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The global cybersecurity market is projected to reach $271.9 billion by 2029, according to Statista. This spending surge reflects the growing need to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that are regularly emerging. From finance to health care, almost every industry now recognizes that organizations of every size need robust network security to survive. Consequently, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is on the rise.

Individuals interested in deepening their expertise in this field need the right education. Earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity can prepare them to address the ever-evolving challenges of network security.

What Is Network Security?

A computer network functions like a highway system that connects different parts of a city. Just as the highway system carries vehicles loaded with valuable cargo, a network infrastructure carries sensitive data such as customer information, financial records, and proprietary business documents.

What Does Network Security Do?

Network security acts like traffic control and surveillance systems that ensure only authorized vehicles use the highways, preventing accidents or blockages that can disrupt the flow of traffic. Network security requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses a wide range of tools, technologies, and best practices. It can protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of a network’s data and resources from:

• Unauthorized access
• Misuse
• Malfunction
• Modification
• Destruction
• Improper disclosure

When attackers target a network infrastructure, it is the equivalent of someone trying to hijack a truck on the highway or create a roadblock to bring traffic to a standstill. Denial of service (DoS) attacks are akin to a flood of cars overwhelming the highway, causing traffic jams that halt the city’s operations.

Network security helps prevent hacking, viruses, malware, and other forms of cyber attacks. This protection extends across an entire network, keeping hardware, software, and any data that is transmitted or stored there safe.

Key Components of Network Security

Network security is made up of several key components including the following:

• Firewalls act as barriers between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules. This makes it possible to block potential threats while simultaneously allowing legitimate traffic.
• Encryption converts data into codes that require decryption keys to be read. If unauthorized individuals intercept encrypted data, they will not be able to read it without the correct decryption key.
• Access controls limit who can access a network’s resources and what users can do within a network. These mechanisms verify the identity of users and devices and enforce policies that determine the level of access granted.
• Antivirus and anti-malware protect a network against malicious software designed to harm or exploit a system. These security tools scan, detect, and remove potential threats before they can cause damage.
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, while intrusion prevention systems (IPS) block malicious traffic.

The Importance of Network Security

In industries ranging from finance and health care to education and government, the protection of sensitive information is critical. Network security strategies are designed to keep data secure from external threats so organizations can operate efficiently and maintain the trust of their clients.

Network security goes beyond protection against external attacks. It also addresses internal threats, such as accidental data breaches or malicious actions by insiders. With a comprehensive network security strategy, organizations can anticipate where they’re vulnerable and take actions that can mitigate their risks.

The Consequences of Poor Network Security

Failing to protect a network can lead to a variety of serious consequences that can affect both individuals and organizations.

Financial Loss

Compromised credit card numbers, banking details, or proprietary business information can cost organizations dearly. Data breaches can result in the theft of funds, fraudulent transactions, and the loss of valuable intellectual property.

Legal Repercussions and Regulatory Penalties

Strict regulations regarding how organizations are to handle sensitive information govern many industries. For example, health care organizations must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy safeguards. Failing to protect sensitive information and keep up with cybersecurity compliance and industry regulations can lead to penalties, audits, lawsuits, and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.

Negative Publicity

Data breaches can severely damage an organization’s reputation. Customers count on organizations to keep their information safe. If a company fails to do that, individuals may take their business elsewhere. Additionally, the negative publicity surrounding a data breach can linger and affect how the public perceives a brand.

Operational Disruptions

Cyber attacks disrupt an organization’s ability to function. Ransomware attacks can lock users out of critical systems until a ransom is paid. Data breaches may require organizations to shut their systems down to make way for investigation and remediation. This often means downtime and revenue losses. Such disruptions can have a ripple effect, delaying projects, affecting supply chains, and straining relationships with partners.

Weakened Competitive Advantage

When an organization’s trade secrets, product designs, or strategic plans are compromised, its competitive advantage can be threatened. If competitors gain access to such sensitive information, they can use it to their benefit and potentially undermine the affected company’s market position. This may mean lost business opportunities and a weakened position in the industry.

Personal Consequences for Employees

In cases where an organization fails to protect the personal information of its employees, such as payroll details or Social Security numbers, employees themselves can become victims of identity theft or financial fraud. This not only affects their personal lives but can also lead to decreased morale and trust within the organization.

The Cybersecurity Professionals Who Safeguard Networks

Today’s organizations increasingly rely on robust network security strategies. This is especially true in finance, health care, and manufacturing.

Financial institutions face sophisticated cyber threats targeting everything from online banking systems to stock exchanges. Health care, too, depends heavily on network security. The common use of electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine means that successful cyber attacks in this sector could compromise patient confidentiality, disrupt services, and even endanger patients’ lives.

