There have been millions of attacks on businesses by cyber criminals in recent years. Having the right security measures in place to protect your business is paramount to avoiding massive losses. The recent Indigo cyber attack on its payment system and website, for instance, led to weeks of lost sales and long queues snaking out of stores.

That’s why understanding the different types of network security is so important; it’s the best way to ensure you have the right protections in place to keep your business safe.

There exists a variety of network security types because, frankly speaking, hackers are becoming more sophisticated and determined. As a result, different types of encryption in network security and other solutions have been implemented to counteract these assailants.

Let’s now examine the different types of network security. We will examine how each works to better help you determine which is best suited for your organization.

 

Understanding Different Network Security Types

What does network security mean? Essentially, it means keeping your data networks safe from unauthorized access, misuse and disruption. Additionally, you’ll protect your IT assets like network software and hardware from interference and tampering.

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As the threats facing networks have developed over the years, network protection methods have evolved in kind to keep up and protect users. This includes more traditional solutions like firewalls to more advanced implementations like network segmentation, machine-learning based protection, etc.

Now, let’s explore the different types of network security more in depth.

 

9 Different Types of Network Security

1. Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) – Firewalls are perhaps the most common type of network security maintaining a barrier between your internal network and the outside world, preventing unauthorized access and would-be hackers. NGFWs combine traditional firewall performance with other applications, like in-line deep packet inspection (DPI), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), encryptions, website filtering, etc.

2. Endpoint Security – Devices that are connected to your network can be gateways for your attackers, requiring endpoint security to prevent these attacks.

3. Access Control Lists (ACLs) – ACLs are essentially a credentialization system that ensures only authorized users can access certain parts (or all) of your network.

4. Network Security Appliances – Using routers, switches, and firewalls as part of your cybersecurity array in order to control and authorize traffic is the idea behind network security appliance security.

 

5. Antivirus Software – Antivirus software detects and eliminates malicious viruses found in your network.

6. Virtual Private Network (VPN) – VPNs encrypt data transfers between two locations or wireless networks, adding a layer of protection.

7. Encryption – Encryption scrambles your data so that it can only be understood with an encryption key or password.

8. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – MFA involves adding additional layers of authentication requirements, such as a username, password and phone number authentication, in order to access a system.

9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI can use predictive tools like behavioral analytics to detect suspicious activity or malicious attacks before they even occur, as well as scan through troves of data faster than any person.

In sum, depending on your industry, your business’s size, your networks and data, you may wish to leverage all or several of these different types of network security.

 

Understanding the Different Types of Encryption in Network Security

Encryption is one of the most reliable ways to protect your data. Essentially, encryption is when your data is ‘scrambled’ so as to be unreadable. An encryption key reorders the data so that only authorized parties in possession of the key are able to make sense of the data being transmitted.

But there exists a variety of different types of encryption in network security.

These types are:

  • Symmetric key encryption – a type of encryption where a single secret key is used to encrypt and decrypt data. The parties exchanging data will then have to transmit the key in order to enable the decryption process and access the data.
  • Asymmetric key encryption – similar process to symmetric key encryption except now two separate keys are involved – one public key to encrypt and one private key to decrypt the data.
  • Public-key infrastructure (PKI) encryption – secures and authenticates traffic between web browsers and corresponding servers. It does so by using public keys that have a corresponding digital certificate that authenticates the device or user transmitting the communication.
  • And transport layer security (TLS) – typically used in email, instant messaging, and in HTTPS, it works by having a TLS certificate installed on the origin server, issued by the person who owns the domain by the certificate authority. This certificate contains key information – like the server’s public key and identifies who owns the domain – validating the server’s identity. A TLS handshake takes place when a user navigates to a website using TLS, where the user’s device and the web server:
    • Specify which version of TLS they’re using
    • Determine a cipher suite to use
    • Authenticate the identity of the server using the server’s TLS certificate
    • Generate session keys that encrypt messages between the user and the web server after the handshake is complete

 

Understanding the Different Types of Scanning in Network Security

Network scanners will, as the name implies, scan your network for issues, identifying them so you can set about solving the underlying problem, thus eliminating the potential threat.

You’ll come across:

  • Port scanning
  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Malware scans
  • Penetration testing

Port scanning determines which services or ports are open on a specified system. Open ports can be breached by cyber assailants if not closed or protected.

Vulnerability scanning discovers weaknesses in your network that can be exploited by hackers.

Malware scanning identifies malicious software on your system. Malicious software like ransomware, for instance, can capture your data and hold it ‘hostage’, demanding a hefty ransom for its return.

Penetration testing involves having your system tested for weaknesses and vulnerabilities with a harmless ‘attack’ – once revealed, these gaps in your defenses can be closed before a hacker has the chance to exploit them.

 

Making Use of the Different Types of Network Security with Sunco Communication and Installation Ltd. in Your Corner

Different Types of Encryption in Network Security

Credit: Freepik

If you want to protect your business, you need trusted security teams and administrators with expert knowledge of network infrastructure on your side. You need Sunco.

We offer services that can enhance:

  • Network security
  • Web security
  • Sensitive data protection
  • Email security
  • Application security
  • Wireless security.

Contact Sunco today  and learn more about protecting your business from hackers and assailants.

 

Featured Image Credit: Freepik

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