Which network security control is designed to protect data that is stored on the network or which is in transit across into or out of the network?

When you’re exploring IT and cybersecurity solutions for your business, one of the phrases that you will encounter most frequently is “network security.”

However, many businesses in need of managed services know very little about this integral component of cybersecurity and business continuity. This lack of understanding can make it difficult to determine what services you need — and which ones you don’t.

Network security refers to the strategic deployment of a broad range of services, processes, and technologies that are designed to protect your computer network. Small businesses, international enterprises, and every kind of organization in between need network security solutions to protect their digital assets.

If your business does not have an effective network security strategy in place, your assets will quickly become a ripe target for cybercriminals.

How Network Security Works

Your digital infrastructure is incredibly complex. It is composed of multiple technologies that are layered over one another. Naturally, protecting all of these dynamic assets requires a multifaceted approach.

When implementing a network security protocol, your in-house team or service provider will utilize a combination of policies, software, and hardware in order to address every area of concern that could impact your infrastructure.

What Is a Network Security Assessment?

Before a cybersecurity team can deploy network security assets, they must first identify which resources you have in place and which vulnerabilities you are likely to encounter. In order to do so, they will need to conduct a network security assessment.

During this assessment, IT professionals will systematically analyze all of your physical and virtual resources. They will also review your network security policies and recommend changes as needed.

After the assessment is complete, the network security firm can determine which solutions will be most appropriate based on the unique needs of your organization.

The Three Types of Network Security

While IT firms have many different network security solutions at their disposal, all security controls can be grouped into one of three broad categories, which are as follows:

Administrative Controls

Administrative network security controls are focused on governing the behavior of users. These controls may consist of software processes, written policies, and similar measures that can limit the risk of a user accidentally causing a network disruption.

Administrative controls might also define the ways in which employee credentials are authenticated, what sort of access they have, and more.

Technical Controls

Technical controls are designed to protect data that is in transit across or being stored on your network. These controls have to protect your data from employees and outside entities. One example of a technical control is a firewall — we’ll cover more on that technology in the next section.

Physical Controls

As the name implies, physical controls prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to hardware, such as computers, routers, servers, and modems.

Physical controls consist of locks, security cameras, and other equipment that can limit an individual’s ability to enter restricted areas of your business.

Common Network Security Solutions

There are several technologies that can help you to secure your network, including:

Firewalls

Firewalls create a barrier between your network and external networks. When setting up a firewall, network administrators configure the software using a set of custom rules. These rules manage network traffic by blocking some data files while allowing others to pass through.

VPNs

Virtual private networks (VPNs) facilitate the safe transfer of data between your network and a device that is not connected to your network.

VPNs have become increasingly common as millions of workers started to transition to remote work models.

All data transferred between your network and the VPN is encrypted, which protects it from being intercepted during transit.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is one of the most well-known types of network security solutions. Antivirus software is designed to protect your network from various kinds of malicious software, including worms, trojans, ransomware, and viruses.

Basic antivirus options only scan files when they enter your network. However, higher-end antivirus software continuously tracks and scans files in order to provide enhanced protection.

Access Control Technology

Access control is essential to maintaining network security. Access control software verifies that a device is authorized to view and interact with your network prior to granting it access. If a device is not recognized by your software, it will be prevented from accessing your network.

These are just a few examples of network security solutions that you can deploy to protect your digital assets.

Depending on the scope and size of your digital infrastructure, you may need to implement more specialized technologies in addition to the tools listed above.

Benefits of Remote Networking Support Services

The information above will help you reevaluate your network security protocols. However, managing all of your digital assets in-house while also running a growing business can be incredibly challenging. Fortunately, there is a better option.

Many of the top managed service providers offer remote networking support solutions. This means that your MSP can remotely monitor and maintain all of your network security solutions, including firewalls, antivirus software, VPNs, and any other technologies that are necessary to protect your infrastructure.

Outsourcing your network security needs to a remote support service provider offers several benefits. This approach is more cost-effective, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. Typically, a remote networking support provider charges a fixed monthly fee for all of its services.

In addition, outsourcing grants you access to an entire team of industry experts. These talented professionals will be able to optimize your network security by strategically deploying the latest solutions. This will substantially reduce your risk of experiencing a data breach or network outage.

In the off chance that you do encounter an issue with your network, the MSP will be able to remotely access it to remedy the problem.

Networking Solutions from SugarShot

To learn more about the benefits of managed network services, connect with SugarShot. Our innovative, USA-based team provides our clients with world-class IT services, custom solutions, and much more.

We can proactively prevent network downtime, enhance security, and connect your team with the resources they need to become a dominant force in your industry.

Contact us today to get started or find out more about cloud services.

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