Manufacturing’s reliance on automation and smart devices means cyber attacks can lead to significant disruptions and damage. If attackers successfully penetrate a manufacturing company’s network, they can potentially manipulate the control systems that manage production lines and cause operations to malfunction or completely shut down. Cybercriminals could also target connected devices, such as sensors or robots, and compromise their ability to operate correctly.

With such high stakes, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 32% job growth for professionals in cybersecurity roles between 2022 and 2032. Consider the following cybersecurity professionals who play pivotal roles in protecting an organization’s networks:

Network Security Analyst

Network security analysts work on the front lines safeguarding digital infrastructures. They monitor networks for suspicious activity and vulnerabilities and respond to potential threats before they escalate into full-blown breaches. In the digital world, they’re like security guards constantly patrolling the perimeter of a network, looking for signs of intrusion.

In finance, for instance, a network security analyst might focus on protecting payment processing systems from hacking attempts. In health care, they could be tasked with ensuring that patient data remains secure during electronic transfers between health care providers. In manufacturing, they might monitor the network traffic within automated production lines to detect and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive designs or processes.

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers build and maintain the systems responsible for protecting an organization’s data and networks. These professionals design secure network infrastructures, implement encryption protocols, and develop firewalls to keep intruders at bay. If network security analysts are security guards in the digital world, cybersecurity engineers are the architects who design buildings to withstand attacks.

In the finance sector, cybersecurity engineers may develop advanced encryption methods to protect financial transactions and customer data. In health care, they could design secure telemedicine platforms that protect patient privacy. In manufacturing, they might implement communication protocols for industrial smart devices to prevent them from being hijacked by cybercriminals.

IT Security Manager

Information technology (IT) security managers oversee an organization’s entire cybersecurity strategy. They coordinate between different teams, manage cybersecurity budgets, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. These professionals help make sure that every aspect of an organization’s network security is covered.

IT security managers in finance may develop security policies to comply with regulations such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), which mandates the protection of consumer financial data. These policies must also align with the organization’s overall approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks.

In health care, they could oversee the protection of EHRs to comply with privacy regulations. In manufacturing, they may manage the implementation of cybersecurity measures across multiple facilities.

Understanding Network Security Keys

Network security keys play a fundamental role in protecting wireless networks. These digital passcodes help ensure that only authorized users can access a network. Complex keys that combine letters, numbers, and symbols offer the best protection against unauthorized network access.

How Network Security Keys Work

Just like a password keeps strangers out of online accounts, a network security key keeps unwanted users out of wireless networks.

When attempting to connect a device to a network, users are prompted to enter a network security key. The network then checks to see if the key entered matches the one it has stored. If the keys match, the network grants the device access, and all the data sent between the device and the network is encrypted.

Types of Network Security Keys

The most common types of network security keys are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), and Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3).

WPA uses a protocol called Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), which changes the encryption key every time a device tries to connect. However, while WPA may be used on older devices, it is considered outdated.

WPA2 uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), a much stronger encryption method than the one used by WPA. However, while WPA2 was the long-standing standard for Wi-Fi security, WPA3 is the latest protocol. It addresses vulnerabilities of the WPA2 network key with improved security features, such as individualized data encryption and protection against brute-force attacks. 

As a result, WPA and even WPA2 are considered outdated for modern business needs, especially those requiring the highest security standards.

Network Firewall Security

Whether implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both, firewalls are essential network security tools.

Types of Firewalls

Several types of firewalls exist. Each can serve different purposes for a business.

Packet-Filtering Firewalls

Packet-filtering firewalls act like simple security checkpoints that examine incoming and outgoing traffic. These firewalls are suitable for small home networks or businesses with minimal security needs. They provide quick but limited protection, mainly allowing or blocking traffic based on basic rules.

Circuit-Level Gateways

Circuit-level gateways take security a step further by verifying that the connection between two devices is legitimate. These firewalls don’t inspect the content of the communication, making them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses where ensuring the authenticity of connections is sufficient. However, for businesses dealing with sensitive information, a higher level of protection is often necessary.

Stateful Inspection Firewalls

Stateful inspection firewalls not only check basic information but also monitor the state of active connections much like bouncers at a VIP event who continuously keep their eyes on the crowd. This makes these more advanced firewalls a good choice for larger businesses that need to ensure the integrity of ongoing communications.

Application-Level Gateways

For companies needing to control the type of data entering and leaving their network, application-level gateways, or proxy firewalls, offer targeted security. They carefully inspect the content of specific applications, such as emails or web traffic, before allowing it to proceed. This type of firewall is particularly beneficial in industries where sensitive information is frequently transmitted.

Next-Generation Firewalls

Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) offer the most comprehensive security. They combine the features of traditional firewalls with advanced capabilities. Instead of just checking if data is allowed or blocked, NGFWs dig deeper, examining the content to spot anything suspicious or harmful before it enters a network.

