Robert Derby

Robert Derby

Senior Product Marketing Manager

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Last Updated

What is Network Security and Why is it Important?

Network security is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft. As compared to endpoint security which monitors behavior on the hosts/devices connected to the network (e.g. PCs, file servers, etc.), network security monitors network traffic to look for cyber threats. Effective network security requires a layered approach, combining multiple security technologies, policies, and practices to create a robust defense against evolving cyber threats.

Key Aspects of Network Security

Network security is made up of several components that work together to keep computer systems safe and secure. Keeping valuable, private data out of the hands of bad actors is the primary benefit of a holistic cybersecurity strategy. The key aspects that make up a robust network security approach include the following:

  • Pervasive Network monitoring (e.g., private data center, colo, public cloud, etc.) and logging to continuously track activities and identify security breaches.
  • Access control to manage and restrict network resource access.
  • Encrypted traffic, using protocols like SSL/TLS and VPNs to protect sensitive information as it traverses the network.
  • Firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems to control network traffic and detect potential attacks.
  • Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) protection to defend servers against volumetric attacks
  • Vulnerability management to proactively address weaknesses in network devices and systems.
  • Network segmentation to minimize the impact of security breaches.
  • Exercising a mature Zero Trust Security Architecture, partially by ensuring that any user only has access and permissions to the network areas necessary to perform the functions of their role.
  • Employee awareness and training to educate about best practices and establish a security-conscious culture.

Risks of Poor Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity field is crucial due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats.

The impacts of poor cybersecurity can result in various outcomes, including:

  • Financial Losses: Decreased revenue, increased incident response costs, missed business opportunities, and potential bankruptcy.
  • Reputation Damage: Loss of customer trust, negative publicity, and difficulty attracting new customers.
  • Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Fines, penalties, lawsuits, and reputational harm due to non-compliance with cybersecurity regulations.
  • Operational Disruptions: Downtime, decreased productivity, delays in service delivery, and potential harm to critical infrastructure.
  • Intellectual Property Theft: Loss of valuable trade secrets, research data, or proprietary information, affecting innovation and market advantage.
  • Privacy Violations: Compromised personal information, leading to identity theft, fraud, and breaches of data protection laws.
  • National Security Risks: Threats to critical infrastructure, government systems, and defense networks, undermining economic stability and public safety.

How NETSCOUT Helps

NETSCOUT believes network visibility is foundational to cybersecurity because you can't protect yourself from what you can't see. NETSCOUT solutions deliver "Visibility Without Borders" through cutting-edge technology of scalable Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and Adaptive Service Intelligence (ASI), which converts raw network packets into a rich source of locally stored, compressed packets and layer 2-7 metadata in real-time.

NETSCOUT uses this market-leading, patented technology to offer a scalable DPI-based network detection and response (NDR) platform known as Omnis Cyber Intelligence. NETSCOUT gives you the most comprehensive attack surface observability in the industry and provides continuous intelligence, with real-time detection of all network activity so that you can halt attackers in their tracks.