What Is Network Security and Why It’s So Important

We live in a digital era, and everything is interrelated. Networks touch every aspect of our daily life: your phone, your laptop, smart TV, even home appliances; we can hardly imagine our life without using networks daily in one way or another. So, network security is important in this digital era. However, the same way you secure your front door to prevent theft of your property, we must secure our online connection as well. That is when one comes in network security.

What Is Network Security?

Network security can be referred to as lock and alarm gate to your data. It is the act of defending computer networks against entry by other people, intrusion and the loss of information. The idea is to ensure that not any person has access to your network and information, and all that you do online remains secure.

Security is necessary whether you have a small Wi-Fi in your office or a huge corporate network. In case a network has not been secured then hackers can intrude into the network and steal the sensitive information such as passwords or bank accounts or business secrets.

Threats to Network Security Among the most dangerous to the security of the network are:

So we take a few threats that we may come across in daily life, which can damage your network:

1. Malware and Viruses

This is malicious software that can secretly enter your gadgets in the form of emails, downloads or sites. When they get inside, they are able to steal information or worse still they take control of your system.

2. Phishing Attacks

A phishing attack is the time when an individual acts as a trusted source (such as a bank, or a friend) in order to get you to give him your personal data.

3. Unauthorized Access

In the event that a person gets into your network without your permission, they may spy on your activities, steal information, or destroy something. It would be as though a stranger turns up in your house without your permission.

4. Ransomware

It is a sort of malicious software in which the hacker locks your files and demands money in order to release it.

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What Can We Secure Over the Networks?

In the same way that we have locks and alarms and video security in our homes, there are security safeguards digitally and best approaches to securing networks.

➢ Firewalls

A firewall is another person to protect you between your device and the internet. It cleans the traffic and barricades the suspicious connections.

➢ Antivirus Software

Such programs identify and eliminate the malware in your system before it does some damage.

➢ Strong Passwords

You can avoid compromised Wi-Fi and devices by using quite distinctive, hard-toguess passwords.

➢ Encryption

Encryption is the ransoming of your data so that they can only be readable by individuals using the correct key. This secures information even in cases where there is interception.

➢ Regular Updates

There are security solutions that may involve software updates. Updating your systems fairly easily provides a potent means of protection.

Home and Business Network Security

At home, network security involves ensuring that your Wi-Fi network is password protected, having anti-virus installed on devices and ensuring your kids are not clicking on any suspicious links.

It is more complicated in a business. Business firms handle customer information, financial accounts and valuable systems. They utilize high technology devices such as:

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
• Training the employees and security audit

Any failure in the network security of a company will bring about massive losses.

Why does this matter to you?

You may be tempted to say, I do not have anything that a hacker would want. However, each human being possesses something valuable, it might be that of your identity or any other personal photographs, bank details, or even access to your company systems.

The network security secures the following:-

• Your privacy
• Your money
• Your image
• The peace of your mind

CONCLUSION

Network security does not only target major technology organizations, but also everyone. With an increased number of our activities shifting to the internet, securing our systems is equivalent to locking our doors at night.

Take Small Steps:

• Make passwords powerful
• Update the gadgets
• Take care of email and links

Now, keep in mind that some consideration of network security can make you safe in the cyber world.