Network security is a set of tools, technologies, and practices designed to protect the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of data transmitted over computer networks. They include mechanisms to prevent unauthorised access, monitor network traffic, detect attacks, and block malicious software and threats, such as DDoS attacks, malware, and unauthorised access attempts. Security measures may include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDSs/IPSs), network segmentation, and encryption of data transmitted over the network.
Network Security
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Firewalls: Software or devices that control network traffic between different network segments.
- IDSs/IPSs: Tools to detect and prevent intrusion attempts and anomalies in network traffic.
- Network segmentation: Separating critical network resources from publicly accessible segments.
- Data encryption: Protecting sensitive data from interception during transmission.
- DDoS protection systems: Mechanisms to prevent network congestion from massive attacks.
Industry usage
- Banking: Protecting banking networks from hacking attempts and customer data leakage.
- E-commerce: Securing online shop networks against theft of customer data.
- Energy infrastructure: Securing SCADA networks in energy management systems.
- Public administration: Protecting government IT networks from cyber attacks.
- Hospitals: Securing hospital networks against attacks that threaten patient data security.
Importance for the economy
Network security is key to protecting corporate, private, and government data from cybercrime. Network security breaches can lead to serious financial losses, reputational damage, and legal sanctions. Effective network security is essential to ensure the safe operation of businesses and protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Related technologies
Mechanism of action
- Network security are based on the control of the flow of data on computer networks and the analysis of traffic to identify and eliminate potential threats. Firewalls monitor and filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on specific rules. IDSs/IPSs detect anomalies in network traffic and automatically block suspicious packets. Data encryption protects the confidentiality of communications, while network segmentation limits the reach of potential threats, preventing attacks from spreading across the network.
Advantages
- Data protection: Securing confidential information from interception and theft.
- Operational security: Minimisation of the risk of network outages.
- Regulatory compliance: Meeting legal requirements for data security.
- Reducing the risk of attacks: Reducing the possibility of DDoS attacks and hacking.
- Improved traffic visibility: Monitoring and analysing traffic to identify suspicious activity.
Disadvantages
- New attack techniques: Increased threats from newly discovered attack techniques.
- Configuration errors: Incorrect security settings can create vulnerabilities in the network.
- Management complexity: Difficulties in managing complex network structures.
- Obsolete systems: Failure to update may result in vulnerability to new threats.
- Internal threats: Employees with access to internal networks may inadvertently introduce threats.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Firewalls: Tools to filter traffic between different network segments.
- IDSs/IPSs: Tools to detect and block intrusions and anomalies.
- Monitoring systems: Traffic monitoring and log analysis software.
- SOC teams: Teams to monitor and respond to security incidents.
- DDoS protection systems: Solutions to protect against network congestion.
Required competences
- Network management: Knowledge of network infrastructure configuration and management.
- IT security: Ability to implement and monitor security policies.
- Threat analysis: Ability to recognise and assess threats in network traffic.
- Data encryption: Understanding encryption techniques and their implementation in network transmission.
- Access management: Configuration of access control and network segmentation systems.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High energy demand of network security devices.
- Waste generated: Problems with disposal of obsolete network and security equipment.
- Recycling: Limited recyclability of materials from safety equipment.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for electronic components in network security.
- Emissions of pollutants: Emissions from the operation of advanced data centres.
Legal conditions
- IT security standards: Standards for network security, such as ISO/IEC 27001.
- Data protection regulations: Regulations for the security of data transmitted over the network (e.g. GDPR and CCPA).
- Critical infrastructure protection: Standards for network security in SCADA systems and ICSs.
- Telecommunications regulations: Standards for security and integrity of telecommunications networks.
- Compliance with industry regulations: Sector requirements for network data protection (e.g. PCI DSS).