Let's take a closer look at network security, a facet of cybersecurity that should not be overlooked!
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence aren't just bringing benefits to computer networks. AI helps pentesters and hackers alike... The difference? One is paid to detect vulnerabilities, the other to exploit them. Attacks are increasingly targeted (ransomware, advanced phishing, zero-day exploits). Sensitive corporate data are the first to be affected. But behind every sophisticated hack lies a poorly secured network.
If you're wondering how to deal with this reality, this article will guide you through the essential next steps to protect your infrastructure.
What is network security?
Let's start with the basics. What does network security really mean? It's the set of technical and organizational measures implemented to protect an entity's 3 fundamental pillars:
- Integrity: Securing computer networks means guaranteeing that data is not altered, i.e. that it cannot be distorted or used in an unauthorized way.
Explanation: Integrity ensures that a company's financial reports are not modified without authorization. - Confidentiality: The aim here is to prevent access to an entity's data (company or other organization) by third parties without the owner's prior authorization.
Explanation: Confidentiality prevents a competitor from accessing the business strategies stored on your server. - Availability: The aim here is to ensure that resources remain accessible to legitimate users.
Explanation: a company with a highly available system enables its employees to access data at any time, even in the event of breakdowns.
What is the purpose of network security?
Between hackers nonchalantly browsing innovations and employees still clicking on "suspicious attachment.exe", system protection must be at the heart of corporate concerns. Hacking, malware, denial of service - no entity is immune!
But the real danger? It often comes from within: human error and technical failure. A misplaced USB key and a "123456" password make the hacker's job easier. And we haven't even mentioned old servers dating back to the year the company was founded.
And yet, network reliability is also a beacon in compliance with RGPD and the industry standards that govern your organization.
The key components of network security
Find out more about the main components of your network protection here:
- Firewall: filters incoming and outgoing traffic to block suspicious connections.
- Intrusion detection or prevention system (IDS/IPS ): monitors the network to identify and block malicious activity and software in real time.
- VPN: Already adopted by most web professionals, it encrypts communications to secure remote exchanges. This system is very useful for organizations with telecommuting agents.
- Multi-factor authentication, or MFA: this strengthens access to systems with several proofs of identity (password, SMS, fingerprint, facial recognition).
- Data encryption: to protect sensitive information even in the event of interception. Among the best-known are the SSL/TLS and end-to-end encryption protocols.
How does network security work?
Having identified the key components, let's delve into their anti-hacker ballet:
The basic mechanisms
- Access control: authentication, authorization and logging. The idea is to verify user identity via passwords, biometrics and MFA, in order to limit access according to each user's role. This will also enable connections to be traced, so that suspicious activities can be audited.
- Traffic monitoring: this involves real-time analysis of data flows on the network, using tools such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management). It collects and correlates logs to identify suspicious activity. Next-generation firewalls (NGFW) complete the system, filtering traffic and analyzing packet content.
- Anomaly detection: this is where behavioral baselines are defined. A "normal profile" of the network is determined, such as bandwidth, access times, etc., so that deviations can be easily identified.
Machine learning
- Predictive analysis: AI in network protection is like having a bodyguard who anticipates blows even before the attacker imagines them. It will identify potential threats by cross-referencing historical data retrieved via basic mechanisms. For example, zero-days can be identified through patterns similar to past attacks. If we take the case of Microsoft Defender ATP, it uses Machine Learning to detect ransomware before it is executed.
- Automated response: this involves intelligent isolation of devices affected by different attacks in order to limit propagation. Algorithms are configured to automatically adjust firewall rules according to new threats (e.g. blocking an IP after a series of failed connection attempts).
- Detection of advanced attacks: AI analyzes stealth or covert attacks, detecting micro-anomalies invisible to humans.
💡Note : by 2025, AI has become a secret weapon for anticipating certain phishing attacks. For example, we already know the characteristics of previous malicious e-mails to isolate the infected workstation and adjust measures already in place.
The benefits of robust network security
Network protection goes beyond technical protection. It also delivers strategic, legal and commercial benefits for your organization.
