In 2024, almost 43% of UK businesses were attacked in cybersecurity. Most of these threats came from phishing and ransomware. Small businesses were the primary target. As a result, they lose about £3.4 billion every year. This is because most employees don't receive the right cybersecurity training. Thus, network security solutions assist in securing the data of companies.
Fortunately, the government is taking steps to support small businesses in improving their cybersecurity. These include Cyber Essentials, which helps protect industries against 80% of common cyberattacks. Besides, they provide affordable network security solutions to help businesses safeguard essential data. In the end, more companies are starting to defend themselves against growing online threats. In this article, we'll break down the best network security option.
What are network security solutions?
Network security solutions are strategies to protect devices and systems on a computer network. They focus on three main goals: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Those practices stop any unwanted access, misuse, or damage to the network. Besides, they detect and monitor threats in real time. As a result, they help to keep the company's data safe and working well.
The main goal of cybersecurity is to protect information by ensuring that only authorised users can access it. It also keeps information accurate and available whenever it's needed. For small businesses, it supports safe communication and protects online transactions. Most importantly, it builds trust in the digital systems that the company relies on every day.
The purpose of cybersecurity
As shown above, network security solutions have three main goals. First, confidentiality means that only the right people can access the sensitive data. Second, integrity keeps the data accurate, unchanged, and reliable. Third, availability offers flexibility for authorised users to access data whenever they need it. Here are the breakdowns:
- Confidentiality: One of the network security solutions' goals is to keep sensitive information safe. To protect them, users need to use a strong password, encryption, and access control for better protection.
- Integrity: This goal means to keep data accurate. To protect information, use tools like hashing, digital signatures, and version control.
- Availability: Another purpose of network security solutions is to make sure systems, data, and networks are always ready. To keep those, backup data protects them from ransomware.
Types of network security solutions
Network security solutions come in many forms, and each of them handles different threats. For instance, Next-Generation Firewalls check traffic and block dangerous data. Meanwhile, Network Access Control manages which devices can connect to the network. For remote work, Remote Access VPNs create secure internet connections. Another tool, like Zero Trust Network Access, checks both users and their devices before allowing any access.
To make network defence stronger, businesses use more tools. Network Segmentation divides systems into smaller zones to stop threats from spreading. On the other hand, IPS monitors traffic in real time and blocks harmful activity before it causes damage. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines security and networking in a cloud-based service. Moreover, here are the details about network safety solutions:
Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
A firewall is one of the network security solutions that controls both incoming and outgoing network traffic. When placed at the edge of a network, it forms a barrier that blocks unwanted access from outside. In this case, the next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) operate at the application layer. NGFWs inspect traffic more deeply and block harmful data based on the destination application.
Network Access Control (NAC)
Network Access Control manages which devices can connect to a company's network. It checks devices using MAC addresses or security certificates. NAC works well in offices where only company-approved devices connect to the network. However, it becomes less effective in a remote work setting. This is because people now rely on the public cloud, which cannot be controlled by NAC.
Remote access VPN
For network security solutions, a remote access VPN lets people connect to a network securely from outside. Usually, digital nomads use this tool. To keep data safe, VPNs use tools like encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Despite that, VPNs don't let people control what users can see, which makes them less secure for today's needs.
Network segmentation
Network segmentation is the process of splitting a computer system into smaller parts. The section is divided based on its origin and behaviour. The purpose of this solution is to lower the risk of damage if someone gets unwanted access. By doing this, businesses can block unwanted users from accessing essential data.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
As one of the network security solutions, the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) watches network activity in real time. This is important to track harmful behaviour. When it sees such action, it immediately blocks or changes suspicious traffic to stop threats. Businesses can place IPS at the network edge, inside the network, or on individual devices.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Zero Trust Network Access is the technology that enables a Zero Trust security model. It assumes threats can come from inside or outside the network. Because of this, it requires strict checks for every user and device. In other words, no one gets access to internal resources without complete verification.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
These network security solutions method combines Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Zero Trust into a single cloud platform. It safely connects users, devices, and remote networks to apps and resources. Instead of sending traffic to central data centres for inspection, SASE checks security at the cloud edge. This allows secure, direct access to resources from any place, at any time.
Considerations for evaluating network security
When choosing network security solutions, it's crucial to focus on what the business needs to protect its data. First, consider spending more money on advanced tools to secure data efficiently. Then, target the most serious threats first by thinking about how they could affect the business. After that, choose tools with the right features, strong performance, and easy management. Here's the breakdown:
- Budget: Cost often plays a key role when selecting solutions for network security. However, it's better to focus on covering top security needs within budget.
- Requirements mapping: To choose the right one, identify what you need to protect. Then, assess the specific risks and the impact. Next, evaluate how well the solution reduces those risks.
- Features and functions: Network security solutions must match the required features for their intended use. It should also offer strong performance, easy management, and enough flexibility.
Steps to secure a business network
To use network security solutions for business, start by mapping all assets. These include hardware, software, users, and data across the network. After that, build a clear inventory to know what you must protect. To divide systems and reduce risk, use network segmentation. For extra protection, apply micro-segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit access.
Next, control the route by giving people the entry just what they truly need. Always use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Besides, encrypt the data so no one can access it if it's stolen. To get the best protection, install tools like firewalls or antivirus software that spot suspicious activity in the system.
Finally, keep all data updated and stay aware of malware. Use network security solutions to detect unusual activities. Most importantly, keep the software updated to fix security gaps. Train the IT workers to ensure that they know how to stop scams like phishing. Don't forget to back up the data, not just in one place. By using these steps with the right tool, businesses can stay secure and keep everything in control.
Conclusion
In summary, network security solutions protect the daily activities of small businesses. These tools ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability at all times. Threats keep changing, and it causes small businesses to need layers of security. To do this, use tools like firewalls, VPNs, and Zero Trust models. By using strong security, companies can keep their digital environment safe.
To learn more about cybersecurity, the College of Contract Management is a trustworthy provider for innovative businesses. The college ensures the credibility of all content and lecturers. In line with this, participants can get professional certification upon completing their course. What's more interesting is that their courses are open to everyone and allow learners to study at their own pace. Enrol today and start protecting your data with CCM!
