When it comes to protecting an organization’s network against hackers and other cyber threats, network security is the first line of defense. As a result of projections that cybercrime will cause $6 trillion in global economic damage by 2021, it is easy to see why network security is becoming increasingly important. As there are numerous types of cyberattacks, there is also a dizzying array of cybersecurity certifications to choose from, much like there are numerous types of cyberattacks.
Although having a plethora of cybersecurity options is unquestionably beneficial, the sheer number and variety of options also present a challenge. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available, to the point where you stop making a decision altogether. Which certifications are the most sought-after in network security? Identify which one(s) are most appropriate for you and your organization. Which of the top cyber security certifications are truly global in their application?
What is Network Security and how does it work?
Generally speaking, network security is defined as the policies and practices of putting in place protective measures to keep network infrastructure safe from trespassers and other illegal users as well as from modification, abuse, change, destruction, and unauthorized gathering and release of data. A combination of hardware devices, security software, and user awareness of security procedures and techniques are required for the entire process.
The latter element can include anything from employees who have been briefed on proper security practices to professionals who have completed network security certification training.
What is the need for network security?
So many aspects of our lives have been digitized and are now available online. We use the internet to conduct financial transactions, communicate with family and colleagues, make purchases, look for entertainment, and conduct research, among many other things. In this day and age, so much of our personal information is stored online, including everything from birth dates to Social Security (or other identification numbers), health histories to credit histories, bank accounts to utility bills, among a slew of other things.
Hackers and cybercriminals can access all of that data and conduct all of those transactions. The greater the number of our lives we devote to the internet, the greater the risk of being compromised. Furthermore, the continued importance of the Internet of Things (IoT) means an even greater reliance on wireless networks, which only serves to increase the threat landscape by providing criminals with more avenues and opportunities to perpetrate fraudulent activity. There is far too much at stake in our personal and professional lives to take any chances with network security. So, what are the different types of network security?
Is There a Difference Between Different Types of Network Security?
Security professionals have access to a vast array of network security resources including tools, methods, and techniques, as well as best practices. Here’s a high-level overview of the situation:
Anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware software are examples of software resources for software security. These tools are available as suites or as subscriptions, and they are updated continuously by the hosting vendor to keep up with the most recent threats and vulnerabilities. These applications keep an eye on your network, preventing intruders, malware, and viruses from entering.
As an aside, opting for a security subscription rather than purchasing a security suite and installing it in-house is extremely wise. When it comes to dealing with the constantly changing cyber security landscape, subscription providers/vendors are in a better position than the average person. Cyber threats and viruses appear to be emerging daily, and your software will not be able to protect you against threats that it does not yet know about. That is why it is preferable to delegate the heavy lifting to a subscription service provider.
Password Protection is a must.
This is a very straightforward measure, but it is extremely important. Using strong passwords to protect systems, applications, and networks is a low-cost but effective way to keep systems, applications, and networks safe, and you don’t need to be a seasoned cybersecurity professional to put strong passwords into practice. In addition, when we talk about “strong” passwords, we don’t just mean obscure ones like “password” or “99999.”
If you imagine your network as a high-end nightclub, the firewall would be the bouncer, in charge of keeping undesirables out and keeping the good ones in. They filter traffic (both incoming and outgoing) according to predetermined policies, preventing unauthorized users from entering the network. Anyone who has attempted to work remotely but been denied access to their company’s main systems due to a lack of proper authorization has firsthand knowledge of the effectiveness of a firewall.
Email Security Software is a type of software that protects emails from being intercepted.
E-mail is a particularly vulnerable point in any network’s defenses. Cybercriminals enjoy sending bogus emails that appear to be correspondence from legitimate businesses and financial institutions. However, a single click on a link embedded in one of these fraudulent emails may be enough to compromise your system. To accomplish this, email security software can not only filter out incoming threats but can also prevent certain types of data from being transmitted outward.
Segmented networks are a type of network that is divided into segments.
This process sorts and divides traffic according to specific criteria that have been established. In particular, segmented networks are useful for restricting users to a single area, specifically the one in which they need to do their work while keeping these users away from data that is outside of their purview. By restricting users in this way, we can reduce the number of weak points in the network as a whole.
Salary and Benefits for Network Security Positions
In tandem with the rise in cybercrime, there has been an unsurprising increase in the demand for network security professionals. Furthermore, not only are there plenty of opportunities, but the job security is solid and the compensation is generous. Here’s a look at some of the most popular cybersecurity jobs and their associated salaries:
- The salary of an information security manager ranges from $120,000 to $160,000.
- Cybersecurity Engineer salaries range from $53,000 to $185,000 per year.
- Application Security Engineer salaries range from $81,500 to $191,500 per year.
- Cybersecurity Analyst salaries range from $53,000 to $116,000 per year.
- Penetration Tester salaries range from $70,000 to $169,000 per year.
- Network Security Engineer salaries range from $58,000 to $168,000 per year.