Protection: prevention rather than cure
Preventing cyber-attacks costs you up to 10 times less than suffering them... a bit like going to the dentist before you have a toothache. It's cheaper, and it hurts less.
On average, this repair cost is billed at 100,000 euros per hour. So what measures should be taken?
- Data encryption (AES-256): in the worst-case scenario, if your data is disclosed, it can neither be read nor decrypted.
- Disaster recovery plan (DRP): the confidentiality of your sensitive information will be guaranteed, and at the same time, you'll ensure business continuity.
☝️ In 2023, several French hospitals suffered ransomware attacks, disrupting their operations. Some hospitals, such as the CHU de la Réunion, were able to maintain their emergency services thanks to early detection of a cyber attack.
Regulatory compliance (RGPD, ISO 27001, etc.)
The IT infrastructure defense system is now a legal imperative with regulations becoming ever more stringent. Did you know? The RGPD provides for huge penalties for failure to comply with the rules on securing IT networks (up to 4% of worldwide sales, or 20 million euros).
However, simple measures such as data anonymization or notification of leaks within 72 hours can completely turn the situation around.
In fact, companies that meet these basic requirements always have a competitive edge. Calls for tender, whether public or private, often require specific protection standards.
🗣️ Fact: an RGPD-compliant SME has every chance of signing a contract with a European customer against an insecure competitor.
A guarantee of trust for customers and partners
While trust is built naturally over time, reputation also contributes to it. According to Proofpoint's 2024 report, half of all organizations that suffered data leaks saw a marked drop in their competitiveness.
Consumers refuse to do business with companies that have already been hacked for fear of a repeat. In view of this, highlighting ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certifications can reassure your customers that their information is protected.
This also applies to partnerships with major groups. System integrity audits are a mandatory procedure prior to any collaboration.
Cross-functional benefits
When it comes to IT infrastructure defense systems, indirect benefits are rarely mentioned, even though they are just as important for an organization:
- Reduced costs, as prevention remains the least expensive approach.
- Greater team productivity : no crisis = more time to work! Repetitive hacking = more time to scroll through TikTok!
- Long-term brand image protection !
6 types of network security
Modern cybersecurity relies on several layers of protection to secure networks against a variety of threats. Here are 6 key types of defense system:
Network Access Control (NAC)
This is an intelligent barrier that authenticates and authorizes only validated users and devices (employees, certified IT, etc.).
In 2025, Network Access Control will integrate AI with behavioral biometrics to rapidly detect masked intrusions.
Flagship tools include Cisco ISE and FortiNAC.
Firewall and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Firewalls filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules (e.g. block port 22 for SSH if unused). New-generation firewalls also analyze packet content such as keywords and malware.
As for IPS, it detects and blocks known attacks in real time. To take a concrete example, an IPS blocks an attempted SQL injection on an e-commerce site.
Application security
According to OWASP reports, the majority of security flaws stem from the vulnerability of mobile and web applications. Use WAFs (Web Application Firewalls) to filter out malicious requests.
Best practice: perform penetration testing (pentests) and patching before deployment. Automatic scanning with Acunetix or Burp Suite is an interesting alternative.
E-mail protection
Corporate mailboxes need optimum security, bearing in mind that 80-90% of cyberattacks start with underestimated spam! Indeed, AAG surveys show that 3.4 billion phishing e-mails are sent every day. Unsurprisingly, most exchanges of confidential information take place by e-mail.
What can you do about it?
- Install a spam or phishing filter (to detect fake "urgent" e-mails)
- Set up a system for analyzing attachments and links with sandboxes (isolation for malware detection).
VPN and encryption
A VPN is an encrypted tunnel for secure remote access, ideal if you have branch offices or telecommuting agents. It protects data in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest (AES-256). So, for example, a consultant can access customer files via a VPN without risk of interception.
But beware: a poorly configured VPN is a backdoor for hackers!
Cloud security
Its function is to protect data hosted at AWS/Azure/GCP from leaks or misconfigurations. Cloud security is also used to manage identities and access (IAM) to limit privileges.
On the practical side, you can use homomorphic encryption (data processing without decryption) or CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker). A company with a cloud security system in place can detect and correct a publicly exposed S3 bucket in 5 minutes.
