Network Security Further Explored

Network Security Further Explored

Network Security is one of the most critical computer topics to understand. An unknowing individual may believe their data is safe and only accessible by them and the business they choose to send their information to; however, as computer use increases, so does cybercrime. Criminals have many ways to steal your data, from phishing emails to spyware that can make you the victim of identity theft (Norwich University, n.d.). Network security should be taken seriously, not just by big businesses but by individuals, and it connects to the fundamentals of information technology in every aspect.

History

Cybercrime began in the late 80s when networks began to grow. Early networks were mainly used between government and military installations and universities. In 1988, a student at Cornell University developed the first automated worm that could exploit the lack of network security (radware, n.d.). After this exposure, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) was developed to spread awareness of security protocols and mitigate breaches (radware, n.d.).

Operations

Cybercriminals take advantage of how computers operate to commit their attacks. A ping-of-death attack, for example, takes advantage of the ping commands built into a computer that is originally used for diagnosing a network. A ping of death manipulates this function from its original purpose in order to overload a server and bring it down.

Hardware

Network security relates to hardware because hardware, such as routers and modems, delivers data to and from your computer. For security purposes, you may be able to configure this hardware to protect against a ping of death. Firewalls used to protect your computer may also come as hardware, though this can be software applications as well.

Programming Languages

Programming languages play an essential role in network security, as they are used to write the programs that serve as firewalls, applications such as Windows Defender, or may even be used by malicious cybercriminals to automate their attacks. For a hacker, knowing the code of the software you are attempting to manipulate enables them to break or exploit the code (Jena, 2024).

Application Software

As previously discussed, network security may rely on application software for protection. Windows Defender is preinstalled on Windows computers, but you may purchase or subscribe to third-party applications such as McAfee or Bitdefender Antivirus software. Antivirus products help detect malicious code and delete it once detected as a threat (National Cyber Security Centre, n.d.). Antivirus is a powerful tool for protection, but that does not mean you should lower your guard while browsing the web, as it is not 100% guaranteed to detect all malware.

Antivirus
Note. From: National Cyber Security Centre. (n.d.) What is an antivirus product? Do I need one?. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/what-is-an-antivirus-product#:~:text=Antivirus%20products%20work%20by%20detecting,and%20other%20types%20of%20malware.

Database management

A database is most likely the most crucial system for protecting any business. Your database holds vital and sensitive data, not only for the company but for its employees and its customers. Weak database security may lead to data leaks to hackers that can steal company secrets for blackmail or even banking information for customers. Ensuring your database network is secure helps minimize cybercriminal success and eases customers' minds.

Network architecture and management

Network architecture and management are the basis of network security. Your computer is provided access to the internet via your internet service provider. In most cases, you are connected via a modem and router. Your data travels from your computer to the router, then the modem, next to the ISP, and then hops to other routers until it reaches the server of the website you requested access to. This network is what connects everything on the internet to one another, and it is how cybercriminals send malicious attacks to you. If your network is insecure, it may be easy for a hacker to gain access to your data. You wouldn't leave the door to your house unlocked while you are away, so why should you leave the doors to your network unlocked? Perimeter defense blocks threats at the edge of the network (Kime, 2024). One such protection is a firewall. Access control is a network management system to ensure that users are who they say they are. Think of multi-factor authentication and VPNs (Kime, 2024). These methods provide authentication that the user accessing the network has the authority to do so.

Secured Network
Note. From: Kime, C. (2024, April 26). Network Security Architecture: Best Practices & Tools. eSecurityPlanet. https://www.esecurityplanet.com/networks/network-security-architecture/

Final Thoughts

Ensuring your network has the proper security protocols and precautions is vital for any network system. Setting firewalls, VPNs, strong passwords, and other security measures helps your data stay safe. Strong, secure passwords and antivirus software are great places to start, but using caution when browsing the internet and opening links are also important methods to stay safe. No security software is guaranteed to protect your data, so using caution is still vital. Having an unsecured network is like leaving the doors to your home unlocked. Stay informed and protect your data by taking the simple extra steps to secure your network.

References

Jena, B. (2024, October 17). 5 Best Programming Languages for Hacking in 2025. Simplilearn. https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/cyber-security-tutorial/programming-languages-for-hacking#:~:text=Assembly:%20It%20is%20a%20complicated%20low%2Dlevel%20programming,to%20build%20malware%20like%20viruses%20and%20trojans.

Kime, C. (2024, April 26). Network Security Architecture: Best Practices & Tools. eSecurityPlanet. https://www.esecurityplanet.com/networks/network-security-architecture/

National Cyber Security Centre. (n.d.) What is an antivirus product? Do I need one?. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/what-is-an-antivirus-product#:~:text=Antivirus%20products%20work%20by%20detecting,and%20other%20types%20of%20malware.

Norwich University. (n.d.) 5 Types of Cyber Crime: How Cybersecurity Professionals Prevent Attacks. https://online.norwich.edu/online/about/resource-library/5-types-cyber-crime-how-cybersecurity-professionals-prevent-attacks

radware. (n.d.). History of Network Security Methods. https://www.radware.com/resources/network_security_history.aspx/