Modern Network Security

Introduction

Network security is the practice of preventing and protecting against unauthorized intrusion into corporate networks. As a philosophy, it complements endpoint security, which focuses on individual devices; network security instead focuses on how those devices interact, and on the connective tissue between them.

Key Concepts

• Firewalls: Act as a barrier between your internal network and incoming traffic from external sources to block malicious traffic.
• Encryption: Protects data by converting it into a secure format that can only be read with a decryption key.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Extends a private network across a public network, enabling users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and issues alerts when such activity is discovered.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access.

Best Practices

1. Regularly update and patch all systems and software.
2. Implement strong password policies and use MFA.
3. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
4. Educate employees about phishing and other social engineering attacks.
5. Backup data regularly and ensure backups are secure.