Everyone wants to secure their data from cyberattacks, but how do you go about reducing your vulnerabilities? Combining a variety of network security hardware, software, and security methods is the best way to protect your network from protentional threats.

What is Network Security?

Cisco Systems, a leader in the industry, defines Network Security as any activity designed to protect the usability and integrity of your network and data.

  • It includes both hardware and software technologies.
  • It targets a variety of threats.
  • It stops them from entering or spreading on your network.
  • Effective network security manages access to the network.

Not only should your security manage the access to the network, but it should be able to prevent a possible attack from spreading. With the internet being a necessity in today’s world, taking the steps to ensure protection and minimize any downtime is essential.

How does network security work?

By combining multiple layers of defense at the edge and inside the network, a network security system provides an active line of protection.  With several layers of security, authorized users can gain access while potential threats are blocked from private information. All network security solutions are implemented in accordance with the core principles of network security.

The Core Principals of Network Security

The core principles that work together to ensure network security are confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These are defined as:

  • Confidentiality: Data is kept protected against threats and unauthorized access.
  • Integrity: Data is kept accurate and trustworthy by preventing accidental or intentional alterations or deletion.
  • Availability: Data is kept accessible to those who are authorized to have access.

 

Components of Network Security

For a complete security system, three components should be part of your design including hardware, software, and cloud security.

See below for your complete complimentary guide.