What tools can help you?
Here's the part you've been waiting for: a comparative analysis of modern network security tools. We'll categorize them by key features and use cases. That's right, choosing your network security tools is like putting together a team of superheroes: each with their own superpower!
Keepnet Labs: threat management and awareness
Keepnet Labs
Keepnet Labs is an anti-phishing and incident management platform. The tool simulates phishing attacks and then provides training for employees accordingly. It also detects data leaks on the dark web.
With Keepnet Labs, you can expect a reduction in clicks on malicious links of up to 90%. What's more, it integrates easily with Microsoft 365 and Slack.
- Use case: companies that want to strengthen their "human, first bulwark".
- Alternatives : KnowBe4 (Awareness Leader) has a library of well-configured training modules. Proofpoint Security Awareness uses AI to detect risky behavior.
Example of the Keepnet Labs platform layout :
Acunetix: web application security
Acunetix
Acunetix is a vulnerability scanner. Its superpower? Find automatic vulnerabilities (SQLi, XSS, etc.) in web/API applications, then report on compliance with OWASP Top 10, RGPD.
If you use Acunetix, you'll have access to fast scanning without slowing down servers. And for patch tracking, it integrates Jira and GitHub.
- Use cases: developers and CISOs in fintech or e-commerce.
- Alternatives: Burp Suite Entreprise (Portswigger) is a pro solution for pentesters. Then there's Checkmarx, which performs static and dynamic code analysis.
Example of the Acunetix platform layout:
Versa SASE: perimeter and cloud security (SASE/SSE)
Versa SASE
Do you have teams in more than 10 countries? Try Versa SASE! Versa SASE combines SD-WAN, firewall, nail, ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access). If you're looking for hybrid (office, telecommuting) access protection, you've found the right tool.
The advantage is that latencies are reduced to 40%. The tool even supports multi-cloud architectures (AWS, Azure).
- Use case: large companies with international subsidiaries
- Alternatives: Cato Networks, a SASE leader with a unified platform. Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange, focusing on Internet/Cloud security.
Example of the Versa SASE platform layout :
NordLayer: secure access and VPN
NordLayer
At a time when workers are increasingly mobile, VPNs have become a prime necessity.
NordLayer (Enterprise VPN), the most popular in its category, uses AES-256 encryption, with dedicated servers for enterprises. It is also compatible with the Zero Trust model.
The big plus? Unbeatable value for money! A tool that remains competitive with its direct competitors: Cisco AnyConnect and Palo Alto GlobalProtect.
The interface is also very simple and easy to use:
- Use case: startups or distributed teams in need of a lightweight VPN.
- Alternatives: Talescale, a mesh VPN based on WireGuard (ideal for developers). Perimeter 87, an all-in-one solution (VPN, access management).
Example of the NordLayer platform layout:
Darktrace: Monitoring and incident response (XDR/SIEM)
Darktrace is your IT network's immune system. It brings AI to bear where traditional threat detection solutions fail. In fact, its self-learning artificial intelligence detects behavioral anomalies.
- Use cases: critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, etc.
- Alternatives : CrowdStrike Falcon, EDR/XDR with real-time threat hunting. Splunk (SIEM), advanced log analysis for large infrastructures.
Example of the Darktrace platform layout:
WIZ: Cloud security
When hackers innovate, your network security needs to anticipate. The solution is WIZ, the scanner for dangerous configurations such as open S3 buckets and excessive permissions. It also features a real-time risk prioritization system.
WIZ is compatible with AWS, Azure and GCP in just a few minutes.
- Use case: companies migrating to the cloud
- Alternatives: Prisma Cloud (Palo Alto), a complete suite. Orca Security, agentless vulnerability detection.
Example of the WIZ platform layout:
IT security in a nutshell!
In an age when threats are evolving as fast as firewalls, protecting your IT infrastructure is no longer a luxury, but a strategic necessity. The slightest vulnerability can cost a company millions. This article has reminded us of the importance of choosing the right tools to protect the 3 fundamental pillars of your business.
But where to start? A personalized audit by experts to identify your vulnerabilities. And don't delay, because hackers won't wait until you're ready.
Article translated from French