Highlights:

  • Keeping up with the continuously changing threat landscape, which includes new viruses, malware, and other sorts of assaults, is one of the most significant problems in network security management.
  • Antivirus software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control systems comprise network security management tools and techniques.

Over several decades, business networks have undergone significant development, transitioning from a centralized model with a perimeter safeguarded all resources to the more prevalent virtualized systems we have today. Organizations now operate more efficiently and flexibly because of the advancement of mobile technologies and the popularity of BYOD models. Nonetheless, these devices have raised the risk that resource-constrained teams must monitor to manage network security.

At the same time, the cyber threat environment has become even more dangerous. According to research from the security vendor Check Point, cyber-attacks were up 38% in 2022 over the previous year. This alarming rise in cyber-attacks has driven several Network Security Management Challenges.

Advancements produce results in network monitoring and threat intelligence that use machine learning to hasten threat identification and increase accuracy. Also, network administrators want to address problems more quickly and work more proactively.

Using ideas like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and zero trust, more work has been done in recent years to incorporate security measures into the network. Below are some of the SASE products:

  • Software-defined WAN hardware
  • Cloud access security brokers
  • Next-generation firewall as a service
  • Secure web gateways
  • Zero-trust network access

In a broader sense, zero-trust architecture perceives any entity attempting to access a company’s resources as untrustworthy. By employing numerous security measures, a zero-trust architecture allows for the authentication, validation, and ongoing verification of any device or user. It establishes protective measures to reduce the impact of potential incidents, recognizing that even the most secure systems can experience breaches.

What is Network Security Management?

Network security management is developing and managing security measures to shield computer networks against unauthorized access, cyber-attacks, and other potential security lapses. Various technologies, rules, and procedures protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of network resources and data.

The main objective of network security management is to ensure that linked devices and network infrastructure are safe from internal and external threats. This entails spotting potential weaknesses and putting measures to minimize them, keeping an eye on network traffic for unusual activity, and quickly and effectively responding to security issues.

A variety of tasks and duties are often included in network security management, such as:

  • Risk assessment
  • Access control
  • Network monitoring
  • Data encryption
  • Patch management
  • Incidence response
  • Compliance management

Network Security vs. Cyber Security

The term “cybersecurity” encompasses a wide range of measures taken to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and other harmful activities. In addition to safeguarding network security, it also encompasses aspects such as operational safety, data security, application security, and various other topics related to computer security.

Network security is a component of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity takes a comprehensive approach to protecting an organization’s digital assets, which include networks, devices, applications, and data. In contrast, network security focuses explicitly on safeguarding the network infrastructure.

Network Security Management Challenges

Managing and keeping tabs on everything can be demanding, particularly when network managers need to correlate information from multiple sources. In addition, products intended to work in tandem often necessitate further integration.

However, the predicament faced by security teams is that they are consistently bombarded with excessive alerts. Consequently, they frequently overlook incidents for extended periods as a flood of false positives overwhelms their attention. Many organizations find themselves in need of additional funding and greater security staffing.

Furthermore, businesses’ risk is deteriorating as hackers grow more audacious and employ diverse strategies to circumvent network safeguards. Amidst their efforts to minimize the impact, security professionals who are already overwhelmed and burdened are observing a rise in cyber threats, including phishing scams and ransomware. Presented below are a few actionable recommendations and optimal approaches for network security management to assist you in this regard:

  • You should use strong passwords comprising a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, digits, and special characters, and be at least 12 characters long. Also, it’s vital to promote frequent password changes among staff members.
  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to increase login security by requiring two or more pieces of identification, such as a password and a fingerprint or a one-time code given to a mobile device.
  • Verify that all software and firmware are updated with the most recent security patches and updates. This applies to both computers and network hardware like switches and routers.
  • Firewalls should be used to prevent unauthorized access to your network. Ensure sure your firewall is installed and correctly configured.
  • Sensitive information must be encrypted both in transit and at rest. This pertains to data stored on computers, laptops, and other portable electronics.
  • Only grant employees access to the information and platforms required to do their jobs. This lowers the possibility of data breaches brought on by human error.
  • Use network traffic monitoring technologies to track odd activity and take immediate action in the event of a threat.
  • Regularly conduct security training; employees should receive training on spotting threats like phishing emails and social engineering scams.
  • Any critical data should be regularly backed up and kept elsewhere. This can aid your recovery following a catastrophic occurrence, such as a data breach.
  • Risk assessment is significant for identifying and evaluating potential security risks and vulnerabilities in the network.

Closure:

In order to effectively address network security, it is essential to possess a comprehensive understanding of the network infrastructure, encompassing all devices and systems. Nonetheless, adhering to recommended network security practices can contribute to achieving comprehensive security measures.

Managing network security can be demanding, primarily due to multiple factors, including the intricate nature of contemporary network infrastructures, the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, the necessity to strike a balance between usability and productivity, and the implementation of security measures. Nevertheless, by adopting the appropriate approach, it is feasible to safeguard your network against cyber threats and ensure your organization’s overall security.