A network security system is a broad term that refers to a range of programs and technologies for securing, protecting, and isolating the networks from unauthorized access. The components of a network security system can include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, database encryption tools, email filters, secure connections (HTTPS), virus checkers/filters, spam control software, and more.
These components are used to protect against intrusion, spam, information theft or loss, system destruction or damage, and other undesirable network events. The goal of a network security system is to allow only authorized users access to the network (and its data) while preventing unauthorized users from accessing it.
Network security systems will often include auditing tools, which are used to document network activity, particularly when one user has logged on to another user’s account, or software programs have been executed. This information is important in case the network becomes compromised and needs further investigation.
Learn more as we’re going to explore the topic about what is business network cyber security in today’s blog article.
Types Of Network Cyber Security Systems
There are different types of network cyber security systems including:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): A VPN refers to a physical network that is connected to another organization’s network through a virtual private connection. This provides data encryption and secure access from remote users.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs): also known as intrusion prevention systems: These are mechanisms for detecting network intrusions, and setting off a system of automated responses to block the intrusion.
Firewalls: Firewalls are barriers to network traffic that act as gatekeepers between secure networks and other external networks (e.g. the Internet) that may be less trusted or secure. A firewall is programmed with rules about what types of data packets are allowed into or out of a network through it, based on the packet’s network address, port number and/or application data.
Data loss prevention systems: A data loss prevention system is a network security system that monitors the flow of information from computer to computer within a company or organization. If it senses any unauthorized transmission of sensitive information (such as trade secrets or customer records), it can stop the transmission.
Antivirus systems: An antivirus system is a program that screens data for many different forms of malware, including computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and adware.
Spam filtering systems: A spam filtering system is specially designed software that reads email messages as they are received by your email server or computer and looks for spam-like characteristics. If it finds those, it moves those messages to a spam or junk mail folder (rather than to your inbox).
Content inspection systems: A content inspection system scans data as it passes through a network and inspects this information for sensitive or classified data that could pose a business risk if transmitted outside the company.
Database encryption software: This is a solution that encrypts specific data within a database, either on-the-fly or as a real-time background process.
Secure web gateways: A secure web gateway provides several layers of security for Internet communications, filtering both incoming and outgoing traffic across the gateway server. It typically includes an HTTP proxy, a firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), and virus scanning/filtering technology.
Reverse proxies: A reverse proxy is a type of proxy server that retrieves resources on behalf of a client from one or more servers. It may also compress, encrypt, or transform the resource prior to sending it to the client.
It differs from an ordinary proxy server in that it appears to the client as an ordinary server. A reverse proxy sits behind a public-facing web server and serves the same content, but with some added functionality.
Content filters: These are software programs that scan the data on your computer or network for certain keywords or phrases, then either block out the content or flag it.
Data loss prevention systems: A data loss prevention system is a network security system that monitors the flow of information from computer to computer within a company or organization. If it senses any unauthorized transmission of sensitive information (such as trade secrets or customer records), it can stop the transmission.
Access control lists (ACLs): ACLs provide security at the file system level by restricting access to files and directories to only those users with the appropriate privileges.
Digital rights management (DRM): DRM is a means of allowing access to digital content or devices only if certain conditions are met, such as allowing use for a purchased period of time.
Identification and authentication (I&A): I&A is the process by which a user identifies himself (or herself) to a computer system in order to receive access to resources that are otherwise restricted.
Biometric authentication: This is any authentication method that relies on uniquely identifying people based on their innate physical or behavioral characteristics. Fingerprint recognition, iris scans, voice prints and facial recognition are all examples of the technology.
Security association (SA): An SA refers to a single or multilevel security properties required by external system(s) to exchange data with local systems via network connections.
Steps In Securing Your Business IT Network
Here are some steps you can take to secure your IT network.
Step 1: Find out if there are any vulnerabilities in your system that could be exploited by hackers. This is typically done through penetration tests, which are essentially simulated cyberattacks.
Step 2: Install antivirus software on all of your devices, especially your workstation and server computers. Corporate antivirus systems also provide protection for other endpoint devices, such as laptops, desktops, tablets and smartphones.
Step 3: Set up content inspection systems to read all data before it leaves the company’s network. This way only relevant information will leave the company’s network.
Step 4: Block unsolicited emails with spam filtering systems or spam email detection software. “Unsolicited” means that the sender is not someone who you have previously approved to send information to your email address.
Step 5: Use VPN technology to create a secure tunnel between an authorized user’s device and the network. As data passes through this tunnel, it’s encrypted, which prevents others from seeing the data as it travels to and from the device.
Step 6: Use a secure authentication method to allow access to your network, such as two-factor authentication and biometric scanning systems. Two-factor authentication is when an authorized user has at least two pieces of information (e.g., a password and a token) in order to access the system. Biometric scanning systems use methods like fingerprint and facial recognition to identify a user.
Step 7: Encrypt the data that moves between your network and any untrusted networks (e.g., public Wi-Fi). This is especially important for wireless network users who have access to public hotspots, as their communications could be intercepted by hackers using packet sniffers.
But If You Don’t Know Where To Start, Leave Everything To The Experts
A network security company can help your business in many ways. They can provide you with the latest antivirus software, they can secure your wireless network and they can set up a content inspection system to make sure that only relevant information leaves the company’s network.
So what is business network cyber security and the business network security services they can offer? Basically, an IT security company provides a range of IT services that protect and secure your business’s data and systems. They can help prevent external threats like hacker attacks and virus outbreaks, as well as internal threats like accidental loss of data or misuse of company resources.
Network security companies can provide all or some aspects of network security for businesses, depending on what your business’s needs are. Some of the services that these companies provide include:
Internet security services – A network security company can help you secure your internet activity, including web browsing and emailing. They can block spam emails coming into your inbox, they can make sure only relevant content is allowed to come over the connection on websites you visit and they can also set up firewalls to inspect all internet traffic coming into and out of your network.
Email security services – Network security companies provide email protection services that block spam emails, malware emails, phishing emails and spoof emails before they reach your inbox. They use spam filtering systems or spam email detection software to do this.
Data loss prevention services – This type of service looks for confidential or sensitive company data on devices that are leaving the network, such as office laptops and smartphones. They can set up policies to stop unauthorized information from leaving your business’s network, limiting its exposure to cybercriminals.
Advanced threat protection services – Network security companies use an advanced threat protection (ATP) system to block and remove cyberthreats like ransomware, spyware and adware.
Final Word
All in all, network security companies typically provide all of these services in one package that your business can purchase. There may be additional costs for certain optional add-ons such as wireless network security, virtual private networks (VPNs) and content inspection systems. Network security companies provide both on-site support as well as remote support, depending on what services they are providing for your business. If you’re looking to invest in network security or improve the security of your existing system, then hiring a network security company is a good option for many businesses.
If you need help, you can try LookingPoint’s IT networking services today.
