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Network Security - Introduction

By IncludeHelp Last updated : July 23, 2024

Securing the data is important in today’s digital era, where everything is connected to the internet or information flows freely through the network. From personal emails to sensitive corporate information, data integrity, confidentiality, and availability must be protected against cyber-attacks. This is where the relevance of network security comes in, which helps to protect your digital assets.

In this tutorial, we will understand the basics of network security with some relevant examples.

What is Network Security?

Network security refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect a computer network and the data transmitted across it from unauthorised access, misuse, modification, or disruption.

For example, to secure a Wi-Fi network at your home, you might set up a strong password so that only people who know the password can connect to your network. This prevents others from accessing your internet connection, hacking your device and stealing your personal information.

Network Security Principles

Basically, Network Security is based on three principles:

1. Confidentiality

This principle ensures that only authorised persons or systems can access sensitive information. For example, when you log into your email account, you use a password only you know. This means only you can access your emails, keeping your messages confidential.

2. Integrity

This principle ensures that your data remains unchanged by unauthorised users or systems. For example, when you download a software update for your phone, the manufacturer digitally signs the update to guarantee that it hasn't been altered or tampered with by hackers. This ensures the integrity of the software, so you can trust that it's safe to install on your device.

3. Availability

This principle ensures the data and network resources are readily available to authorised users. For example, when you visit websites like Google or Facebook, they use redundant servers and load-balancing techniques, making sure their services are always available, even during high-traffic periods or server failures. You can easily access the data without any interruptions.

Importance of Network Security in Modern Computing Environments

With the advancement in technology, we rely on interconnected systems. With the increasing reliance, the importance of network security cannot be neglected.

1. Cyber Threats

Cyber attackers constantly seek new methods to get unauthorised access to computer networks, steal data, or disrupt operations. Network security measure helps to protect against these threats. It helps in mitigating risks and protecting sensitive information.

Recently, the SocGholish malware has been targeting enterprises using fake browser update prompts. This malicious software targets some websites to deliver harmful payloads that steal sensitive data.

2. Cost of Data Breaches

A security breach can have severe consequences for individuals and organisations. This leads to reputational damage, financial losses, and legal liabilities. Implementing robust network security measures helps preserve trust and credibility among stakeholders.

3. Compliance Requirements

Many industries have certain rules and regulations they have to follow to keep data safe. If they don't follow these rules, they have to face some consequences and might have to pay fines also. Network security is important for following these rules and keeping businesses running smoothly.

Common Threats and Vulnerabilities Faced by Networks

1. Malware

Malware is a general term for malicious software which harms a computer system. There are various types of malware such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. Malware can be installed on a computer in many ways, such as by clicking on a malicious link, opening an infected attachment, or downloading a file from an unauthorised source. Once malware is installed on a computer, it can steal data, damage files, or even take control of the entire system.

2. Phishing

Phishing is an attack where users reveal personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers. Phishing attacks are often done via email, text messages, social media, or even phone calls. In a phishing attack, the attacker will send a message with a link that appears to be from an authentic source, such as a bank, credit card company, or social media platform. Clicking the link will take you to a fake website

3. Denial-of-service (DoS) Attacks

A DoS attack tries to shut down a computer system or network so real users can't use it. They do this by bombarding the system with so much traffic it can't handle, thereby blocking out legitimate users. Different types of DoS attacks include flooding the system with traffic from many places, sending certain types of data packets to overload the system, or finding weak spots in the system's software to exploit.

4. Social Engineering

Social engineering is an attack that relies on human error to gain access to a computer system or network. Social engineering attacks can be carried out in many ways, but some of the most common include pretexting, baiting, and quid pro quo. In a pretexting attack, the attacker will pose as a legitimate source, such as a customer service representative or a law enforcement officer, to gain the victim's trust. In a baiting attack, an attacker tricks the victim into clicking on a malicious link or opening an infected attachment by offering something they want, such as a gift or discount. In a quid pro quo attack, the attacker will offer the victim something in exchange for their help, such as technical support or access to a restricted area.

5. Weak Passwords

Weak passwords are one of the most common security vulnerabilities. A weak password is a password that is easy to guess or crack. Weak passwords often include personal information, such as the user's name, birthday, or pet's name. They may also be short or simple, such as "password" or "123456". Attackers can easily crack weak passwords using password spraying or brute-force attacks, which enables them to gain access to user accounts and steal sensitive data.