks. Network administrators who aspire to progress further in their career choose blue team cybersecurity certifications for better opportunities in their career. There are multiple certifications depending on their skill sets and understanding of tools and techniques.
There is a clear gap between demand for network security professionals and the vacancies, where the latter is way higher. According to LinkedIn, more than 50,000+ network security jobs are lying vacant because of lack of talent and expertise. A network security certification will open unlimited opportunities to pursue these jobs in the most reputed companies around the world.
Network Security Engineer Salary
According to PayScale, network security engineers earn between $57,000 and $128,000 on a yearly basis.
The CCNA certification authenticates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot routed & switched systems, and typically leads to Network Technician/Administrator jobs. The primary responsibility across these roles is to handle the networking equipment crucial for seamless data flow within the IT infrastructure.
The certification has its limits though, as it doesn’t provide knowledge of network defense or security. CND v2 focuses on key knowledge areas to develop superior network defense skills. A Network Administrator who understands networking tools and technologies will absorb knowledge about network security faster than their peers.
A Network Technician/Administrator with network security training will find careers in the most reputed organizations around the world.
MCSE certified technicians have knowledge of networking fundamentals and experience in configuring tasks related to administration and security. Their responsibilities include installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining operating systems, system management tools, and application software for clients. They monitor the security, backup, and sluggish approaches of clients.
However, this certification has its limits as it doesn’t cover network security. Professionals in this domain should consider network defense to reach the next stage of their career. A Network Administrator with prior understanding of networking tools and technologies will absorb knowledge about network security faster than their peers.
Technicians with network security training go on to find careers in sought-after companies around the world. CND v2 is a vendor-neutral certification that allows individuals to work on different tools without any restrictions. Those who complete EC-Council’s Certified Network Defense (CND) training and certification qualify for job roles such as entry-level Network Administrators, entry-level Network Security Administrators, Data Security Analyst, Junior Network Security Engineer, Junior Network Defense Technician, Security Analyst, Security Operator, among many others.
Network security opens new career paths. When it comes to pursuing a thoroughly designed network security program, EC-Council is a preferred name among professionals as well as employers. The programs offer a vendor-neutral experience of threats that a professional may face on the job.
Network security training is for everyone and is not just limited to IT professionals. Students have the freedom to choose the best program according to their knowledge base, ranging between basic, intermediate, and advanced.
Network Defense is the way to go for professionals who have a thorough understanding of Linux Administration and IAM. Under the Network Defense umbrella, you’ll find the following courses ideal to expand your knowledge base: