The advancement of technology has demonstrated how some vulnerabilities can have an immense negative impact on the success of companies, in addition to irreparable damage. Network security is an essential factor in ensuring the protection and confidentiality of information against the main traps found in the digital environment.
To remain active in the current market, the company needs to guarantee a secure and reliable exchange of information, blocking external threats and infrastructure problems. With the migration of most software and tools to a cloud environment, the need to ensure that this information remains out of reach of unauthorized access also arose.
For this reason, network security is a necessity for all businesses, regardless of their size or sector of activity.
Network security: what is it?
Network security involves a series of processes, strategies, technologies and policies that are designed to protect network traffic and information storage . Just as numerous technological resources are emerging aimed at improving the processes and activities carried out, tactics are also developed to overcome the main barriers used for data integrity.
Network security can increase protection at the edges of the network and within it through layers of security. No matter how well prepared and educated your employees are, vulnerabilities end up happening, and the consequences of this can be devastating for a business.
The digital environment is a true minefield of potential threats, which can encourage the action of cybercriminals and destroy the reliability of a business in the market . Corporate network security presents some essential fundamentals for its proper functioning:
- Creation of a culture of prevention;
- Investment in security resources;
- Increased layers of protection;
- Establishment of access levels according to the type of user;
- Periodic updating of all systems and tools used by the company.
The 4 types of network security
As we saw previously, network security is essential for the company to stay away from the main cyber problems and threats that are recurrent today. Through policies and resources implemented to increase security, the IT sector can prevent unauthorized access, contamination by viruses and malware, cyber attacks, interruption of activities, and much more.
The objective of network security is to bring more protection to the data and systems used by the business , being separated into four types:
1- Firewall, antivirus and antimalware
Firewall feature that creates a protective barrier in systems and networks, allowing the control and monitoring of traffic based on pre-established rules . This way, it can block unauthorized access and contribute to the filtering of data packets. Antivirus and antimalware are tools used to detect, block and remove the main digital threats , helping to keep the network protected.
2- Encryption
In short, encryption makes data unreadable to unauthorized people. This is possible through the encryption of information, protecting and maintaining the confidentiality of this information during its traffic over the network. Thanks to this technology, only authorized users can decrypt this data.
3- VPN: Virtual Private Network
Through VPN it is possible to establish an encrypted and more secure connection between devices and the network. This feature is widely used, especially by remote or home-office employees, ensuring that employees can access internal resources and data on the company's network more securely.
4- DNS Firewall
DNS Firewall is a network security solution that protects against cyber threats. Acting as a defense barrier, it filters and blocks malicious traffic based on DNS queries . This technology identifies and prevents communication with domains that are suspicious or known to host malware or phishing. By adding an additional layer of protection, DNS Firewall strengthens network security and helps keep systems and data safe from unwanted attacks.
Discover how network vulnerabilities can affect business continuity
A network security plan involves much more than just using tools for protection. It is necessary to establish a complete policy aimed at the security and confidentiality of data stored by the business.
This means that, even if the company develops an action plan aimed at dealing with possible eventualities, the damage caused by security problems can cause impacts in the short, medium and long term . The image of a business among its consumers and the market can be permanently damaged due to incidents of this type.
Some cyber attacks are aimed at unavailability of services (such as DDoS attacks ), and depending on the duration of this type of attack, the company can have a major financial impact . Although this type of action can be circumvented with the necessary measures, this unavailability can harm market share and cause consumers to lose trust in the brand.
Data leakage is also one of the biggest problems faced by today's businesses. We can see companies of all sizes and segments suffer attacks of this type and suffer considerable harm. Businesses that have had their data leaked end up being looked at in a bad light by consumers , as the data entrusted to that company does not receive adequate protection.
We are experiencing a time of full digital expansion, and it is necessary for businesses to know how to deal with this type of incident in order to reduce its impact and not cause harm to its consumers and partners. For this reason, network security is essential for the company's growth and maintaining its position in the competition.
The digital security risks that SMEs need to face
There is no longer a target audience for cybercriminals to target, which means that all companies need to invest in security measures. What was once a problem exclusive to large corporations has now become an even broader threat that can affect businesses of all types.
It is necessary for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) to invest in technologies and strategies to protect their data and information . This is because attacks that violate the digital security of companies are increasingly frequent and there are many risks faced to protect confidential data.
In addition to data leakage , which is one of the biggest problems faced today, there are other threats that can also cause countless losses to the corporation. Ransomware attacks have also been victimizing small and medium-sized companies, resulting in the loss of their information, unavailability of services and financial losses.
We know that smaller companies need to be concerned about the size of the investments made in security. It is essential to find a tool that helps maintain security without causing a major financial blow to the organization's coffers.
Why is it necessary to invest in digital security , regardless of the size of your company? Check out this explanatory video and understand the main security risks that could harm your business :
Importance of network security for business growth
Establishing a network security policy within companies is essential to ensure substantial and solid growth. This policy will help protect the company's data against the main attacks that occur in the digital environment , guaranteeing not only the confidentiality of this information, but also the business reputation.
It is practically impossible to find a company today that does not depend largely on internet tools, which means that these businesses end up facing many challenges. Companies need to involve their workers in a mindset focused on digital protection, as well as ensuring that the best tools are used to increase business security.
Contrary to what many think, investing in network security brings a huge cost reduction for a company . This is because recovering from cyber attacks can cause immense financial losses and harm the growth of this organization.
