12 Basic Types of Network Security Measures

Currently, the average costs of a data breach and of remediating cyber attacks reach millions of dollars. In 2022 alone, 560 thousand new malware programs were found per day. This large number of costly cyberattacks highlights the importance of implementing network security.

Network security measures form multiple defense layers to protect a network. These layers ensure cybersecurity to all facets of a network, including access control, device protection, data management, email and online security, and employee compliance and training.

12 Basic Types of Network Security Measures

Implementing these technologies can help your organization prevent security problems and be prepared if any incident occurs.

1. Access Management
2. Security Monitoring
3. Firewalls
4. Anti-Malware Software
5. Application Security
6. Data Risk Management
7. Email Security
8. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
9. Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR)
10. Endpoint Security
11. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
12. Web Security

Let’s look at how each of these network security measures works to safeguard a network infrastructure:

1. Access Management

With access management, also known as access control, network access will be granted only to designated users. By having closed environments and limited access, bad actors have fewer loopholes to exploit.

Access management also controls which parts of a network a user can enter. By limiting users’ access to only the network areas and resources they need to complete their job, threats from within an organization diminish. Security is easier to control when users have access only to the areas and resources that are relevant to them.

2. Security Monitoring

Security monitoring consists of a team of cybersecurity experts monitoring your network continuously. They look over software, online use, endpoints, and other systems for any threats.

This kind of monitoring also finds patterns in users’ behaviors. A precedent for users’ patterns makes it easier to identify when irregularities occur, which can be a sign of malicious activity.

Related Blog: Why is Threat Monitoring Important in Modern Cybersecurity?

3. Firewalls

Firewalls are gates set up to filter data passing between your network and the internet. A firewall can manage incoming and ongoing traffic, making sure no malware or unwanted data enters your system.

Firewalls can have predetermined rules and policies, making them one of the most important types of network security.

4. Anti-Malware Software

Anti-malware software, such as antivirus programs, is one of the better-known network security measures. This software keeps environments secure by monitoring, scanning for, and removing malware.

Malware may destroy or steal sensitive data, or lie dormant to later create backdoor access for hackers. 560 thousand new malware programs are found per day in 2022, so it is important to have next-gen antivirus software.

Related Blog: Passive Threats: What You Need to Know

5. Application Security

A healthy network will have several applications to complete different tasks. Applications can become outdated, have glitches in their code, or be configured without security in mind.

By keeping programs and devices up-to-date, and establishing parameters to use those applications, your network security will be enhanced.

6. Data Risk Management

79% of employees engage in risky data management behaviors

As the amount of data that businesses handle increases, it becomes harder to manage this data and keep it secure. Also, data breaches can cause losses; not only monetary, but also of productivity, downtime, and company reputation.

Businesses with strong data risk management ensure employees are trained to avoid scams, device access to their network is controlled, and security policies are set in place.

7. Email Security

Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals in which they pose as trusted figures in order to receive sensitive data. Although it sounds simple, phishing has been honed to deceive users into giving up their data.

316,747 phishing attacks were detected in December 2021

Phishing tactics have improved as attacks increase with the rise of remote work and lack of proper training. Monitoring suspicious emails as well as training employees to increase cybersecurity literacy can help mitigate the risks created by email scams.

8. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEMs are network intrusion detection systems. SIEMs can monitor traffic, data and log activity, suspicious activity, policy violations, and more. This type of network security method gives administrators and IT teams a real-time status view of a network.

There are different SIEM tools designed for businesses of all sizes. Having a SIEM is also a sign that your organization prioritizes cybersecurity.

9. Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR)

Human error, natural disasters, crashes, and attacks should be accounted for. The backup side of BDR ensures important and sensitive data can be restored in case it is lost. Disaster recovery includes not only data backup, but also accounts, programs, and system recovery solutions.

Backup and disaster recovery solutions are often unique to a business. Assessing for risks, implementing guidelines, and planning for a disaster are a critical network security measure.

10. Endpoint Security

Endpoints are personal or company devices such as computers, mobile devices, printers, wearable tech, and beyond that are connected to a network. The increased use of personal devices by employees means there are more targets vulnerable to a breach.

Endpoint security solutions entail malware protection, email decryption, web security, two-factor authentication, and other tactics to ensure bad actors do not exploit these devices. Education on device protection, such as not leaving devices in areas where they could get damaged or stolen, should also be accounted for.

11. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

An encrypted connection from a network to devices, a virtual private network (VPN), helps transmit data securely. A VPN also blocks access to unauthorized people in your network traffic. VPNs can allow remote work to be conducted securely.

VPNs are used in personal as well as company settings. This network security tool ensures privacy as well as security.

12. Web Security

This security measure consists of software, policies, and more to protect networks from unsafe web use. The final item in our list, this simple measure is critical to business continuity.

Web security works by blocking user access to sites that may contain malware. These tools also monitor website traffic to block any traffic that is outside company policies or poses a threat to the network.

Related Infographic: The Layered Cybersecurity Defense

Bottom Line

Are all the layers in your network secure? Without a complete cybersecurity plan, a vulnerability in a certain layer can leave your network unsafe. Implementing these types of network security measures and making sure your employees have training and support is a requirement for businesses of all sizes.

Cybercrime targeting businesses rises daily. When an organization is not secure, vulnerabilities abound that could lead to attacks, downtime, and loss of reputation. Ensure your company network is secure by reviewing Cybersecurity Checklist: How Covered is Your Business.