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Network security

Network security

Network security consists of the policies and practices adopted to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of a computer network and network-accessible resources. Network security involves the authorization of access to data in a network, which is controlled by the network administrator. Users choose or are assigned an ID and password or other authenticating information that allows them access to information and programs within their authority. Network security covers a variety of computer networks, both public and private, that are used in everyday jobs; conducting transactions and communications among businesses, government agencies and individuals. Networks can be private, such as within a company, and others which might be open to public access. Network security is involved in organizations, enterprises, and other types of institutions. It does as its title explains: it secures the network, as well as protecting and overseeing operations being done. The most common and simple way of protecting a network resource is by assigning it a unique name and a corresponding password.

Network security starts with authentication, commonly with a username and a password. Since this requires just one detail authenticating the user name — i.e., the password—this is sometimes termed one-factor authentication. With two-factor authentication, something the user 'has' is also used (e.g., a security token or 'dongle', an ATM card, or a mobile phone); and with three-factor authentication, something the user 'is' is also used (e.g., a fingerprint or retinal scan).

Once authenticated, a firewall enforces access policies such as what services are allowed to be accessed by the network users. Though effective to prevent unauthorized access, this component may fail to check potentially harmful content such as computer worms or Trojans being transmitted over the network. Anti-virus software or an intrusion prevention system (IPS) help detect and inhibit the action of such malware. An anomaly-based intrusion detection system may also monitor the network like wireshark traffic and may be logged for audit purposes and for later high-level analysis. Newer systems combining unsupervised machine learning with full network traffic analysis can detect active network attackers from malicious insiders or targeted external attackers that have compromised a user machine or account.

Communication between two hosts using a network may be encrypted to maintain privacy.

Honeypots, essentially decoy network-accessible resources, may be deployed in a network as surveillance and early-warning tools, as the honeypots are not normally accessed for legitimate purposes. Techniques used by the attackers that attempt to compromise these decoy resources are studied during and after an attack to keep an eye on new exploitation techniques. Such analysis may be used to further tighten security of the actual network being protected by the honeypot. A honeypot can also direct an attacker's attention away from legitimate servers. A honeypot encourages attackers to spend their time and energy on the decoy server while distracting their attention from the data on the real server. Similar to a honeypot, a honeynet is a network set up with intentional vulnerabilities. Its purpose is also to invite attacks so that the attacker's methods can be studied and that information can be used to increase network security. A honeynet typically contains one or more honeypots.

The most popular products in category Network security All category products

Ericom Shield Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)
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0
Tripwire Enterprise
1
16
Skybox Horizon
20
5
Soosan eReD Hypervisor Security
0
0
Rebasoft
0
0
Cybereason Platform
7
13
Reservoir Labs R-Scope
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0
STT LLC STTarx
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0
Zeguro Cyber Safety
8
10
CyCognito platfrom
14
1
Niagara Visibility Controller
1
19
Tempered Networks Airwall
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0

Suppliers Network security

Avast
CZE...
  • CZE
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  • GBR
  • USA
Bitdefender
ARE...
  • ARE
  • AUS
  • CAN
  • DEU
  • DNK
  • ESP
  • FRA
  • GBR
  • ITA
  • NLD
  • ROU
  • SWE
  • USA
Akamai Technologies
ARE...
  • ARE
  • ARG
  • AUS
  • BRA
  • CAN
  • CHE
  • CHL
  • CHN
  • CRI
  • CZE
  • DEU
  • DNK
  • ESP
  • FRA
  • GBR
  • IRL
  • ISR
  • IND
  • ITA
  • JPN
  • KOR
  • MEX
  • MYS
  • NLD
  • POL
  • SWE
  • SGP
  • TWN
  • USA
Claroty
AUS...
  • AUS
  • DEU
  • GBR
  • ISR
  • KOR
  • SGP
  • USA
Nozomi Networks
ARE...
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  • BRA
  • CAN
  • CHE
  • DEU
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  • USA
Intertrust Technologies
CHN...
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  • EST
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  • IND
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  • LVA
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Nexcom
CHN...
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AlgoSec
AUS...
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Cequence Security
AUT...
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  • USA

