Network security is an important factor for any company that uses the internet for both internal and external operations. Every day, more and more threats to businesses’ online networks are emerging, so learning about threats for network security is essential to protect confidential data and avoid costly data breaches and hacks. Examples of these threats to network security include malicious software, malware, phishing, theft of credentials, cyber espionage, and Denial-of-Service attacks. Although these threats are concerning, businesses can proactively take steps to protect their networks from these cyber-attacks and minimize the risk of an incident occurring. Understanding the different threats for network security and implementing the necessary safeguards can help businesses operate more securely in the digital world.
1. What Is Network Security?
Network security is the practice of protecting a computer network from unauthorized access and malicious attack. It is an important aspect to consider in any business or organization given the rise of cyber-attacks like ransomware and phishing. Network security is an umbrella term that encompasses the various processes and technologies used to protect both data in transit and data at rest.
Network security typically involves the following measures:
- Firewalls: Firewalls act as gates that check the computer’s traffic for any malicious intruders.
- Anti-Virus Software: Anti-virus software scans all files that enter the system, and can identify and destroy any malicious programs that try to break in.
- Encryption: Encryption is used to scramble data into an illegible format, so that it is unreadable if intercepted.
It is important to make sure these measures are in place, as they can help to give the necessary security to prevent cyber-attacks, and ultimately protect the organization’s data and resources.
2. Common Network Security Threats
Network security threats are becoming increasingly pervasive in all businesses, no matter the size. While some of these threats, such as malware and ransomware, can be easily identified, others, like advanced persistent threats, require a much deeper look. Therefore, it is vitally important for businesses to understand the they may face today.
The following are some of the most common threats to networks today:
- Malware: Malware is malicious code used to compromise a computer’s system and can cause serious damage. Examples include viruses, worms, and spyware.
- Phishing: Phishing is a technique used in attempts to collect data from unsuspecting users through means of malicious emails and messages.
- DoS or DDoS: DoS and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) are attacks intended to flood a server with more requests than it can handle, thus preventing it from performing its intended function.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is malicious code that locks down or encrypts a user’s data and requires a ransom payment to unlock it.
- Advanced Persistent Threat (APT): An APT is an attack technique that uses a variety of methods and techniques to compromise a network over an extended period of time.
By being aware of these threats, businesses can take steps to protect their networks and reduce the risk of a security breach.
3. Simple Steps to Protect Network Security
Step 1: Update Your Operating System and Security Software
Keeping your operating system and security software up to date is a crucial component of protecting your network’s security. Unpatched operating systems and outdated security programs can make your system vulnerable to malicious agents or hackers. Be sure your anti-malware, spyware, and virus scanner programs are running the newest versions and stay consistent with updating your operating system whenever possible.
Step 2: Use Strong Passwords
An attacker’s entryway into a network is often through weak passwords. Enforce strong passwords or passphrases throughout your network for all accounts connected to the system, and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. Reset passwords regularly, and make sure each user understands to never share their passwords with anyone else.
Step 3: Install Firewalls
Using firewalls is the best way to protect your network from malicious threats. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and protect your system from unauthorized access. As an extra layer of security, install a separate firewall for every network segment or subnet to further strengthen your system’s security.
4. Take Care of Your Network Security Now!
When it comes to protecting your network, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive. Doing something now to keep your network secure can save valuable time, resources and energy down the line. Here are 4 easy and effective steps that you can take right now to secure your network:
- Install Antivirus Software: Make sure your computers are equipped with the latest antivirus software. This will help to protect your network from unwanted worms, viruses, and other malicious threats.
- Use Firewall Software: Firewalls are designed to prevent unapproved users from gaining access to your network. Make sure that all the doors and windows leading to your network are securely locked.
- Set Security Policies and Procedures: Establish a set of rules that must be followed in order to access and use your network. Make sure all users are made aware of these rules and follow them.
- Keep Software and Operating Systems Up To Date: Outdated software and operating systems pose a serious security risk to your network. Run a system scanner regularly to check for new patches or updates and install them immediately.
Following these simple steps can go a long way towards protecting your network and its valuable data. It’s also important to review and update your security policies and procedures on a regular basis to ensure your network remains secure and protected.
Q&A
Q: What are some threats to network security?
A: Network security can be threatened by viruses, malware, cyber criminals, hacking attempts, and other malicious activities. Viruses can spread contagiously across networks, corrupting and deleting important files. Malware can give criminals access to your sensitive data, like passwords and credit card numbers. Cyber criminals can also install malicious software on networks to gain access to restricted areas, steal data, and use networks to attack other systems. Hacking attempts can compromise the privacy and security of networks, allowing criminals to gain control of personal computers and even entire networks. It is important to monitor and protect networks from these threats to ensure their security. Don’t ignore the threats to your network security. Safeguard it by creating a FREE LogMeOnce account with Auto-login and SSO now by visiting LogMeOnce.com. LogMeOnce is an innovative, secure and user-friendly way to combat online threats to network security, providing a much needed layer of protection. Protect your data with LogMeOnce and secure your network from any potential threats, ensuring your hackers or criminals remain at bay.