Network security is the field of cybersecurity focused on protecting computer networks
and systems from internal and external cyberthreats and cyberattacks.
What Network Security is:
Protecting Infrastructure:
Network security focuses on safeguarding the underlying networking infrastructure,
including devices, applications, users, and resources from unauthorized access,
misuse, or theft.
Cybersecurity Subfield:
It is a crucial subfield within cybersecurity, specifically addressing the security of
computer networks and systems.
Protecting Resources:
Network security aims to prevent unauthorized access to network resources, detect
and stop cyberattacks and security breaches, and ensure authorized users have
secure access to the network resources they need.
Multiple Layers of Defense:
Effective network security combines multiple layers of defenses, implementing
policies and controls at the network edge and within the network to protect both
network traffic and assets.
Proactive and Evolving:
Network security is a proactive field, constantly evolving to address emerging
threats and vulnerabilities.
Network Security Tools
| Tool | Platform | License | Version | Description |
| Wireshark | Windows, macOS, Linux | GPL | 4.0 | Network protocol analyzer to capture and inspect network traffic. |
| Nessus | Windows, macOS, Linux | Proprietary | 10.3 | Vulnerability scanner for identifying security weaknesses in network devices. |
| Snort | Windows, Linux | GPL | 3.1 | Network intrusion detection and prevention system. |
| Kali Linux | Linux | GPL | 2023.1 | A Linux distribution containing a collection of tools for penetration testing. |
| OpenVAS | Linux, macOS, Windows | GPL | 20.8 | Open source vulnerability scanning and management platform. |
| Palo Alto Networks Firewall | Hardware, Virtual | Proprietary | 11.2 | High-performance next-generation firewall. |
| Cisco ASA | Hardware | Proprietary | 9.16 | Advanced security appliance for network perimeter defense. |
| Suricata | Windows, Linux | GPL | 6.0 | Network IDS/IPS engine capable of real-time traffic analysis. |
| CrowdStrike Falcon | Windows, Linux, macOS | Proprietary | 6.1 | Endpoint protection and threat detection platform. |
| Metasploit | Windows, Linux, macOS | BSD | 6.1 | Penetration testing framework for identifying vulnerabilities. |
Network Security refers to the practice of protecting networks and data from unauthorized
access, misuse, modification, or denial of service. It involves implementing various measures to
ensure that the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data are maintained while
safeguarding the infrastructure of a network.
Network security includes various domains, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS),
encryption, VPNs, and security policies. The purpose is to ensure that all users, devices, and
resources are secure and that networks are functioning properly.