Vendors Network security

Barracuda Networks
AUT...
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  • LIE
  • LKA
  • LUX
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  • NPL
  • NZL
  • PRT
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  • USA
Palo Alto Networks
ARE...
  • ARE
  • AUT
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  • GRC
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  • IND
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  • JPN
  • KOR
  • MEX
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  • NLD
  • NOR
  • NZL
  • PHL
  • PRT
  • QAT
  • SAU
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  • THA
  • TUR
  • TWN
  • USA
  • VNM
Broadcom (CA Technologies)
AUT...
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  • IND
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  • NLD
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  • USA
Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
ARE...
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  • SWE
  • SGP
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  • USA
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Avast
CZE...
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Bitdefender
ARE...
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Akamai Technologies
ARE...
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  • POL
  • SWE
  • SGP
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  • USA
Claroty
AUS...
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Nozomi Networks
ARE...
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Fenror7
DEU...
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Zyxel
ARG...
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Intertrust Technologies
CHN...
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Nexcom
CHN...
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Opengear
AUS...
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AlgoSec
AUS...
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  • SGP
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Secure-IC
FRA...
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  • SGP
  • USA

F.A.Q. about Network security

What is Network Security?

Network security is any action an organization takes to prevent malicious use or accidental damage to the network’s private data, its users, or their devices. The goal of network security is to keep the network running and safe for all legitimate users.

Because there are so many ways that a network can be vulnerable, network security involves a broad range of practices. These include:

  • Deploying active devices: Using software to block malicious programs from entering, or running within, the network. Blocking users from sending or receiving suspicious-looking emails. Blocking unauthorized use of the network. Also, stopping the network's users accessing websites that are known to be dangerous.
  • Deploying passive devices: For instance, using devices and software that report unauthorized intrusions into the network, or suspicious activity by authorized users.
  • Using preventative devices: Devices that help identify potential security holes, so that network staff can fix them.
  • Ensuring users follow safe practices: Even if the software and hardware are set up to be secure, the actions of users can create security holes. Network security staff is responsible for educating members of the organization about how they can stay safe from potential threats.

Why is Network Security Important?

Unless it’s properly secured, any network is vulnerable to malicious use and accidental damage. Hackers, disgruntled employees, or poor security practices within the organization can leave private data exposed, including trade secrets and customers’ private details.

Losing confidential research, for example, can potentially cost an organization millions of dollars by taking away competitive advantages it paid to gain. While hackers stealing customers’ details and selling them to be used in fraud, it creates negative publicity and public mistrust of the organization.

The majority of common attacks against networks are designed to gain access to information, by spying on the communications and data of users, rather than to damage the network itself.

But attackers can do more than steal data. They may be able to damage users’ devices or manipulate systems to gain physical access to facilities. This leaves the organization’s property and members at risk of harm.

Competent network security procedures keep data secure and block vulnerable systems from outside interference. This allows the network’s users to remain safe and focus on achieving the organization’s goals.

Why Do I Need Formal Education to Run a Computer Network?

Even the initial setup of security systems can be difficult for those unfamiliar with the field. A comprehensive security system is made of many pieces, each of which needs specialized knowledge.

Beyond setup, each aspect of security is constantly evolving. New technology creates new opportunities for accidental security leaks, while hackers take advantage of holes in security to do damage as soon as they find them. Whoever is in charge of the network’s security needs to be able to understand the technical news and changes as they happen, so they can implement safety strategies right away.

Properly securing your network using the latest information on vulnerabilities helps minimize the risk that attacks will succeed. Security Week reported that 44% of breaches in 2014 came from exploits that were 2-4 years old.

Unfortunately, many of the technical aspects of network security are beyond those who make hiring decisions. So, the best way an organization can be sure that their network security personnel are able to properly manage the threats is to hire staff with the appropriate qualifications.