Network Security in Cybersecurity

Network Security: Protect Against Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Intrusions

The Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled us to run our lives electronically. With a few clicks of a mouse or taps on a screen, we can bank, shop, and access our private medical records. With so much on the line, a strong line of defense is needed.

What is Network Security?

Network security is one of the first lines of defense against attacks and malicious activities, keeping all data safe and improving network performance. It includes hardware, software, and several standards and policies that protect a company’s network.

Staying ahead of threats isn’t easy, especially when you consider that many cyberattacks are made possible by human error or lack of cybersecurity awareness. In fact, internal threats, whether accidental or malicious, are among the most common risks to network security. This reality has led to the adoption of a “defense in depth” strategy in cybersecurity, where multiple layers of security are implemented throughout the network. By using this approach, organizations can reduce the likelihood of breaches, ensuring that if one defense is compromised, others remain in place to detect and mitigate the threat before it can cause significant damage.

Because internal breaches are so prominent, a large part of network security is dedicated to security awareness training — proactively and regularly updating employees on what a cyber threat can look like.

In addition to security awareness training, there are a number of techniques used in cybersecurity to reinforce network security.

• Access Control. Security managers and network administrators realize that not everyone needs access to everything, and they determine who’s authorized to access and make changes to programs and controls, restricting access to only those employees.
• Antivirus and Anti-malware Software. This software can ensure the entry of malware is detected and the system is ready to alert and quarantine it.
• Cloud Security. Critical information is shared through and stored within cloud technology. Using software as a service (SaaS) technology, companies can more readily secure their information and maintain the system.
• Email Security. Email systems have been targeted for phishing, link jacking, fraud, hacktivism attempts, and more. Its security is composed of the services and products designed to protect the account from external threats.
• Firewalls. A firewall can be software or hardware-based, but its intent is to act as a traffic controller for all incoming and outgoing traffic. Based on a defined set of security rules, the firewall will accept, reject, or drop traffic and should be updated regularly.
• Application Security. The methods, technologies, and planning used to prevent stealing or capturing data or code inside of an application after launch.
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS). This is an application used to identify malicious activity, collect information regarding it, report it, and attempt to block or stop it.

What is the Role of a Network Security Analyst

Network security analysts are vital in a wide range of industries and are generally responsible for protecting valuable data by creating and implementing advanced security measures. According to CompTIA, other primary duties of Network security analysts include:

• Staying up to date on recent intelligence and emerging threats
• Keeping updated on new and common TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures)
• Knowing hackers’ methodologies, in order to detect and respond to breaches in security
• Researching new ways to protect a network
• Testing and implementing network disaster recovery plans
• Installing various security measures, like firewalls and data encryption

Course Spotlights

Network security is the basis of all cyber operations and is included in core courses. If you think you’d like to lead cyber operations, you may wish to explore courses like the ones below from our Cyber Operations Specialization.

Jobs in Network Security

Network security falls under the NICE Workforce Categories heading of Protect and Defend. In addition to the roles outlined below, titles can also include analysts for cyber defense and vulnerability assessment, incident responders, and infrastructure support specialists.

• Network Administrator – $66,305/Year: Network administrators are responsible for the upkeep of computer hardware and software systems.³
• IT Engineer – $70,412/Year: IT Engineers design, create, install, or troubleshoot technology and software programs.⁴

What are the Benefits of Network Security Training?

Data shows the most frequent access point for nefarious activity to a company’s network comes from its employees, unintentionally — the human element was responsible for 70% of data breaches in 2023.⁵

This is why network security education will always be a key part of an organization’s defense strategy. Security education equips employees to work safely using the systems, programs, and conveniences today’s technology provides.

The benefits of security awareness education are immense.

The global average cost of a single breach in 2022 was reported to be at an all-time high of $4.5 million.⁶ Helping to protect an organization’s data, systems, and networks from malicious attacks and cyber threats is worth the effort. Establishing security awareness with employees can:

• Prevent data breaches and phishing attacks. You’ll minimize the risk of attackers gaining access to your systems by targeting employees.
• Create a culture of security. Everyone works together to prevent threats and attacks by doing their part.
• Provide customer confidence. When it’s noted that your company is dedicated to promoting education and awareness about cybersecurity policies, it builds a level of trust with consumers, who say they would be put off from a company if the organization had a data breach or were victims of phishing attacks or social engineering.
• Meet compliance requirements. This should naturally happen as a result of good security policies, but organizations must meet increasing government demands to ensure their clients’ data is safe.
• Improve employee wellbeing. Security awareness is also an employee benefit. They’ll be up to date on the latest, sophisticated ways hackers are trying to steal their information and won’t be tricked into providing sensitive data from their personal devices.

Cybersecurity at Utica University

If you’re interested in learning more about network security and how to develop the skills you need to pursue a career in the field, you may be interested in a degree at Utica University. Utica offers bachelor’s and master’s programs that are designed to build the security skills you need to be successful and start making a difference. Find out more at utica.edu.

Sources

1. IBM. “IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024.” Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://www.ibm.com/reports/threat-intelligence.
2. CompTIA. “Your Next Move: Network Security Analyst.” Retrieved August 16, 2024, from https://www.comptia.org/blog/your-next-move-network-security-analyst.
3. Payscale. “Average Network Administrator Salary.” Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Network_Administrator/Salary.
4. Payscale. “Average IT Engineer Salary.” Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=IT_Engineer/Salary.
5. Verizon Business. “2024 Data Breach Investigations Report.” Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/.
6. IBM. “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023.” Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach.

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