WhatIs Network Security?

You may think you know theanswers to basic questions like, What is network security? Still, it's a goodidea to ask them of your trusted IT partner. Why? Because small andmedium-sized businesses (SMBs) often lack the IT resources of large companies.That means your network security may not be sufficient to protect yourbusiness from today's sophisticated Internet threats.

WhatIs Network Security?

In answering the questionWhat is network security?, your IT partner should explain that network securityrefers to any activities designed to protect your network. Specifically, theseactivities protect the usability, reliability, integrity, and safety of yournetwork and data. Effective network security targets a variety of threats andstops them from entering or spreading on your network.

WhatIs Network Security and How Does It Protect You?

After asking What is networksecurity?, you should ask, What are the threats to my network?

Many network security threatstoday are spread over the Internet. The most common include:

• Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses
• Spyware and adware
• Zero-day attacks, also called zero-hour attacks
• Hacker attacks
• Denial of service attacks
• Data interception and theft
• Identity theft

HowDoes Network Security Work?

To understand What is networksecurity?, it helps to understand that no single solution protects you from avariety of threats. You need multiple layers of security. If one fails, othersstill stand.

Network security isaccomplished through hardware and software. The software must be constantlyupdated and managed to protect you from emerging threats.

A network security systemusually consists of many components. Ideally, all components work together,which minimizes maintenance and improves security.

Network security componentsoften include:

• Anti-virus and anti-spyware
• Firewall, to block unauthorized access to your network
• Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), to identify fast-spreading threats, such as zero-day or zero-hour attacks
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), to provide secure remote access

Whatare the Business Benefits of Network Security?

With network security inplace, your company will experience many business benefits. Your company isprotected against business disruption, which helps keep employees productive.Network security helps your company meet mandatory regulatory compliance.Because network security helps protect your customers' data, it reduces therisk of legal action from data theft.

Ultimately, network securityhelps protect a business's reputation, which is one of its most importantassets.

Learn how you can secure your business.

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