What Are The Best Types of Network Security For Businesses?
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 and filed under Articles
It should go without saying that the best types of network security for a business are ones that are comprehensive, adaptable, and efficient. However, it’s also important to note that the network security type you choose for your business should be one that adapts to evolving threats, not one that simply defends against what’s known.
| “Every business has different processes, but, no matter how different two businesses are, they all need the same strong security standards” – Jim Stackhouse, Founder & Chief Technologist, NeoLore Networks |
Effective network security also requires best practices, not just tools. You need to work with your team to establish practical security measures that will ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of all sensitive information in your network.
Best practices are a different topic, but worth noting. This article will focus on the tools side of your network security. We’ll show you the best network security tools for business purposes and why you should bring them to your organization.
Different Types of Network Security Business Owners Need to Use
1. Firewalls
A firewall acts as a barrier between your internal network and external threats. It monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of security rules. By filtering traffic, firewalls protect your data from various online threats, making them a fundamental component of business network security.
2. Email Security
Email is one of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to your network. So you need email security solutions to protect your business from threats delivered via email, such as phishing attacks, spam, and malware. These solutions filter out harmful emails and prevent sensitive or personal information from being leaked.
3. Encryption
Encryption is the process of encoding data to protect its confidentiality. It ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized users. Considering that 7 million unencrypted files are compromised every day, leaving your data vulnerable poses a significant risk.
You should also be aware that there are different types of encryption in network security. Here’s an overview of them:
| Type | Description | Use Case |
| Symmetric Encryption | Uses the same key for encryption and decryption. Fast and efficient, but key distribution can be challenging. | Ideal for closed systems where secure key distribution is manageable, like within a corporate network. |
| Asymmetric Encryption | Uses a pair of keys, one public and one private. More secure than symmetric encryption but slower. | Suitable for open networks like the internet, where secure key exchange is not feasible. |
| Hash Functions | Converts data into a fixed-size hash value, which cannot be reversed. | Used to verify data integrity and authenticity, like in digital signatures and password storage. |
| TLS/SSL Encryption | A protocol that provides secure communication over a computer network. Uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption. | Widely used for secure web browsing, email privacy, and securing VoIP. |
| End-to-End Encryption | Encrypts data on the sender’s side and decrypts only at the receiver’s side, ensuring data privacy throughout transit. | Common in messaging apps (like WhatsApp), email services, and secure file transfers. |
| VPN Encryption | Encrypts data transmitted over a VPN. Often uses advanced encryption protocols like OpenVPN or L2TP/IPsec. | Protects data as it travels through unsecured networks, crucial for remote workers and protecting sensitive data. |
4. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) identify and block potentially harmful activities. They work by analyzing network traffic to detect and prevent vulnerability exploits. IPS is crucial for businesses because it proactively wards off attacks before they can gain unauthorized access to your network.
| Take a Closer Look at How You Can Protect Your Sensitive Data |
5. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
VPNs provide secure remote access to your business network. They encrypt data transferred over public networks, ensuring secure communication for remote employees. This is particularly valuable for businesses with a mobile workforce or multiple locations.
6. Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV)
NGAV goes beyond traditional antivirus by using advanced methods like machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect and stop threats. It’s especially effective against sophisticated, previously unknown cyber threats. Traditional AV is also only really effective against malware. NGAV can cover a wide range of threats including, but not limited to, malware.
7. Network Segmentation
Network segmentation involves dividing your network into smaller, manageable segments. This limits the spread of threats within computer systems, enhancing overall security. For businesses, segmentation is crucial in minimizing the impact of a security breach.
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No Matter What Type of Network Security You Choose…We Can Help!
Whatever network security solution you choose, you need to know how to leverage it in the best way possible to achieve the best possible results. General best practices will help, but it’s also important to have trained cybersecurity experts on your side. People with this kind of training will be able to show you how to best protect your network.
If you don’t have that kind of person in-house, you can find them at NeoLore Networks. We have trained network security experts who can also help you with other aspects of your IT too! With us on your side, there’ll be no need to hire more than one third-party for every one of your tech needs.
Reach out to us today to get started!