The world is becoming more digital every day. High-speed internet, mobile devices, and other digital technologies are changing the way people work, shop, and get around. But these innovations also bring new risks.
Unprotected networks and untended devices create opportunities for cybercriminals to steal sensitive data or breach secure systems. More than 80% of UK businesses have experienced a successful cyber-attack in the last 12 months. This is why, as businesses adopt more digital tools and services, they need to safeguard their networks against cyber-attacks.
Network security is an essential part of any company’s cyber defense strategy. A sound network security plan reduces the risk of data breaches, protects confidential information, and keeps all company resources available only to authorised users.
Why is network security important?
Operational risks
Operational risks are threats that arise from the way your organisation uses technology. They can include data loss, data breach, and service interruption. These risks are important to consider as you develop your network security plan. Your company may already experience some of these operational risks, or you may want to take steps to avoid them. A network security plan can help you identify and mitigate these risks.
Regulatory issues
Many businesses must comply to governmental regulations; healthcare organisations, for example, must strictly adhere to the National Health Service (NHS) regulatory compliance, or risk facing severe fines and legal consequences.
Data security regulations cover aspects of network security; if sensitive data within your company, such as patient records or financial information, is compromised, it could lead to serious ramifications for your business.
Reduce data theft
Data theft is the unauthorised access, use, or disclosure of confidential data. It can happen through malicious software that steals data from infected devices or through accidental disclosure by careless employees
One of the most effective ways to prevent data theft is through encryption, which uses mathematical algorithms to transform data into a form that cannot be understood without a decryption key.
Protect against cyber-attacks
Protection against cyber-attacks is an important aspect of network security. These attacks can have devastating consequences, such as losses in both time and money, the risk of causing significant damage to data, and damaging your business’s reputation.
Protecting yourself against these attacks requires a thorough understanding of the risks involved and an effective approach to implementing preventative measures. It is also crucial to be aware of potential vulnerabilities so that you can take appropriate steps to address them.
Intellectual property protection
Intellectual property (IP) consists of the unique ideas that are protected by law and includes trademarks, patents, and designs. IP is one of the most valuable assets that a business can own, and as such, theft of IP can be greatly damaging to any company.
By protecting your business’ IP, you are helping to protect your business’ reputation and your ability to acquire new customers. This can be critical in a competitive environment where one missed step could lead to loss of market share and revenue.
Types of network security tools
Most computer networks use a variety of tools and software to provide network security. They can include:
- Encryption: encoding information to make it unreadable to anyone except those with the proper key. This can protect data at rest or in transit.
- Firewalls: a network security tool used to control network traffic. It can be software running on a computer or dedicated hardware. Firewalls control which computers can send data to or receive data from your network.
- Intrusion detection systems: detects malicious activity on networks; for example, software that scans network traffic for signs of malicious activity.
- Access control: the process of restricting user access to resources and systems.
- Antivirus software: a type of internet security software that protects a computer, network, or device from viruses and other types of malicious code.
- Data loss prevention: a set of tools and procedures that can be used to prevent people from accidentally destroying, losing, or disclosing data.
- Multi-factor authentication: an extra layer of security that requires two or more authentication factors to be present in order for a user account to be authenticated, such as a password and a one-time code sent to the user’s phone.
- Virtual private network (VPN): a device or service that creates a secure and encrypted connection to another network. VPNs are used to protect your privacy online by creating a private “tunnel” between your device and the internet.
Get the right network security services from the experts
Network security is a critical concern for businesses of all kinds. The consequences of a breach can be severe: from the financial loss of sensitive data, to the damage to your business’ reputation. While maintaining a strong network security posture may require an investment of time and money, it’s necessary to protect your assets and prevent potential threats from affecting your business or customers.
The security specialists at NetworkIQ can advise you on the right network security solutions for your business, implement them into your existing infrastructure, and manage your security environment for maximum efficacy.