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What is network security?

Network security covers cybersecurity tools and procedures that protect device networks against digital threats. With attacks that compromise devices and systems on the rise, learn how you can reinforce your network and the security of your data to improve your cybersecurity strategy.

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An infographic showing the range of network security solutions

Introduction to network security

Network security combines digital tools, guidelines, and policies to define device usage practices that users must follow to maintain access security and data integrity.

Network security basics

The core network security components are known as the CIA triad — Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

A person checking network security settings on their phone.

Network security basics

The core network security components are known as the CIA triad — Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

Confidentiality

It ensures that all data remains private and prevents any unauthorized access. Network security tools for confidentiality include access control policies and privileges, data encryption, password protection, and multi-factor authentication.

Integrity

It ensures that the data is accurate, authentic, and can’t be tampered with. Integrity can be upheld using encryption, authorized digital signatures, and protected storage.

Availability

It ensures that the data is available to the users who need access to it and maintains its storage. Network security solutions for availability cover the hardware infrastructure, servers, and data storage software.

Why is network security important?

A strong network security system is a critical component of cybersecurity for businesses and home networks. It acts as the first line of defense against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats like data breaches, ransomware, and phishing. While AI-driven attacks and machine learning have become part of cybercriminals’ toolkits, network security tools have been adapted to match against this threat.

A person checking their online network security status on their phone.

A person using their laptop to check whether their sensitive data is protected.

Network security helps protect the integrity of sensitive data, shields business secrets from unauthorized access, and fends off the threat of data exposure. It tackles network security threats, maintaining network integrity and keeping the systems running in the face of unexpected disruptions. It secures remote access, protecting the work processes of employees outside the office.

How does network security work?

Network security uses security measures — from hardware devices and software apps to standardized guidelines and compliance policies — to protect sensitive information and systems from cyber threats like data theft and breaches.

With tools like firewalls and VPNs, it ensures that all data is encrypted and can only be accessed by authorized users. Businesses use network security solutions to protect themselves from external threats and maintain the integrity of company and client data.

A login screen showing a password entered in the password field.

A person looking at their network security details on a tablet.

How does network security help protect data?

Network security systems cover encryption, secure authentication, and protection of data in transit. This infrastructure allows you to maintain a high level of network information security and protect data from external threats.

What are network security solutions?

The three main types of network security cover methods and tools dedicated to preventing, identifying, and responding to threats.

A person using their phone to set up a VPN and other network security solutions.

Preventive methods

Preventative methods are proactive measures that help stop external threats and mitigate attacks before they compromise or damage the network. Preventative network security examples include firewalls, VPNs, network access control, and multi-factor authentication.

A firewall blocks malicious activity and prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data. Firewalls are evolving to handle intensifying denial of service attacks and block sophisticated, AI-driven threats.

A happy person toggling intrusion detection settings on their phone and laptop.

Detective methods

Detective methods identify potential threats and monitor suspicious activity. They help spot early signs of attacks and unauthorized access attempts. Detective methods include intrusion detection systems, endpoint detection and response, and security information and event management.

Intrusion detection systems continuously monitor network activity for irregular behavior and respond to malicious activities. They analyze various system events and network packets and, if they detect irregularities, alert administrators about potential security incidents.

A fragment of a computer desktop that shows part of a browser window with a suspicious activity alert.

Responsive methods

Responsive methods are set into motion when an attack on the network is detected. They’re used to mitigate cybersecurity incidents, contain unauthorized access attempts, and mitigate the damages. Responsive methods include intrusion prevention, backup, and quarantine systems.

Intrusion prevention systems monitor networks for threats and take action based on the detected threat in real time. IPS can automatically block irregular traffic, terminate unauthorized processes, and quarantine suspicious files.

Best practices for network security

Follow the best network security practices to maintain a robust and reliable cybersecurity infrastructure.

Keep software and devices up to date

Outdated and vulnerable tools can lead to undetected breaches and zero-day exploits. Update your network security systems regularly to prevent security risks.

Use strong access controls

Prevent unauthorized access to your network. Manage who can access sensitive data and what devices they can use.

Train your team on security awareness

Shared knowledge is the simplest answer to the question “How to secure your network?”. Provide cybersecurity training for your team to keep everyone on the same page.

Implement regular backups

Don’t lose your sensitive data to oversight. Keep backup and recovery processes up and running.

Monitor your network continuously

Use traffic and access monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity and promptly respond to denial of service attacks.

Segment your network

Add complexity to your network cybersecurity architecture. Use network segmentation to prevent attacks from spreading deep into your systems.

Secure remote access

Prioritize company-issued phone, computer, and network security. Provide secure remote access measures to support employees wherever they are.

Establish clear security policies

Create a compliance-ready, reliable infrastructure and maintain reliable network security measures in case of a cyber threat.

Keep software and devices up to date

Outdated and vulnerable tools can lead to undetected breaches and zero-day exploits. Update your network security systems regularly to prevent security risks.

Use strong access controls

Prevent unauthorized access to your network. Manage who can access sensitive data and what devices they can use.

Train your team on security awareness

Shared knowledge is the simplest answer to the question “How to secure your network?”. Provide cybersecurity training for your team to keep everyone on the same page.

Implement regular backups

Don’t lose your sensitive data to oversight. Keep backup and recovery processes up and running.

Monitor your network continuously

Use traffic and access monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity and promptly respond to denial of service attacks.

Segment your network

Add complexity to your network cybersecurity architecture. Use network segmentation to prevent attacks from spreading deep into your systems.

Secure remote access

Prioritize company-issued phone, computer, and network security. Provide secure remote access measures to support employees wherever they are.

Establish clear security policies

Create a compliance-ready, reliable infrastructure and maintain reliable network security measures in case of a cyber threat.

Advanced security concepts and models

With the rapid development of AI and machine learning, cyber threats evolve faster than traditional cybersecurity tools. To tackle emerging threats, experts create new, more sophisticated security frameworks and models that offer robust and advanced approaches to network security and data protection.

A person exploring advanced online security models on their phone.

Zero trust network security requires all devices to be verified at every step of interaction while attempting to access network data. It aims to completely block all unauthorized access attempts through perpetual authentication requirements.

Main challenges in network security

Detecting each vulnerability in network cybersecurity systems, protecting them from threats, and ensuring their robust functioning pose numerous challenges in terms of resources, access, and compliance.

Evolving cyber threats

Cyberattacks are growing increasingly sophisticated, evolving alongside technology. New threats, powered by AI and machine learning, transform existing ones and appear more resilient to traditional security tools than before.

Expanding attack surface

With more employees choosing remote work and IoT devices creating interconnected networks, cybercriminals find new entry points and vulnerabilities to exploit.

Lack of visibility and monitoring

The number of users online grows, increasing the traffic load and creating new network monitoring and security challenges.

Compliance and regulations

Businesses must adhere to new and stricter data protection regulations to ensure compliance, maintain security, and avoid fines and reputational damages.

What is network security?