Ethical Hacking Course: What is Network Security and its advantages | Intellipaat

What is network security?

Network security refers to all of the steps taken to safeguard the integrity of a computer network and the data contained within it. Network security is important because it protects sensitive data from cyber attacks and keeps the network operational and trustworthy. Multiple security solutions are used in successful network security strategies to protect users and organizations from malware and cyber attacks such as distributed denial of service.

A network is made up of devices that are linked together, such as computers, servers, and wireless networks. Many of these devices are vulnerable to attackers. On a network or as software as a service, network security entails the use of a variety of software and hardware tools. As networks become more complex and enterprises rely more on their networks and data to conduct business, security becomes more important. As threat actors develop new attack methods on these increasingly complex networks, security methods must evolve.

Security is usually framed as everyone's responsibility, regardless of the specific method or enterprise security strategy, because every user on the network represents a potential vulnerability in that network.

If you're interested in learning more about ethical hacking and how it can help protect businesses and individuals from cyber threats, be sure to check out our in-depth video on the Ethical Hacking Course. You'll learn about the different types of hacking, the tools and techniques used by ethical hackers, and the steps you can take to secure your own systems.

What is the significance of network security?

Network security is essential because it keeps cybercriminals from accessing valuable data and sensitive information. When hackers gain access to such information, they can cause a variety of issues, including identity theft, asset theft, and reputational harm.

• A network is made up of devices that are linked together, such as computers, servers, and wireless networks. Many of these devices are vulnerable to attackers. On a network or as software as a service, network security entails the use of a variety of software and hardware tools. As networks become more complex and enterprises rely more on their networks and data to conduct business, security becomes more important. As threat actors develop new attack methods on these increasingly complex networks, security methods must evolve.
• Financial risks associated with exposed personally identifiable information (PII). Data breaches can be costly for individuals as well as businesses. Organizations that handle personally identifiable information (PII), such as Social Security numbers and passwords, are required to keep it secure. Exposure can cost victims money in the form of fines, restitution, and the cost of repairing compromised devices. Data breaches and exposure can also harm a company's reputation and expose it to legal action. According to IBM's "Cost of a Data Breach 2022 Report," conducted by Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach increased to $4.35 million in 2022 from $4.24 million in 2021.
• Financial risk associated with tainted intellectual property. Organizations' intellectual property can also be stolen, which is costly. The loss of a company's ideas, inventions, and products can result in the loss of revenue and competitive advantages.
• Regulatory concerns. Many governments require businesses to follow data security regulations that address network security issues. Medical organisations in the United States, for example, must follow the regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while organisations in the European Union dealing with citizens' data must follow the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Violations of these regulations can result in fines, bans, and even jail time.
• Network security is so critical that several organisations are focusing on implementing and sharing strategies for adapting to modern threats. Mitre ATT&CK, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Center for Internet Security all offer free, nonproprietary security frameworks and knowledge bases to help businesses and other organizations share cyber threat information and evaluate their network security methods.