Network Security: What Is It and How to Prevent Cybercrime?

Network Security: What Is It and How to Prevent Cybercrime?

Cybercriminals don’t rest. Ransomware, phishing, malware, deep fakes, and other cyberattacks are increasingly threatening the security of businesses. Do you know how protected your organisation is?

In this article, we explore why network security is vital, its key components, the latest cybercrimes, and how to prevent them.

Why Is Network Security Important?

During the 6th edition of CISO Day in Spain, eight cybercrime trends were analysed, alongside the impact of emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and quantum computing on network security. While these technologies enhance protection, they can also be exploited by hackers.

Recent cyber incidents and system failures in 2024 highlight the critical need for stronger network security. Notable examples include:

- Microsoft system failure

- Cyberattack on the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

- Attacks on Change Healthcare and Ascension in the US

- Cyber conflicts between Ukraine and Russia

- Data leak at Banco Santander in Spain

- Cyberattack on Orange, Spain's telecoms operator

Only 8% of businesses recover all their data after an attack. To learn more about network security and how to protect your business, keep reading.

What Is Network Security?

Network security encompasses policies, processes, and technologies designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data in a network. It involves using security rules, techniques, and controls to shield networks and critical data from cyberattacks, malware, and data breaches.

What Are the Main Network Security Technologies?

Here are some key types of network security and the essential tools for building a robust defence for your network:

1. Firewall

Firewalls act as barriers between your network and external threats, filtering unwanted traffic and blocking unauthorised access to internal resources.

2. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

These tools monitor network traffic to detect and prevent suspicious activities that could indicate an ongoing attack.

3. Encryption

Encryption protects data in transit and at rest, ensuring that only authorised parties can access the information.

4. Access Control

This ensures that only the right people have access to the necessary resources for their work, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

5. Antivirus and Antimalware

These solutions protect against malicious software that could compromise network security.

6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to the network or data.

New Technologies Revolutionising Network Security

How can network security be improved? McKinsey’s article Cybersecurity Trends: Looking Over the Horizon highlights that organisations must proactively develop long-term defences, as attackers exploit vulnerabilities in emerging technologies and cybersecurity controls quickly become outdated. Some evolving trends in network security include:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning help identify and predict cyber threats, improving early detection and enabling faster, more precise responses to attacks.

2. Internet of Things (IoT) Security

As IoT devices proliferate, securing them is essential to prevent vulnerabilities that could be exploited within the network.

3. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)

This process enables organisations to continuously monitor, assess, and reduce their vulnerability levels, identifying and mitigating potential risks.

4. Identity-Based Security

Prioritising identity in security strategies enhances data and system protection against unauthorised access.

5. Mobile Security

With the rise of remote work, securing mobile devices is critical to protecting sensitive information and avoiding security breaches.

Common Cybercrimes in 2024: What You Should Know

Laia Subirats M., a professor at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), identifies the top cybercrimes concerning businesses today. These include:

1. Malware

Malicious software that affects systems and steals information. Installing antivirus software and conducting regular scans is essential.

2. Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts data and demands a ransom to unlock it. Regularly back up data and educate staff to avoid attacks.

3. Phishing and Its Variants

Phishing and variants like spear phishing and vishing trick victims into disclosing confidential information. Keep software updated and train employees to recognise scams.

4. DoS/DDoS Attacks

Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm systems with excessive traffic. Protect services with monitoring and distributed architecture.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

These attacks intercept communications to spy on or modify data. Use encryption and VPNs to secure communications.

6. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

These exploit unknown software flaws. Monitor systems to detect and mitigate these risks.

Building a Strong Defence Against Cyberattacks with NetApp

NetApp helps you build a robust network security defence, protecting your organisation’s data across all environments, from the data centre to the hybrid cloud. Through solutions that enhance technological resilience and adapt to demanding, ever-changing technological environments, NetApp ensures your data remains secure.

Take the first step and connect with a specialist through NetApp’s chat to keep your data protected at all times.