Network security is the strategic combination of hardware and software designed to protect the sensitive data housed within the corporate data center. Network security has evolved over the years as more traffic is bound for the internet than is staying on the local network. Today’s stack in a security gateway, which monitors traffic going to and from the internet, includes a complex array of firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, sandboxes, URL filters, antivirus technology, data loss prevention systems, DNS filters, and many more devices and tools designed to keep outside attacks from entering the network and reaching the data and intellectual property inside.
Network security consists of the policies, processes and practices adopted to prevent, detect and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of a computer network and network-accessible resources. Network security involves the authorization of access to data in a network, which is controlled by the network administrator. Users choose or are assigned an ID and password or other authenticating information that allows them access to information and programs within their authority. Network security covers a variety of computer networks, both public and private, that are used in everyday jobs: conducting transactions and communications among businesses, government agencies and individuals. Networks can be private, such as within a company, and others which might be open to public access. Network security is involved in organizations, enterprises, and other types of institutions. It does as its title explains: it secures the network, as well as protecting and overseeing operations being done. The most common and simple way of protecting a network resource is by assigning it a unique name and a corresponding password.