They also come with tools to prevent intrusions, much like a physical security system that not only has cameras but also alerts appropriate personnel and locks down the building if something unusual is detected. These firewalls are ideal for businesses needing top-tier protection against complex threats.

Network Security Design

Network security design refers to the planning and implementation of measures that protect a computer network. It involves creating a blueprint that outlines the various security measures throughout the network’s infrastructure to keep it protected and resilient.

Effective network security designs proactively establish defenses against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

With organizations offering remote work options and using technologies such as smart devices and multi-cloud security environments, network security designs also need to address the challenges these technologies can pose. For example, with employees accessing company networks from home or on the go, the security perimeter has to expand beyond the office walls, making traditional security measures insufficient.

Steps cybersecurity professionals take to develop effective network security designs include the following:

1. Assessing risks: Identifying what assets need protection and evaluating the potential risks and threats that could compromise the network
2. Defining security policies: Establishing clear rules for how data and resources should be accessed and handled within a network, specifying permissions users will need to access resources on a network and perform certain actions
3. Implementing security measures: Deploying various tools and technologies that work together to create multiple layers of defense against different types of cyber threats
4. Planning the network architecture: Designing a network’s layout to boost its security, with elements such as segmenting, which involves dividing a network into smaller sections to isolate critical systems from potential attacks
5. Continuous monitoring and updating: Regularly reviewing and updating the security design to adapt to new threats and changes in the network environment, which ensures that the security measures remain effective over time

Why Is Network Security Design Important?

A typical network may use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and more, each of which has its own configuration and management requirements. Without a cohesive design, these tools may not work well together. This can create security gaps that attackers can exploit.

For example, if a firewall is not properly configured to communicate with an intrusion detection system, a threat could slip through undetected. A well-designed network ensures that the various security tools work together in a way that leaves no blind spots.

Well-planned network security designs also allow for scalability. As organizations grow, so do their networks, with added devices, users, and data. Effective designs allow organizations to add new security measures as needed. For example, a small business may start with a single firewall, but as it grows it may need to add additional firewalls or upgrade to a more advanced solution.

Also, with new types of cyber threats frequently emerging, static security designs can quickly become obsolete. Continuous monitoring, regular updates, and audits can help protect networks against current or emerging threats.

Today’s organizations often rely on multiple cloud providers to meet their needs. While this can offer flexibility, multi-cloud security can be complex and may require different security standards, which can make it challenging to maintain consistent protection. Network security designs that apply uniform security policies across all cloud platforms help keep data secure regardless of where it is stored or processed.

Automation and AI in Network Security Design

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing network security. These technologies not only detect threats better, they also enable faster response times.

Monitoring network activity or responding to potential threats can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Automation solves this by using software to perform these tasks automatically. For example, an automated incident response system can quickly detect a breach and take immediate action, such as isolating the affected part of the network.

AI takes threat detection to the next level. Traditional security systems often rely on predefined rules to identify threats, but these rules can become outdated as new threats emerge. AI-powered systems use machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data and recognize patterns that may indicate a security breach.

Over time, AI systems can improve in identifying these patterns, even for threats they’ve never seen before. For example, an AI system might notice unusual network traffic that could signal a cyber attack and take proactive steps to prevent it. 

Protect Networks From Cyber Threats

Effective network security protects both personal and professional information from cyber threats. From employing network security keys to implementing effective firewall strategies, network security professionals help create a strong defense against potential breaches.

Those looking to contribute to this vital field should consider pursuing The University of Tulsa’s online M.S. in Cyber Security degree to gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and manage advanced security systems. Our program offers technical and leadership tracks and teaches students about defensive cyber technologies and ways to maintain a system’s security. 

Discover how The University of Tulsa’s M.S. in Cyber Security program prepares students for successful careers in network security.

Recommended Readings

AI Threat Detection in Cybersecurity

Cryptocurrency Security Explained

Cyber Intelligence: Definition and Career Opportunities

Sources:

ACM Computing Surveys, “Automation for Network Security Configuration: State of the Art and Research Trends”

Bitdefender, “4 Key Industries That Need to Prioritize Cybersecurity”

Forbes, “17 Key Strategies for Designing a Secure, Efficient Network”

Indeed, “What Is a Cybersecurity Engineer? (Plus How to Become One)”

Palo Alto Networks, “Modernize Your Network Security With Artificial Intelligence”

Sentra, “What Is Sensitive Data Exposure and How to Prevent It”

Statista, Cybersecurity — Worldwide

Tech Target, “The 5 Different Types of Firewalls Explained”

Tech Target, “What Does an IT Security Manager Do?”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts

Webopedia, Network Security Key