How Does Network Security Work: Is this Something I Could Learn?

Computer networking allows easy communication and sharing resources among a wide range of users. With the increased use of internet services, the range of users widens to a global level. At the same time, this creates the need to enhance network security among users.

Network security is any measure you take to protect the usability, confidentiality, and integrity of your computer network and data. It combines hardware, software, and processes making up your network. Every organization, regardless of size, needs to have network security measure in place and to have total control of the network access.

How Network Security Works

When planning the network security of an organization, you need to acknowledge that an attack can occur in any area. Therefore, you need to consider three levels of security controls and those include;

• Physical network security: this involves preventing unauthorized personnel from gaining physical access to the organization's networking components. You can make use of biometric authentication and security locks on cable cupboard and routers when configuring this security control measure.
• Administrative network security: this type of security control involves setting up policies and processes that control network accessibility level by different users. It also controls how far the IT staff can go in making infrastructure changes.
• Technical network security: involves the protection of data stored in the network or data getting in and out of the network. Data protection should focus on unauthorized access and also malicious use by employees.

How Network Security Compliments Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity involves the protection of computer programs, networks, and systems against any digital attacks. Network security ensures the success of cybersecurity strategy by;

• Providing network protection through proper configuration of your network security
• Identifying any changes in network configuration or a problem in your network traffic
• Reacting to the problem immediately and restoring the network into a safe state

In cybersecurity, network security plays a significant role in providing in-depth security strategy through the provision of the following security techniques;

• Access control: it's your responsibility as a network security expert is to block any unauthorized users from accessing the network. You also need to ensure that each user has an authorized amount of access to the network that allows them to perform their duties.
• Application security: network security locks access to any insecure applications that may place the network in a vulnerable position.
• Anti-malware protection: as a network security administrator, you must ensure that you have anti-malware software installed to block any Trojan, viruses, and worms from spreading across the network. You also need to remove any malware that may find its way in the network.
• Firewalls: these are must-have network security measures as they act as a barrier between your network and the outside world. Firewalls block traffic from accessing your network through the internet. You need to consider specific rules and permissions of who you want to access the network when programming your network firewalls.
• Data loss: as a network security administrator, you have the responsibility of training employees about the importance of following the right network security measures. This ensures that they do not deliberately or ignorantly share sensitive information with outsiders.
• Email security: this involves the deployment of email security tools to avoid phishing. Such tools help in filtering emails in the background to detect suspicious ones.

Required Skills of a Cybersecurity Technician

If you are planning on becoming a cybersecurity technician, then you should acquire the skills below:

Basic Programming Knowledge

Basic understanding of programming languages allows you to estimate the likelihood of a cyber-attack and come up with preventive measures. You are also able to come up with contingency plans should threat arise in the future.

Malware Analysis and Reverse

You need to be well equipped with skills in digital threat management and disaster recovery planning in event the worst happens.

Intrusion Detection

Trojans and backdoor codes nowadays are powerful and result in severe damages and loss of millions if they passed the network security wall. As a cybersecurity technician, you need to come up with intrusion detection software that is powerful than the malware.

Cloud Security

Cloud attacks are increasing at a high rate, making it mandatory for cybersecurity technicians to master cloud security.

Possessing the above skills will land you a lucrative career in cybersecurity. In this field, your distinctive duties will include;

• Detecting any security vulnerabilities in the network
• Installing network firewalls
• Using the best security measures to secure the network infrastructure of an organization
• Regularly monitoring security threats within the network
• Blocking any network bleach you detect within the network

Become a Cybersecurity Expert by Acquiring Relevant Skills Today

Are you passionate about cybersecurity and want to keep individuals and businesses safe from hackers? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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