Network security is vital for businesses of any size, as cyber-attacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly common. An organization’s internal network contains sensitive information, including financial records, personal data, and confidential business data, which is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance and smooth operations. Thus, network security is essential for the security of the organization as a whole. It involves implementing policies and technologies to prevent unauthorized access, theft, damage, and disruption, protecting against cyber attacks, data breaches, and other security threats.
Broadly speaking, networks can be classified based on jurisdiction/access as internal/private networks, external/public, and DMZ (Demilitarised Zones)/perimeter networks.
- Internal/private networks house all of an organization’s business and operational data, and should not be accessible from the outside
- External networks are everything outside the internal network, or in other words, the internet, and are publicly accessible and globally connected
- DMZ’s are special perimeter network segments that are used to create a secure and controlled interface between the internal and external networks
Why is Network Security Important?
As technology advances and the world goes digital, networks face growing security threats from sophisticated cyber attacks. Proactive measures, including network security, are essential to protect organizations from unauthorized access, theft, and damage to sensitive information and systems. Network security also preserves business continuity and reputation since a security breach can result in significant financial losses and reputation damage that could take years to recover from.
With completely different rules of engagement inside the perimeter of an organization as compared to the outside, it’s quintessential that the perimeter of an internal network is protected rigorously. Network security allows an organization to demarcate and separate its internal networks from unwanted access and exposure to the outside world, thereby protecting critical resources against malicious actors.
Just like the safety and security of the members and inventory of a household depend on the infrastructure of the house built around them, say, the quality of windows, doors, CCTV, alarm systems, etc, the security of an enterprise first and foremost depends on the network infrastructure and security around it. Every enterprise functions within its ecosystem but will always require access to and from the internet, be it due to distributed resources, different branches across different regions, or remote access. Since the enterprise network and architecture require a certain amount of trust within itself to function efficiently, someone on the inside of an internal network can compromise the network a lot more easily and can also cause a lot more damage than someone on the outside. This, in essence, is why creating a solid perimeter of security around the enterprise’s internal network is paramount to the security of the enterprise itself. However, this is also why internal networks are the prime target for a malicious actor. If they break through the perimeter, the chances of achieving their goals are dramatically increased.
These statistics mirror a general trend for the industry. Cyber-attacks are on the rise and are demanding organizations take charge of their security postures. For perspective on just how much damage can be done, we look at one of many big breaches in the past few years, the Target data breach of 2013. Attackers gained access to Target’s Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and injected malware to steal the personal and financial information of a whopping 110 million customers. To date, it is one of the largest data breaches in history. The investigation showed that the attackers accessed Target’s network through a third-party HVAC vendor. They used the vendor’s credentials to log in, inject malware, and extract information. Target’s reputation took a major hit, the CEO at the time resigned, and they also had to deal with numerous lawsuits. The total cost of the data breach is estimated to be close to a staggering 300 million USD. This breach highlights the importance of securing third-party vendor access to the internal network using encryption, MFA, whitelisting the systems that can be used to access the network and ensuring that they have the minimum privileges required to perform their function.
What are the components of Network Security?
There are several components of network security, some of which are:
- Firewalls: Firewalls are the first line of defense in network security. They act as a barrier between a private internal network and the public internet, regulating traffic between the two based on a set of rules called an Access Control List (ACL)
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): IDS/IPS systems monitor network traffic in real-time and detect and prevent security threats before they can cause harm. IDS’s are usually not in line but receive all the traffic and raise an alarm when they detect an issue. IPSs are in-line and actively prevent attempts at intrusion
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs provide secure remote access to an organization’s internal network. They create an encrypted tunnel between endpoints through which all data transmitted over the internet flows, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected
- Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software: Anti-virus and anti-malware software help protect against the spread of malicious software, such as viruses and spyware
- Access Control: Access control systems help regulate who has access to sensitive information and systems. They ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and that they can only perform actions that are within their scope of permission. This is especially important for securing internal networks as it prevents privilege creep and abuse
- Encryption: Encryption is the process of converting readable data into an encoded format to prevent unauthorized access. Encryption helps protect sensitive information, even if it is intercepted by a third party
- Data loss prevention (DLP): Data Loss Prevention tools and policies are used to prevent employees from sharing critical organizational data outside the prescribed network. It ensures that all information is transmitted safely
How to Implement Network Security?
Implementing network security can seem like a daunting task, but it is essential to take the necessary measures to protect your organization’s data and systems. Network security is the first line of defense against malicious actors and can make or break an organization. There is no shortcut and one must implement a strategy with an abundance of caution, using an enriched Defense-in-Depth approach. Additionally, establishing clear security policies, training employees on the importance of security, and creating a culture of security awareness can go a long way in promoting internal network security and ensuring the security and success of the organization in the long run. Some of the essential steps to implementing an effective network security strategy include:
- Develop a security plan: Develop a comprehensive security plan that outlines the policies, procedures, and technologies that will be used to secure the network
- Educate employees: Employee awareness can make or break an organization’s security posture and thus providing them with the necessary training to follow best practices is quintessential
- Implement security technologies: Implement the security technologies that are most relevant to the organization, such as firewalls, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, Anti-Virus solutions, anti-malware software, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Defense-in-depth approach: Use multiple layers of security to best protect the organization and reduce single points of failure
- Regularly update/patch software and systems: Regularly update and patch software and systems to ensure that they are protected against the latest security threats
- Monitor and test the security of the organization: Regularly monitor network security and test it to identify any vulnerabilities or attempts at break-ins
- Implement Business Continuity Plans, Disaster Recovery Plans, and Incident Response Plans: They ensure the business stays operational in the event of a disruption, malicious or otherwise, and that recovery is achieved quickly based on the dictated policies and procedures
How SecurDI can help?
SecurDI is a company that provides security solutions to protect both individuals and organizations from cyber threats. We offer a wide range of services, including security assessments, addressing security gaps, and even managing security solutions to enhance their clients’ cybersecurity posture and ensure their safety in the ever-changing cyber landscape. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique security requirements and create customized solutions to meet those needs. As cyber threats continue to grow and technology becomes more integral to our daily lives, the demand for cybersecurity solutions has risen significantly in recent years. In addition to providing security services to their clients, we also engage in ongoing research and development to stay ahead of the latest threats and technologies.