What is Network Security in a computer network?

What is Network Security in a computer network?

As we have already discussed in many of our previous articles, being in the virtual world and saving some of the most confidential data on the internet calls for top-tier security implementation for users. But, let’s look at the concept of networking security more closely. What exactly is it?

In the physical world, simply putting a lock on your door saves your entire home from burglars and thieves, ultimately making you secure. But, what do we do in the virtual world? How do we make ourselves more secure in a place that is literally open to everyone and can be used by anyone?  This is what we are going to answer in today’s article.

We will be looking at what network security exactly is. Its subtypes and also, the devices that provide users network security. Let’s get started!

NETWORK SECURITY DEFINITION

Network security is a concept introduced in the networking industry designed to protect the integrity of the network from unauthorized access, threats, and harmful entities. Network security is known to be majorly implemented by network administrators by using various protocols and defensive measures to create an environment that maintains as much confidentiality of data as possible.

We need this security in networks because they are used by governments, privates, and corporates to not only exchange general data but also tremendous transactions on a daily basis in real time.

Generally, the most common technique that is used by administrators to implement network security is by providing different devices connected to the network with a unique name and password. This method of network-security consists of three stages:

1. First is protection, which involves all the users connected to the network to be able to configure the other devices and networks accurately.
2. The second is, Detection, wherein the user can detect if the configuration has changed or even get a notification as soon as there is any problem in the network traffic.
3. The last one is Reaction, which requires the users and administrator to detect the problem in the network and respond to them along with making sure that the network returns to the original secured position.

Now that we have discussed the three stages of providing security to a network, let’s look at how these three stages unfold and how they function exactly.

HOW DOES NETWORK SECURITY WORK?

If you thought that simply filtering data and implementing certain security policies in the network gets your network to be secured, then it’s your time to face the hard truth. Believe it or not, network security is one of the most complex processes of the virtual world and it functions on multiple layers simultaneously.

All the layers, execute some strategies and follow specified policies at the edge and in between the network. So let’s look at all of these layers, as they are all vulnerable to attacks. And don’t forget, all the network’s constituent devices must be composed in sync to approach each division in order to avoid malicious attacks.

Essentially, the network-security model is divided into 3 different layers – these are – physical, technical, and administrative. Let’s look at them closely.

PHYSICAL: These are developed to prevent unauthorized users from accessing various physical devices that are connected to the network.

TECHNICAL: This layer provides security to all the data that is circulating within the network or even transferred from the network to any other. The protection provided by this layer is duplex, which means that data has to be secured from both unofficial parties from outside the network as well as the entities from inside the network that does not have access to the said data.

ADMINISTRATIVE: Administration security includes various security policies and processes for its functioning. This layer controls the end-user behavior along with taking care of how the IT staff of any organization implements reforms to its infrastructure and the network.

Maintaining all of these 3 layers together provides a network with optimum efficiency and protection. Now, that we have discussed how network security works and where exactly is the security implemented, let’s look at some of the devices that are added to the above-given layers in order to maintain the protection of data.

NETWORK SECURITY DEVICES

The following are some of the network security devices used by companies and various other organizations to maintain security in their respective networks.

1. ACTIVE DEVICES: These gadgets prevent surplus traffic from harming the network. For example, Firewalls, antivirus scanning tools, etc.
2. PASSIVE DEVICES: These are required to recognize and block unwanted traffic, such as invasion detection devices.
3. PREVENTIVE DEVICES: These devices scan networks and detect possible security threats. Some of the most common examples of preventive devices are Penetration testing appliances and vulnerability assessment devices.
4. UNIFIED THREAT MANAGEMENT: These are also called ALL-IN-ONE security tools as they can function as firewalls, content filters, and other devices as well.
5. NAC: Also called Network Access Control, it is a technique for applying computer security networks at the most fundamental level. It is a method that attempts to unite endpoint security technology that supports network security enforcement.
6. VPN: These security devices are known for creating a secure and reliable private connection between the networks. VPNs are also known to handle the encryption process and use other technologies to keep all your Internet activity safe and secure from attackers or cybercriminals who may be sneaking around when you connect your device with any public Wi-Fi.

These were some of the top network security-providing devices. Of course, there are tons of other technologies that are also used to keep your network and devices connected to it secured and protected.

So, this was our beginner’s guide on network-security and how it functions to keep your data confidential and away from the hands of malicious attackers.

We hope you liked it! Let us know if you have any other doubts or confusion.

See also: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is improving Cyber Security?

Let us know what you think about why network security is important in the comment section below!

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References: javatpoint