What is network security?

Network security refers to the tools, technologies, policies, and processes used to protect computer networks and the data that flows through them from cyber threats. Its core purpose is to keep networks secure, accessible only to authorized users, and resilient against attacks.

Understanding network security

According to UCPI University, network security involves: 

• “Deploying active devices:
  • Using software to block malicious programs from entering, or running within, the network
  • Blocking users from sending or receiving suspicious looking emails
  • Blocking unauthorized use of the network
  • Stopping the network's users accessing websites that are known to be dangerous
• Deploying passive devices: 
  • Using devices and software that report unauthorized intrusions into the network, or suspicious activity by authorized users
• Using preventative devices:
  • Devices that help identify potential security holes, so that network staff can fix them
• Ensuring users follow safe practices:
  • Even if the software and hardware are setup to be secure, the actions of users can create security holes.
  • Network security staff is responsible for educating members of the organization about how they can stay safe from potential threats.”
    
    

Types of network security

Below are the key types of network security solutions commonly used today, based on Cisco’s portfolio and industry best practices: 

Firewalls

A firewall is a foundational network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific activity based on defined security rules. Firewalls help create a secure barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external environments.

Read also: The importance of firewalls in healthcare security

Workload security

Workload security protects data and applications that move across cloud and hybrid environments. As distributed workloads expand across multiple platforms, their attack surface grows. Workload security tools ensure these environments remain protected, without compromising business agility or performance.

Network segmentation

Network segmentation divides a network into smaller, isolated sections to improve security and control. Software-defined segmentation classifies traffic based on endpoint identity rather than IP address alone, making it easier to enforce security policies.

Organizations can assign access rights based on user role, device type, or location, ensuring only the right people have the right level of access while containing suspicious devices.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN encrypts the connection between an endpoint and the network, often over the public internet. Remote-access VPNs typically use IPsec or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to authenticate communication, ensuring data remains confidential and secure when accessed remotely.

Access control

Not every user or device should have unrestricted access to the network. Access control verifies the identity and compliance status of users and devices before granting entry. Using network access control (NAC), organizations can block noncompliant devices or give them limited access until they are remediated.

Read more: Access control systems in healthcare

Antivirus and anti-malware software

Antimalware solutions detect, block, and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Modern antimalware tools continuously monitor files and system behavior to identify anomalies, remove threats, and repair affected systems, even if the malware lies dormant before executing.

Application security

Application security involves hardware, software, and processes designed to identify and close security gaps. This includes application performance monitoring, code scanning, vulnerability assessments, and continuous testing to protect against misuse or infiltration.

Behavioral analytics

Behavioral analytics tools help organizations understand what normal network activity looks like. Using this baseline, they can quickly detect deviations that may signal a compromise. This allows security teams to identify threats early and respond before significant damage occurs.

Cloud security

Cloud security protects data, applications, and services that operate in cloud environments. It uses policies, technologies, and tools to defend against cloud-based threats, secure user access, and protect sensitive information no matter where users are located.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

DLP technology prevents employees from improperly sending or exposing sensitive information. These tools monitor and block unauthorized uploads, email forwarding, and even printing of critical data. This helps organizations protect intellectual property and comply with regulatory requirements.

Email security

Email is the number one threat vector for cyberattacks. Attackers frequently use phishing and social engineering tactics to trick users into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information. Email security tools block incoming threats and control outgoing messages to prevent data loss.

Industrial network security

As industrial operations adopt more connected technologies, their operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) face increased exposure to cyberthreats. Industrial network security provides visibility into OT assets, segments industrial environments, and integrates with IT security tools to ensure safe and resilient operations.

Mobile device security

With more organizations supporting corporate applications on personal mobile devices, securing mobile endpoints is essential. Mobile device security tools verify device integrity, manage access rights, and protect network traffic to ensure smartphones and tablets do not become entry points for attackers.

Related: Mobile device security for HIPAA compliant email communication

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM solutions collect, correlate, and analyze security event data from across the organization. They help security teams detect threats faster and coordinate an effective response. SIEM systems can be deployed as physical appliances, virtual appliances, or server software.

Web security

Web security protects your organization from web-based threats by controlling web usage, blocking access to malicious sites, and securing the web gateway—whether on-premises or in the cloud. It also includes practices to protect your own website from attacks.

Wireless security

Wireless security tools and protocols ensure secure Wi-Fi access, protect data confidentiality, and prevent unauthorized use.

Related: Making Wi-Fi HIPAA compliant

Best practices for network security

Strengthening network security requires more than deploying tools; it depends on consistent, proactive practices that reduce risk and keep systems resilient. Below are best practices organizations should follow to protect their networks from evolving threats.

Enforce strong access controls

Ensure only authorized users and devices can access sensitive resources:

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Apply role-based access control (RBAC)
• Regularly review and update access permissions
• Remove unused accounts immediately

This limits the attack surface and prevents unauthorized entry.

Keep all systems and software updated

Unpatched systems are among the easiest targets for attackers. Regularly update:

• Operating systems
• Firmware
• Applications
• Security tools

Enable automatic updates where possible to reduce the risk of human oversight.

See also: Software updates to prevent cyberattacks

Monitor network traffic continuously

Use network monitoring, SIEM solutions, and behavioral analytics to identify suspicious activity early. Real-time visibility helps detect anomalies, prevent breaches, and respond faster during incidents.

Encrypt data in transit and at rest

Encryption protects sensitive information from interception or unauthorized access, especially when data moves across public or unsecured networks. VPNs and TLS/SSL are essential for secure remote access.

Strengthen endpoint security

Every connected device is a potential attack path. Use:

• Anti-malware tools
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
• Mobile device management (MDM)
• Regular device compliance checks

This is especially important for remote and BYOD environments.

Develop and enforce security policies

Clear policies guide user behavior and create consistency across the organization. Include:

• Acceptable use policies
• Password hygiene requirements
• Remote access guidelines
• Data handling and classification rules

Regular training ensures staff understand and follow these policies.

Read more: A guide to cybersecurity policies

Regularly back up critical data

Backups help organizations recover from:

• Ransomware
• Hardware failures
• Human error
• Natural disasters

Store backups securely, encrypt them, and test them regularly.

Learn more: How to develop a backup and recovery plan

Perform regular security assessments

Conduct:

• Vulnerability scans
• Penetration tests
• Risk assessments

These uncover weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.

Read also: What is the OCR's Security Risk Assessment Tool?

Educate and train employees

Human error is still a leading cause of breaches. Ongoing training helps employees recognize:

• Phishing attacks
• Unsafe downloads
• Suspicious links
• Social engineering tactics

A well-informed workforce is one of the strongest network defenses.

Read also: What does cybersecurity training look like in 2025?

Create and test an incident response plan

When a security incident occurs, organizations must respond quickly and effectively. A documented, rehearsed incident response plan ensures teams:

• Know their roles
• Contain the threat
• Restore systems
• Communicate appropriately

A strong plan minimizes downtime and damage.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide (2025 Update)

FAQS

Why is network security important?

Strong network security prevents data breaches, cyberattacks, downtime, and unauthorized access. It helps organizations maintain trust, comply with regulations, and ensure their systems remain available and operational.

How often should organizations update their network security tools?

Security tools, systems, and applications should be updated regularly to patch vulnerabilities. Automatic updates and routine maintenance help reduce exposure to new threats.

How does network security differ from cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a broad discipline covering all aspects of digital protection. On the other hand, network security is a subset focused specifically on protecting networks, traffic, and connected devices.

Can network security be fully automated?

Automation can significantly improve detection and response, but human expertise is still essential for strategic decision-making and handling sophisticated threats.