Basics of Network Security
In 2020, over 1,100 data breaches were reported in the country, affecting nearly 300 million individuals that year (Identity Theft Resource Center). This is especially concerning for private businesses as over half of these attacks affect them. With alarming statistics like this on the rise and the expansion of network infrastructure features, it is essential that enterprises continue to invest into better network security features. Designing and maintaining the network infrastructure of an organization is a vital part of security and is needed now more than ever before.
What is included in a typical network? Basic network infrastructure consists of routers, switches, servers, workstations, firewalls, hubs, operating systems, and more. All these components create an inter-connected communications channel for information to be sent across software applications and physical resources. Enterprises use a Local Area Network (LAN) to limit their network to only privileged users.
What are aspects of a secure network? There are multiple ways to safeguard the information and private communications within the network. Using Firewalls can help with filtering out and monitoring only approved incoming and outgoing communications. A recommended method is having two firewalls, separated by the DMZ. The DMZ stands for De-Militarized Zone, which is used in Cybersecurity as an extra layer of security between the public and private networks. It allows an organization to access untrusted networks while its LAN stays secure. Usually, external facing resources such as the web and email servers are located in this zone. A VPN is crucial as it hides the location of the user and ensures that only privileged users have access to the network.
Why is this important? Networks allow for communication across IT infrastructure and protecting such communications should be prioritized. We live in a world that is continuing to become more digital, meaning businesses are at a higher risk of actors exploiting potential vulnerabilities online. Taking proper network security protocols prevent interrupted business, data loss, fines and legal ramifications, and overall loss of business. In the long run, securing networks would save money and time for repairs as well as improves network operations and minimizes the risk of major data breaches (Consolidated Technologies, Inc).
Sources:
https://consoltech.com/blog/why-network-security-is-more-important-than-ever/
https://www.ibm.com/topics/infrastructure
https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/what-is-dmz
