What Is Network Security Management, and How Does it Work?

Network security management can be loosely defined as a proactive approach to securing a company's network from internal and external threats by using a set of policies and rules that govern the behavior of machines in the network. The primary goal of network security management is to eliminate the root cause of security issues on a network, rather than simply attempting to fix problems as they occur.

What Are the Different Network Security Types?

Network security is a broad term that covers a multitude of technologies, devices, and processes. It includes both hardware and software technologies. There are several types of network security, and each has its own function and purpose in securing an organization's most valuable assets - information.

Firewalls

A firewall is network security software that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules. Firewalls can also be implemented as hardware devices or a combination of hardware and software.

Proxy Servers

Proxy servers act as gateways between users' computers and the internet. They intercept all requests to the internet to see if any request has been blocked by your access policy. If it finds one, it blocks those requests. The user will not get any message saying that their request has been blocked; they will simply not get the response they requested.

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Intrusion detection systems monitor network traffic and monitor for suspicious activity, and alert administrators when such activity is discovered. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) do everything intrusion detection systems do, plus attempt to block detected threats.

Antivirus/Anti-Malware

Antivirus programs are designed to protect your system from any type of malware — malicious software — although the two terms tend to be used interchangeably. These programs can catch infections before they start or contain them so that they don't spread to other parts of your network. 

However, they're not foolproof. Malware is constantly evolving to become more sophisticated, more difficult to detect, and harder to remove. If you want real protection against these threats, you need antivirus software that's up-to-date with the latest security definitions.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that allows users to access the internet via an encrypted tunnel. This tunnel protects your data as it travels through the internet, making it harder for hackers to view it or steal it.

Why is Network Security Policy Management Necessary?

To maximize the effectiveness of their network security infrastructure, organizations must be able to deploy, maintain, and update their security policies while minimizing disruptions to the business. Network security policy management ensures that all components of an organization's network security infrastructure are synchronized.

How Does Network Security Policy Management Improve Business Security?

Network security policy management provides several key benefits.

Automated Compliance

The larger and more complex your network, the harder it is to keep track of who or what is accessing it and whether they are authorized. Automated network security policy management reduces that burden by providing real-time audits and ensuring that devices stay in compliance with organizational policies.

Better Visibility Into User Behavior

Network security policies provide a window into user behavior on the network, allowing administrators to see who or what is accessing the network, from where, and on what schedule. These insights can help identify anomalies in user behavior, such as access from unusual locations or at strange times of day, which can help organizations identify issues such as compromised credentials before they cause significant damage.

Improved Response to Abnormal Behavior

Network security policies allow organizations to define how network devices should respond when abnormal behavior occurs. For example, if a user attempts to access the network from an unusual location, their access could be automatically revoked until the administrator resets their password or takes other appropriate action.

Sys Corp Computer Services wants to provide your small or medium business with the best network security management. We are a complete IT solution provider and we want to help you stay up and running. Call us today to get started protecting your most precious information!

Network Security is NOT just for large businesses.

One in five small businesses fall victim to a cyber attack and of those, 60 percent go out of businesses within six months after the attack.

When it comes to network security, it is easy for small to medium sized businesses to say “not me”, “they are only after the big guys.” The reality is that attacks on all networks have been increasing year after year as hackers have become more sophisticated, and small businesses are being affected every day by relaxed or non-existent security policies.

A 2013 study showed that 1 in every 5 small businesses networks would be compromised. With the ever-increasing technological advances, it is likely that since then, these numbers have climbed, posing a significant risk for a potential breach, lost or stolen data, or some type of malicious threat.

There are a number of ways SysCorp Computer Services helps to ensure that you are at minimum risk:

  • Updates - Keeping computers and network equipment updated is one of the most effective steps to preventing a possible network security issue.
  • Firewall - A common mistake in small to medium business networks is the lack of a business grade firewall solution. Often business owners are unaware of the difference between having a network router and having a network firewall in place.
  • Passwords - Password and password protection are proving to be an area that needs attention when discussing network security. Using sophisticated software and tools, hackers are easily gaining access to small business networks through simple or default passwords
  • Antivirus/Antispam - Most people know that antivirus and antispam software are necessary components of network security, but many people don’t realize why its so important until their computer or network is infected with a virus, malware, spyware, or a host of other potentially dangerous issues.
  • Verified, Reliable Backups We use a unique system that backs up all of your domain and server information and stores it locally as well as in a private off-site server location so you’ll always be able to access your data quickly.
  • Monitoring Systems - We monitor your computers and servers so that you can be proactive in catching issues such as failing hardware or OS patching issues before they become an emergency.

No matter the size of your business, network security is a definite requirement for every business in the digital age. If you are worried or unsure of where to start with an internal security audit, our team can help get you on track.

To learn more about how cyber attacks hurt small businesses , click here