Network security is the process of safeguarding the integrity of computer systems to protect against threats and attacks. It aims to stop unauthorized access to networks while identifying and stopping attacks that have already occurred and ensuring users maintain unfettered access to the networks. The benefits of network security include creating a secure environment for users and their devices by protecting the underlying infrastructure from theft, damage, misuse and unauthorized access. In short, it is the broad use of technologies to defend stored data, communication and computational infrastructure from cyberattacks and data loss at the network edge and inside the perimeter.
Why Is Network Security Important?
In an increasingly digital world, the importance of following best practices in network security cannot be overstated. What makes network security so necessary is that cybercrime is a booming phenomenon, and the consequences of data loss or unauthorized access can be devastating for businesses and individuals. Among the most important reasons to proactively secure a business or home network are to:
- Prevent the lost time and financial expense of a cyberattack
- Protect sensitive and confidential internal data
- Safeguard external data kept for others
- Meet legal, regulatory and insurance requirements
- Improve network performance
- Limit reputational damage due to a breach
Network Security Risks
Complex business networks have tremendous exposure to network security risks. Risks can arise from several areas:
- Public networks
- Unsecured or outdated network protocols
- Incorrect network configurations
- Unpatched resources
- Human error or misconduct
- Operational Technology (OT) and the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Wi-Fi
Public networks
Any device within your enterprise connected to an external network is at risk of becoming an open door to intruders and attacks. Some of the risks that originate from public networks are:
- Malware, which is malicious software that cybercriminals use to steal data, damage devices or destroy computer networks
- Spoofed websites that steal user credentials
- Email phishing that executes malicious code or steals information
- Domain Name Server (DNS) attacks that redirect users to malicious websites
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
Unsecured or outdated network protocols
Strong network security relies on the use of the latest security protocols. Weak or outdated protocols that have already been compromised by hackers can lead to attacks through public networks. Network protocols that may pose a risk are:
- Older versions of Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
- Transport Layer Security (TLS) earlier than version 1.3
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) earlier than version 3
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) should be blocked from access
Incorrect network configurations
Configuration errors can lie dormant in an otherwise functional piece of network software or hardware. Among the most common are:
- Unchanged factory default credentials on network equipment
- Lack of network segmentation that fosters unhindered lateral movement within a network
- Missing authentication protocols, such as strong password requirements and two-factor authentication
Unpatched resources
Firmware of obsolete equipment that cannot be updated poses a high network security risk. Old technology that is attached to your network can be exploited. Patch management should identify and flag outdated equipment that cannot receive the latest security updates.
Human error or misconduct
Careless or malicious behavior among employees is a key risk to your organization’s network cybersecurity. People commit errors in their use of technology that can leave network assets exposed to danger. Regular, mandatory cybersecurity training helps reduce human errors such as:
- Managing credentials improperly
- Connecting personal devices to the network
- Allowing unauthorized persons physical or remote access to the network
Insiders may also have malicious intent to steal proprietary data or be motivated by factors contrary to your organization’s interests. While their attacks are very difficult to detect, you can take steps to identify and mitigate internal human threats:
- Security screening of new hires
- Training on the ethical use of network resources
- Implementation of behavior analytics
Types Of Network Security
The range of technologies that proactively protect networks from vulnerabilities include hardware and software solutions. The basic types of network security are:
- Firewalls that block malware and application-layer attacks
- Network segmentation through gateways that create a barrier to public networks and separate internal network areas to limit lateral movement
- Access control, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), to define people and groups according to levels of access to network resources or based on their needs and roles
- Virtual Public Network (VPN) for remote access that uses multi-factor authentication and strong encryption
- Email security to safeguard email servers and clients from unauthorized access and use
- Cloud network security that uses Software Defined Networking (SDN) solutions
- Intrusion Prevention Systems to detect and arrest DDoS attacks
Benefits Of Network Security
The security of network infrastructure is critically important, and the benefits of strong network security practices can make a profound impact on your bottom line. Cybersecurity protects people from identity theft and creates value for the enterprise by delivering these core tangible and intangible benefits:
- Limiting financial loss from ransomware or attacks on data or infrastructure
- Building trust and customer confidence by protecting data and minimizing reputational damage from data misuse or loss
- Addressing compliance and mitigating the legal and regulatory risks of failing to safeguard client data
- Creating network access for a geographically distributed workforce under a blanket of security
Lumen has developed a range of integrated cybersecurity solutions to neutralize network security risks and safeguard your business.
Adaptive Network Security is a cloud‑based service for hybrid security environments developed in collaboration with Black Lotus Labs®, the threat research and operations arm of Lumen.
Lumen® DDoS Hyper® is a rapid-response, self-serve solution to help protect against DDoS attacks.
DDoS Mitigation provides robust protection against single- and multi-vector DDoS attacks.
Lumen Defender℠ proactively secures internet connections by intercepting threats at the network edge.
Managed Premises Firewall Services help defend your network from malicious content to optimize performance and boost productivity.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions strengthen your perimeter while simplifying network operations in a centralized, cloud‑based experience.
Web Application Firewall (WAF) is our customizable solution to defend against application layer attacks.
Contact us to explore the transformative security technology of Lumen and find the right solutions for your business.
Learn how to help protect your critical business assets and disrupt evolving threats with award-winning cybersecurity solutions.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. In addition, the information is provided “as is” without any warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. Use of this information is at the end user’s own risk. Lumen does not warrant that the information will meet the end user’s requirements or that the implementation or usage of this information will result in the desired outcome of the end user. All third-party company and product or service names referenced in this article are for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with Lumen. This document represents Lumen products and offerings as of the date of issue. Services not available everywhere. Lumen may change or cancel products and services or substitute similar products and services at its sole discretion without notice. ©2025 Lumen Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
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