Network breaches accounted for approximately 45%1 of all data breaches reported globally in 2021. Prevent your organisation from becoming part of the statistic with network security solutions.
Perimeter and network security protects your digital walls and critical assets. With the rise of distributed computing, hybrid working, and cloud-based applications, many risks are now outside the security capabilities of the average organisation.
From firewalls to sophisticated intrusion detection (IDS) and prevention systems (IPS), we support you to build resilient and effective network protection.
What is network security?
Network security refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect computer networks and data from unauthorised access, misuse, modification, or denial of service. It involves the deployment of hardware and software technologies, along with policies and procedures, to safeguard the confidentiality of information transmitted over a network. Network security solutions refer to several types of protective measures:
Firewalls are network security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet, to prevent unauthorised access and potential attacks.
IDS and IPS monitor network traffic for suspicious activity or signs of potential security threats. IDS detects and alerts administrators to potential security breaches, while IPS goes a step further by actively blocking or preventing detected threats.
VPNs create encrypted tunnels over a public network to securely transmit data between remote users and a private network.
These detect, prevent, and remove malware from computers and networks.
NAC systems authenticate and authorise devices attempting to connect to a network, ensuring that only authorised and compliant devices can access network resources.
DLP technologies prevent the unauthorised transmission or exfiltration of sensitive data from a network. They monitor and control data transfers, both within the network and to external sources to prevent data breaches, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Encryption converts data into a secure format that can only be read with the appropriate decryption key. It protects data confidentiality during transmission and storage, preventing unauthorised access or interception by malicious actors.
The importance of network security solutions
All cyber threats are on the rise, and networks are the backbone to business operations and communication methods. Threat actors strike where you’re most vulnerable, so it’s essential to ensure your networks are as secure as possible, stopping your operations from being cut off at the knees.
Threats aren’t just increasing; they’re also getting more sophisticated. This year, the average breakout time (referring to the time it takes to move laterally from the compromised host to other hosts within the environment) for interactive intrusion activity decreased from 84 minutes in 2022 to 62 minutes in 2023. The fastest observed breakout time was only 2 minutes and 7 seconds.
Despite this, the use of network firewalls by UK organisations decreased from 78% in 2021 to 66% in 2023, which means network security isn’t as high as it should be on organisations’ list of cyber security priorities.
With it only taking a matter of minutes for threat actors to gain access and compromise your vital assets, it’s essential to put measures in place to protect every angle of your environment, starting with network security solutions.
Network security solutions from Phoenix
Phoenix work with various network security providers, covering a range of solutions designed to protect your network from even the most advanced forms of attack. Our partners cover perimeter firewalls, vulnerability management, SASE/ SWG solutions, and everything in between.
Network security FAQs
We work with all leading firewall suppliers such as Palo, Fortinet, Checkpoint, Sophos, and Forcepoint.
Each organisation needs different firewalls depending on requirements, budget, and level. Get in touch with our specialists so we can find a firewall to suit your organisation.