Network security

Introduction

Nowadays everyone spends a lot of time on the internet for watching news, for work, for shopping, for playing games, for entertainment and etc. Nowadays everything happens online. So, do you know that your data is not going to be leaked, then no fraud is going on with you or you are not going to see it? Network security, this is one such thing which you cannot ignore at all in this digital world. In today’s digital age, it is very important to keep your network secure. So, today we will talk about what is network, what is network security and how you can keep yourself and your personal and professional networks safe.

What is network?

A network is a system of many different connected devices that can communicate with each other. These devices can be linked through the internet, wireless connection or physical cable. Networks allow to share files or internet connection and etc among devices.

For example
Your Home network : like your phones, laptop, smart tv are connected to your wifi.

What is network security?

Network security means securing your network, like protecting your Wi-Fi, routers, computers, mobile phones, from cyber attacks (Dos, DDos, MITM, etc.). Meaning, you have to ensure that no hacker or malicious software can access your devices. Unless your network is secure, you cannot keep your data secure.

Common Network Security Threats:

Network Security Threats means how many types of attacks can be done on your network which can hack your network.

1. Malware (Malicious Software)
   This is a type of malicious software that can infect your device, damage it, or steal your sensitive data. Some common types of malware are:

Viruses: Which corrupt files and keep failing automatically in your system.
Worms: Which spread in your network and infect other devices.
Trojans: It looks like normal software but secretly causes harm to the system.

2. Phishing
   Phishing is an attack in which hackers steal your information through fake emails, messages, or websites. These emails appear as if they are from your bank, social media, or some other trusted service. When you enter your personal information (like passwords, credit card details) here, your entire data is passed to the hacker.

Example: You receive an email that says “There is suspicious activity in your bank account, please verify your password.” When you click on the link, you go to a fake website which appears to be real and as you enter your details there, all the details are passed to the hacker.

3. Ransomware
   Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and then demands ransom (money) to unlock that data. If you do not meet the demand, your data may become permanently inaccessible.

Example: Your computer suddenly locks and you receive a message saying “If you want your files back, you will have to pay $550.”

4. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM)
   In Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks, the hacker comes between you and your communication partner. Meaning, when you access any website on the internet or send any sensitive data, then the hacker can intercept our data and misuse it.

Example: You are using public Wi-Fi and a hacker has secretly intercepted your data, like your login information or credit card details.

5. DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service)
   In DDoS attacks, hackers use multiple computers or devices simultaneously to send unlimited requests to a website or network and take it down. This stops the website or service from working, and users are unable to access our website.

Example: If there is too much traffic on a website, the website may crash, and it may become temporarily or permanently unavailable.

6. SQL Injection
   SQL injection is a technique in which hackers inject malicious SQL queries so that they can manipulate the website’s database. This allows the hacker to access sensitive information, such as user data, credit card details, or passwords.

Example: You are logging in to a website and the hacker steals your password by targeting the website’s database.

7. Password Attacks
   In password attacks hackers use different methods so that they can guess or crack your passwords. These attacks occur in the following ways:

Brute Force Attack: In this the hacker tries every possible password so as to get the correct password.
Dictionary Attack: In this the hacker uses common passwords or words which can be easily guessed.
Credential Stuffing: When a password is breached and hackers test the same credentials on other websites.

8. Insider Threats
   Insider threats come from people who are part of your network, such as employees or contractors. These logs can intentionally or unintentionally compromise your network. Insider threats can be very difficult for you to detect because the attacker is already trusted.

Example: An employee misuses his account and leaks sensitive data of the company.

9. Zero-Day Exploits
   Zero-day exploits exploit vulnerabilities that were not known to software developers. When a security flaw is discovered, it takes time to release its patch (update). During this time, hackers can use the vulnerability and attack your system.

Example: If there is a bug in an operating system and a hacker attacks the system by exploiting that bug, then it is called zero-day attack.

10. Spoofing
    In spoofing, the hacker hides his identity and creates a fake version of a trusted entity like email address, IP address, or website. With this he achieves his target by confusing you.

Example: You receive an email that looks like your friend’s name, but it is a hacker’s email. This can steal your sensitive information or files.

components of network security

Firewall – It is a network security device, it is like a digital wall which blocks unauthorized traffic and allows only trusted data or blocks untrusted data.

Antivirus Software – We use antivirus software to detect and remove malware, spyware and viruses.

Encryption – Whenever we share sensitive data, it is important to use encryption so that no third party can misuse it so that our data does not remain readable and no other person can understand it.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) – By using VPN we can keep our browsing and online activities anonymous and secure.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Along with the password, there is another security layer which includes OTP or biometric verification, this makes our security stronger.

How to secure your network?

Use Strong Passwords – Avoid simple and easy-to-guess passwords and create passwords using special symbols and keep long length passwords.

Do regular software updates – Do not ignore security patches and updates and do regular updates.

Secure Wi-Fi Network – Change the default credentials of the Router and use WPA3 encryption.

Avoid suspicious links and emails – Do not click on links from unknown sources.

Network Monitoring Tools can be used – like Wireshark or IDS (Intrusion Detection System) which can detect suspicious activities.

Conclusion

Network security is very important in today’s cyber world. If we follow even the smallest security practices, we can keep our personal and professional data safe. So what did you talk about? Check the security of your network today and stay safe from cyber threats!