Network Security refers to the policies, practices, and technologies used to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and resources as they are transmitted across or accessed through computer networks.
- It involves protecting both hardware and software technologies to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, malfunction, modification, or destruction of the network and data.
- It ensures that data is not intercepted or tampered with during transmission and that only authorized users can access the system.
Importance of Network Security:
1.) Data Protection: Prevents data from being intercepted, altered, or stolen while in transit across the network.
2.) Business Continuity: Protects network operations from disruptions caused by cyberattacks or network failures.
3.) User Safety: Protects users’ credentials, personal data, and sensitive information from identity theft and unauthorized access.
4.) Prevention of Financial Loss: Avoids costly data breaches, system downtime, and recovery expenses.
Why Network Security is Used:
- To protect sensitive information such as financial data, personal details, and intellectual property.
- To enforce security policies and ensure that users follow organizational protocols.
- To detect and respond to threats in real-time, minimizing potential damage.
- To secure remote access, especially in cloud environments and remote work scenarios.
- To maintain system integrity and uptime, ensuring networks function smoothly without interruptions.
- To meet compliance standards and avoid legal or financial penalties due to security breaches.
