A Quick Guide To Network Protection Measures

Networks of computer hardware, software, and users are essential in just about every area of modern life.

Businesses, in particular, are responsible for building and maintaining their own networks. These networks need to be secured from malicious actors that may be looking to profit from them.

Checkout Five Important Advice To Network Protection Measures

Here is a quick guide to the most popular kinds of network protection measures. 

1. Zero Trust Network Access

Zero trust security is designed around a core principle: no access without authentication. In a zero-trust network, no device, person or software should be able to access any area of a system without being verified first.

The Zero Trust Network Access concept is a key part of broader zero trust solutions. When ZTNA is implemented, network users are prevented from accessing areas that do not directly relate to their roles. This prevents lateral movement between areas with different security requirements.

2. Data Loss Prevention

Data Loss Prevention is more of a methodology than a strict protection measure. Data is one of the most valuable resources that any organization is capable of owning.

Almost all personally identifiable information is also extremely sensitive. Data loss prevention methods include encryption, data destruction, and a great many other data exclusivity enforcement tactics.

3. Intrusion Prevention Systems

Intrusion Prevention Systems do not – as the name suggests – prevent attacks from happening in the first place. Instead, these systems are typically defined as being reporting tools.

When an intrusion occurs, or a new vulnerability is probed, the danger of extreme damage increases the longer it goes unreported. Intrusion Prevention Systems are designed to swiftly alert network administrators as soon as a vulnerability is exploited. It is important to close the window of opportunity offered to hackers when a new vulnerability is exposed.

4. Sandboxing

Sandboxing is a highly effective method of assessing new files, hardware, and software before they enter a network. Sandboxing does involve some human interference.

Instead of directly entering a network, new software and data are opened using a device that emulates the network the new software or data is intended to become a part of.

This device is not connected to the network but rather replicates the end-user conditions of that network. The new data is then scanned and physically explored in order to expose any malware or vulnerabilities that it may contain.

5. Firewall

A firewall is a network security measure designed to block access to hardware and software. A firewall works by assessing any device or virtual device that is attempting to gain access to the protected network.

It acts as an intermediary between a network and the wider digital world. Firewalls act more like nets than walls – sifting out potentially dangerous information.

Although firewalls can be very effective at preventing security breaches, they are limited by their implementation.

Where, for instance, should a firewall be deployed within a network? How can a firewall be updated regularly enough to sift out all potential developing threats? These questions have never been conclusively answered. For this reason, firewalls are not considered to be foolproof network security measures.

Read Also:

• How To Protect Your Data
• Understanding Virtual Private Networks
• How To Perform An Effective Virtual Data Room Check?