WHAT IS NETWORK SECURITY?
Network Security is the practice of protecting computer networks from unauthorized access, attacks, misuse, and data breaches. It ensures that data moving across a network stays confidential, intact, and available.
Instead of trusting all traffic, network security verifies and controls it.
Secure network = safe data + reliable access
KEY FUNCTIONS OF NETWORK SECURITY
1) Access Control
Ensures only authorized users and devices can connect to the network (e.g. authentication, NAC).
2) Threat Prevention
Blocks malicious traffic such as malware, ransomware, and intrusions using firewalls and IDS/IPS.
3) Traffic Monitoring
Inspects network traffic to detect suspicious behavior or policy violations.
4) Data Protection
Encrypts data in transit to prevent eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
5) Network Segmentation
Separates networks (VLANs, subnets) to limit attack spread and improve control.
WHY IS NETWORK SECURITY IMPORTANT?
✔️ Prevents data breaches and cyberattacks
✔️ Protects sensitive business and personal data
✔️ Ensures uptime and service availability
✔️ Helps meet compliance and security standards
✔️ If the network is compromised, everything connected is at risk.
COMMON NETWORK SECURITY TOOLS
Firewalls (hardware & software)
IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems)
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Network Monitoring & SIEM tools
Zero Trust & Access Control systems
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