You probably already knew this, but network security is a huge topic. In this article, I’m going to take a look at some of the basics. What exactly does it mean to secure something? Where does data come into play? How is malware distributed? And why should you be concerned about all of these things?
The answers to these questions are surprisingly simple, and yet, the potential consequences of a breach in network security can be enormous.
Network Security Focuses On The Protection Of Physical Items
In order to secure a physical item, you must protect it from unauthorized access. This implies that the item must be entirely inaccessible to anyone except those authorized individuals. How do you do this? Well, there are a couple of methods.
You could simply keep that item in a locked box, or you could put it behind some sort of barrier. And, of course, you could always guard it with some type of security personnel. In all cases, the idea is to make sure that only the right people can access the physical item in question.
Securing Data: Network Security Focuses On The Protection Of Physical Items
Now that we’ve established that physical items can be secured by locking them away or putting them behind barriers, let’s take a look at how these same principles apply to data. The basic idea is exactly the same: only authorized users should be able to access sensitive data.
This is where network security comes into play. In the private sector, network security is usually by IT professionals who specialize in this field. And it’s their job to keep your data locked away in tightly guarded fortresses.
Network Security Is An Ongoing Process: Why?
When you think about it, network security is an ongoing process because it never ends. There’s always something new going on, as hackers discover new vulnerabilities and exploit them for their own gain. And there’s always something old coming back around because some enterprising computer jockey figures out how to retrieve old information from an old system and then re-use it for malicious purposes.
It’s a never-ending cycle of attack and counter-attack because no one really knows what happens next other than that it requires more work and more effort on someone’s part in order to stay ahead of the curve. Network security isn’t just about keeping your data safe; it’s also about making sure that your infrastructure stays intact and doesn’t get hacked or otherwise compromised along the way.
What is malware?
Malware is a type of malicious software that can do everything from destroying your computer to stealing your personal information. This type of software damages or disables computers and computer networks. Some types of malware are for political or ideological reasons, while others are developed as a means of making money.
There are basically three categories of malware: ransomware, worms and viruses.
Ransomware malware
This type of malware is used to extort money from users by holding their data hostage. In most cases, the user will be locked out of his or her computer system until a ransom is paid.
A good example of this type of malware is CryptoLocker, which encrypts the user’s data with a strong 2048-bit RSA key before demanding a ransom payment via an online service such as MoneyPak, GreenDot MoneyPak or Paysafecard.
Worms
This type of malware spreads quickly over computer networks and other connected devices such as smartphones, tablets and smart TVs.
Most worms are benign, but some can cause serious damage, especially if they target critical systems within businesses or other institutions. The best way to avoid damage from worms is to keep your antivirus software up-to-date at all times.
Viruses: Network Security Focuses On The Protection Of Physical Items
This type of malware can replicate itself, which allows it to spread rapidly across networks and other devices. Viruses are usually attached to other files that end users download from the Internet or receive in an email message.
Email attachments are one of the most common sources of viruses because users often open them without thinking about the potential consequences.