In light of the ever-changing nature of cyber threats, proper network security has never been more essential.
But according to reports, 45% of businesses say that their processes are still ineffective at mitigating attacks.
With cyber threats now coming in complex forms, ranging from malicious software, denial of service (DoS) attacks, to ransomware, there are many different types of network security that need to be considered in implementing your wireless network and application security protocols.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the five major types of network security and the ways they can be used to secure your network against attacks.
Different Types of Network Security
There are many network security types out there, with some of the most common being:
- Firewalls
- Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
- Access Controls
- Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Aside from this, there are also different types of encryption in network security, with the two main kinds being symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption.
The various types of scanning in network security are a whole other discipline of protection, including port scanning, vulnerability scanning, and network scanning.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the different network security types, types of encryption in network security, and types of scanning in network security to gain a better understanding of what services an MSP can help you implement to better protect your network.
Types of Network Security
1. Firewalls
Firewalls are an important facet of network security.
They act as a boundary between your business’s private network and data and the public internet by monitoring inbound and outbound traffic from the internet and determining if it is allowed to pass through or not.
Common types of firewalls primarily fall into two categories: network-based and host-based.
Network-based firewalls filter all data crossing a point on a network, scrutinizing it for signs of malicious intent or content.
Host-based firewalls are installed into individual computers or systems to prevent any incoming traffic that did not originate from that system.
Depending on the size and structure of your organization’s computer networks, multiple types of firewalls may be used in combination to provide comprehensive protection.
2. Intrusion & Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Intrusion detection involves the monitoring of networks and systems to detect unauthorized access, malicious activities, policy violations, and other threats. This can include blocking suspicious IP addresses, scanning vulnerable systems for malicious code, and more.
Moreover, data loss prevention (DIP) policies and rules can take multiple forms such as:
- Encryption controls
- User authentication protocols
- Path control
- Content cataloging
Through DLP software programs like identity-based encryption, behavioral analytics, and secure gateway servers, all electronically stored data is secured from external threats such as cyber-attacks and internal access risks stemming from employee negligence or malicious activities.
This is especially crucial since 95% of cyber security breaches result from human error.
Check out these additional resources to learn more about the different types of network security and how AT-NET can help you implement them: |
3. Access Controls
Access controls provide the foundation for proper authorization and authentication, ensuring that individuals can only access information or resources relevant to them or their job duties.
This ensures that unauthorized users cannot gain access to your network or its resources, while authorizing provides an indication of what level of data access is available for both management and compliance purposes.
Among the most common types are:
- Biometric authentication systems
- Access control lists (ACLs)
- Lockout policies
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Two-factor authentication protocols
4. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) is a vital wireless security tool that establishes an encrypted connection between two endpoints to allow your users to securely send and receive data over the internet, even if there is no dedicated physical network infrastructure in place.
With a VPN, sensitive data can be protected from unauthorized access.
In addition, using a VPN also allows your staff members to connect to the corporate network from their own remote locations, giving them secure access to up-to-date files and applications while remaining protected.
Furthermore, it eliminates the need for expensive servers and hardware – providing an economical way to protect your business’s sensitive information while still accessing state-of-the-art web security and antivirus software.
Types of Encryption in Network Security
There are many types of encryption in network security, with the two most widely used being asymmetric and symmetric encryption.
What’s the difference between these networking security tools?
The difference lies in the type of cryptographic key used for authentication purposes.
Symmetric encryption requires a single key shared among all parties, while asymmetric encryption involves two separate keys: an encryption key that scrambles data and a decrypting key that unscrambles it.
Whether symmetric or asymmetric encryption is used, it’s important to ensure that they’re regularly updated to keep data safe.
Types of Scanning in Network Security
To ensure that no security gaps exist, it is important to regularly scan your networks for any threats or weaknesses. There are several types of scanning in network security that help with this process.
Port scanning involves inspecting ports and detecting which ones are open, closed, or filtered.
Vulnerability scanning assesses systems and devices connected to a network, highlighting possible weaknesses and potential vulnerabilities that may exist.
Network scanning searches for active hosts on the network by sending out echo packets across the system, helping detect intrusions and dangerous activities.
Together, these different types of scans provide an effective way to keep a secure watch over your data networks.
Where an MSP Comes In
An internal team unconcerned with cyber threats and unable to respond effectively is not a risk you want to take.
That’s where a managed service provider (MSP) comes in handy in helping you implement different types of network security.
As a leading provider of managed IT services, AT-NET ensures that your network is protected against all cyber threats, with state-of-the-art network security measures including:
- Network Intrusion and Detection
- Threat and System Monitoring
- Security and Information Event Management (SIEM)
- Anti-Virus Software
- Endpoint Devices
- Email Security
- Network Segmentation
Take the first steps in letting us help safeguard your network today – book a free 30-minute meeting!
