Network security refers to the practices, policies, and technologies used to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of computer networks and data. It encompasses a wide range of strategies and tools to safeguard against threats and attacks, including:
- Firewalls: Devices or software that filter traffic and block unauthorised access to or from a network.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Systems that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and can respond to detected threats.
- Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: Programs designed to detect, prevent, and eliminate malicious software from devices and networks.
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Secure connections that encrypt data being transmitted over the internet, ensuring privacy and security.
- Access Control: Policies that govern who can access which resources within a network, often implemented through user credentials and authentication methods.
- Data Encryption: The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorised access.
- Security Protocols: Standards and rules for how data is transmitted and secured over networks (e.g., HTTPS, SSL/TLS).
- Regular Updates and Patching: Keeping software and systems up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
Effective network security involves a combination of these elements to create a comprehensive defense against cyber threats, ensuring that both the data and the network infrastructure remain safe and functional.
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