Most IT managers and key IT professionals do not go beyond the basic level cyber security strategy. In these cases, in the occurrence of a network breach, more than just the data is at stake.

DIt is very essential to understand that network security does not end at an anti-virus software! It embodies all the tools, strategies and security policies that need to be put together tactically to monitor network activity, prevent unauthorised access and respond to an intrusion or attack on the network. Network security basics require appropriate hardware, relevant software technologies and expert security analysts. Your network and security solutions are to be designed to not only protect your existing network but also safeguard from potential external threats. It is basically the defence system of your business! In order to have an effective defence, you will need to build a strong foundation for your network security. The main areas of focus should be to strategically plan for protection, detection and response.

The strength of your network security defines your ability to stay in business by not only protecting crucial data, but also your reputation. An effective network security system should lead to continued, unhampered operations and a high reputation level. Businesses that come to a halt or collapse under cyber attacks or network security breaches, not only suffer losses in business transactions but also find their reputation crumbling due to a weak network security system. So, a lot is at stake where your network security system is concerned. Any business will encounter small cyber attacks or network intrusions but there are also the unanticipated focussed attacks that are launched on specific companies for specific reasons. This is the very reason why you need a comprehensive strategy for a strong fortified network security system.

A strong, well prepared network security system should ideally have the following tools or techniques:

Access control: You need to protect your network from unauthorised access but also limit the resources available to authorised users. Employees and other users should be allowed to access the parts that apply to their roles and responsibilities. By restricting access, you are able to minimise the risk to the network.

Anti-malware software: Malware are viruses, trojans, worms etc. that often enter a system and infect the network. These are in the form of harmless programs or codes that get downloaded into your system with the intention of causing harm. Anti malware softwares recognise the specific codes that malwares use and prevent them from running on your system.

Detecting Anomaly: It is imperative to form a baseline for the basic functioning of your network system. Once you have some sort of an understanding as to how your network should be operating, it will help you determine the anomalies. This way, in case of a system breach, you will be alerted in time to be able to respond quickly.

Security of Applications: Applications that are used throughout the network are at risk of exploitation. It is essential to establish what applications are important enough to be run on your network and then set parameters for the permissions to be given to those applications that are relevant.

Security of Applications: Applications that are used throughout the network are at risk of exploitation. It is essential to establish what applications are important enough to be run on your network and then set parameters for the permissions to be given to those applications that are relevant.

Email Security: Often attackers send emails to unsuspecting users who disclose sensitive information or unintentionally end up downloading malicious software, that can then attack the network system. Email security identifies such emails and blocks them from reaching users or blocks any programs to be downloaded.

Firewalls: Firewalls are a necessity for multiple users on a network. Firewalls manage the network traffic or network usability, allow access to authorised traffic and successfully block unauthorised entries.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Gettingtogether the right information from different tools and resources in a timely manner is the key to running a successful network. SIEM tools and software enable coming up with data that network security responders need, to act quickly.

Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPN tools authenticate communication between secure networks and the end user’s device. Remote-access VPNs require IPsec or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for authentication. This creates an encrypted line to block other parties from eavesdropping or hacking.

Web Security: Web security is a wider term to describe the network security measures businesses take to ensure safe web use when connected to an internal network. This includes tools, hardware, policies etc. It prevent browsers being used as access points to get into the network by hackers.

Wireless Security: Wireless networks tend to be less secure than traditional networks. In which case, you will have to ensure stricter wireless security measures to be able to block unauthorised access. Any business network is prone to threats of all shapes and sizes, and thus it is imperative to be prepared to defend, identify and respond to a full range of attacks