What is network security? Definition and best practices

<p>Network security encompasses all the steps taken to protect the integrity of a computer network and the data within it. It involves a combination of tools, policies, protocols and practices designed to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, modification or denial of a network and its resources. Successful network security strategies use multiple security approaches to protect users and organizations from malware and cyberattacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (<a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/distributed-denial-of-service-attack”>DDoS</a>) attacks.</p>
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<p>A network is composed of interconnected devices, such as computers, servers and wireless networks. Many of these devices are susceptible to attackers. Network security involves the use of software and hardware tools on a network or as software as a service. Security becomes more important as networks grow more complex, and enterprises rely more on their networks and data to conduct business. Security methods must evolve as <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/threat-actor”>threat actors</a> create new attack methods on these increasingly complex networks.</p>
<p>No matter the specific method or enterprise security strategy, security is usually framed as everyone’s responsibility because every user on the network represents a possible vulnerability in that network.</p>
<figure class=”main-article-image full-col” data-img-fullsize=”https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-network_security_design-f.png”>
<img data-src=”https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-network_security_design-f_mobile.png” class=”lazy” data-srcset=”https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-network_security_design-f_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-network_security_design-f.png 1280w” alt=”Diagram showing placement of network security devices for a defense-in-depth strategy.” height=”329″ width=”560″>
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<i class=”icon pictures” data-icon=”z”></i>A firewall is a key network security device used to protect a corporate network

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