As time goes on, hacking, data leaks, and cyberattacks become more and more commonplace. The amount of data leaks that exposed sensitive information more than doubled from 2015 to 2017. As the intensity and frequency of these cyberattacks rise, network security has emerged as a subject of critical relevance, particularly for practicing and aspiring IT specialists worldwide.
Network security, a type of cybersecurity that focuses on preventing unwanted access to networks and the devices they connect, is the activity of keeping such networks and their components safe from attack. It includes both digital and physical measures to safeguard the network and its devices from attackers. Network security is more important than ever before in this era of frequent and complex cyberattacks.
Why is it important to protect networks?
When doing business online, network security must be a top priority. There is no such thing as a completely secure network, but having a reliable and effective security system in place is crucial for keeping confidential customer data safe. Having a reliable network system for security help reduce a company’s vulnerability to cyber attacks like data theft and vandalism.
Your workstations will be safer from malicious spyware if your network is secured. In addition, it ensures the security of any information sent. Network security architecture supports many layers of defense against MiM attacks by segmenting data, encrypting it, and sending it across different channels to prevent security breaches.
It’s possible that once you’re connected to the internet, you’ll be bombarded with requests. The instability and potential vulnerabilities of a system may be increased by a mass presence of users. Through continuous supervision of any unusual activities that might undermine the system, network security increases network stability by eliminating delays and breakdowns.
What kinds of problems may occur in networks that would have consequences for people and businesses?
A hacker breaking into your network might be the end of your company. Vandalism is possible. As a rule, this involves flooding the system with false data. One of the various methods used by hackers. If false information is intentionally spread, it may damage your brand’s reputation and leave consumers feeling scammed.
The theft or misuse of intellectual property is another consequence of inadequate network security. The information of a business or a person may be accessed via hacking. If a hacker gains access and takes the company’s blueprints, plans, and ideas, they may be unable to develop and release any new products. This might be catastrophic for the company’s future growth or cause it to freeze.
As a result, the company’s revenue is at risk. When attacked, most networks will collapse. If a network is down for an extended period of time, it might cost the organization a lot of money since business would have to come to a halt. More funds are lost for every additional minute when the network is down. There will be a loss of money, but the company’s reputation might also be affected.
Cyberattacks have evolved over the past few years, becoming increasingly complex, widespread, regular, and hard to fight against. Numerous specialists in the field of cybersecurity worry that the complexity and intensity of such cyberattacks will only increase over time.
The following are examples of common network security threats:
1. Data theft, also known as data exfiltration, occurs when a hacker uses their illegal access to steal sensitive data from a computer system or a network. Often, hackers will use stolen credentials to access encrypted files or intercept data as it travels between computers.
2. Malicious code (malware) infects a network device when it installs itself without permission. When malware infects one device, it may quickly spread to others, making complete elimination almost impossible.
3. Threats from inside a company, or “insider threats”. These workers breach the system by using their own credentials to access private or secret data.
4. A password attack is any malicious effort to utilize an authorized password in an unauthorized manner. Hackers may get in in a number of ways, including by stealing, guessing, or breaking passwords.
5. Social attacks utilize deception and lies to get sensitive information, such a password, or to break security rules. Technical support personnel may be the subject of social engineering assaults in which they are tricked into helping an unsuspecting victim.
