Common network security monitoring tools
First published on News at NetworkTigers January 15, 2022.
Network security monitoring tools help protect digital assets, including network traffic, while also preventing and responding to unauthorized network intrusion. The progressive nature of these threats requires dynamic multi-point security solutions to protect data security.
In this post, we’ll share with you the best network security tools to combat network attacks. These tools make for a strong starting point for companies that want to secure their networks.
The three important focuses of network security
There are three key focuses within network security that serve as a foundation of a company’s network security strategy:
- Response
- Detection
- Protection
Response involves reacting to identified network security attacks and resolving them quickly. Detection refers to the assets that enable you to examine network traffic and identify issues quickly before they can cause any harm. Lastly, protection entails any policies or tools that prevent network security intrusion.
Unfortunately, many companies do not know how to follow policies or even do it properly. This is worrying because when malicious threats come through after a network breach, there’s more at risk than the data itself
Benefits of network security monitoring software
Cyber security tools help your company protect its sensitive data, reputation, and also its ability to remain in business. Organizations that become victims of cyberattacks find themselves crippled, unable to address customer needs or deliver services effectively. Below are some major benefits of security tools.
- Prevents cyberattacks– Network security tools help prevent attacks on a network. If your network security is weak, hackers can program malware, and threats and hamper a lot of network data through the internet.
- Centrally controlled — Unlike desktops security software, a central user named administrator manages the cybersecurity software tools. While the former is vulnerable to threats, the latter blocks hackers before causing any harm to the network since the software is controlled by one person and designed on an internet-free system.
- Data protection — A network includes sensitive information like customers’ personal data. Such critical information can be impaired by people hacking into your network. Security tools help prevent unauthorized access to the network.
9 cyber security monitoring tools you need
Your network faces threats from attackers that are targeting certain companies for specific reasons. Here are the 9 cyber security software tools that can help you address the different methods these attackers employ:
- Endpoint security
The corporate world is increasingly embracing the bring your own device (BYOD) trend. Unfortunately, personal devices sometimes become targets when owners use them to access company networks. Endpoint security adds a defense layer between business networks and remote devices.
- Access control
The amount of damage done can be limited if cyberattackers can’t access your network. However, apart from preventing unauthorized access, you also need to know that authorized users can be a threat. Access control allows you to limit resources and user access to network parts that only apply to individual users’ tasks so that you boost your network security.
- Email security
Email security focuses on identifying human-related security weaknesses. Attackers convince email recipients to download malware into the integrated network or send them sensitive data using smartphones or desktops via phishing strategies. Email security helps identify suspicious emails, prevent sharing of important information, and blocks attacks.
- Security information and event management (SIEM)
Sometimes pulling the correct data from different resources and tools can be challenging when you don’t have time. SIEM tools give responders the information they need to act quickly.
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
The human element is usually the weakest link in network security. DLP policies and technologies prevent employees and other users from misusing and allowing sensitive information out of the network or compromising the information.
- Virtual private network (VPN)
VPN tools authenticate communication between an endpoint device and secure networks. Generally, remote-access VPNs use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or IPsec authentication. This creates an encrypted line that blocks unauthorized people from eavesdropping.
- Intrusion prevention systems
These systems scan and analyze network packets/traffic constantly so that threats can be identified and responded to immediately. The systems also store a database of known attack methods to allow organizations to recognize attacks quickly.
- Anti-malware software
These tools are designed to identify dangerous programs and prevent them from infecting networks and spreading. Anti-malware software also resolves malware infections to reduce damage to your network.
- Firewalls
Firewalls act like gates that secure the borders between the internet and your network. They also manage network traffic and block unauthorized traffic while allowing through authorized traffic.
Network security monitoring tools help organizations safeguard systems, networks, and data. Cisco ASA and NGFW Firewalls offer superior visibility into network traffic, allowing threat responders to expose unauthorized data exfiltration exploits and encrypted attacks.
Sources
- 14 Network Security Tools and Techniques to Know by Dan Daniels, June 13, 2019 — Gigamon
- Top 10 Network Security Tools (2021) by Ajay Ohri, February 17, 2021 — Jigsaw Academy
- The Ultimate List of Effective Cyber Security Monitoring Tools — Cybriant
- What Is Network Security? — EC-Council
**** Published first on News at NetworkTigers January 15, 2022.
By Maclean Odiesa, a NetworkTigers Author.
Maclean Odiesa is a tech freelance writer with 7+ years in content strategy and development. She is also a pillar pages specialist and SEO expert.
