A Complete Guide to Network Security Levels

Over the years, cybercriminals have come up with increasingly complex ways to compromise business security. Whether you run a small venture or a large enterprise, your corporate network security can be vulnerable to a broad range of cyber attacks. To avoid the risk of cyber threats, it is crucial to understand the levels of network security. This blog will provide you with all the information you need to implement the appropriate measures for cybersecurity.

Information Security Levels

The 3 main network security levels are as follows:

Level 1: Minimal Protection

The first level of cybersecurity ensures that the corporate network remains safe from cyber threats, such as malware and phishing attacks. These may appear as malicious software, links, or files infected with viruses.

Companies that invest in minimal protection are likely to use a firewall but may fail to manage it. In addition to this, their Wi-Fi passwords are shared across the organization, which can pose a threat to their cybersecurity. Therefore, it is essential to have a properly configured firewall protection system along with updated antivirus software. This can be achieved by taking security measures regularly and performing penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. These methods will help ensure that your company’s devices and data remain protected from all sorts of cyber threats that may arise in the future.

Level 2: Advanced Protection

The second level of network security protects corporate networks from non-targeted attacks. This may include spoofing attacks, malware, and even spamming. The main goal of the attacker is to steal confidential information from its victims. Often, mid-size companies remain susceptible to non-targeted attacks. This is because most of them do not adhere to regulatory standards in place. Therefore, they are more likely to encounter cyber attacks compared to any large enterprise.

In addition to firewalls and antivirus, company network security must be protected using the following components:

• Intrusion Detection (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): They can help detect and store information regarding security events that may occur in the future.
• Email Security: This includes malware scanning and filtering spam.
• Network Segmentation: This includes the division of networks by departments using firewalls for protection against cyber threats.

Level 3: Maximal Protection

The main objective of level 3 is to protect corporate networks from targeted attacks. Some examples of such attacks include advanced malware and spear phishing. Most of the time, mid-sized organizations and large enterprises fall victim to these attacks. This is because such companies are more likely to have a large amount of data, such as bank account details, healthcare records, and regulated personal data). Therefore, targeted attacks generate tangible results.

To combat this, Mobiz offers Palo Alto Networks Managed Services for businesses of all sizes. It comes in the form of a physical device as well as a virtual service for real-time threat detection, response, prevention, and security maintenance. Besides, it provides comprehensive and scalable solutions for various organizations, such as:

• Cloud security management
• Network monitoring and management
• Security policy management
• Security operations center (SOC) services
• Firewall management
• Reporting and analytics
• Vulnerability management

Some of the most effective cybersecurity components you may need for additional protection are as follows:

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): This software helps prevent the risk of leakage of critical data, including social security numbers and credit card details.
• Endpoint Security: This includes devices within the corporate network that can become potential entry points for cyber threats.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): It works as an effective solution for tracking, collecting, analyzing, and reporting information within the IT environment.

Security for Cloud Environments

With the 7 layers of cyber security in place, companies can secure their cloud assets without any hassle. However, different types of organizations have similar levels of network security risks associated with them. Hence, storing data in the cloud is not just an efficient and cost-effective solution but also helps companies secure their corporate networks. Similarly, Mobiz provides robust strategies to protect cloud assets, such as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS).

Related : 7 Layers of Security

Related : Security Issues in Cloud Computing

All in All

While cyber security services are essential for companies of all sizes, IT personnel must take extra steps to ensure maximum protection against cyber threats. This may include implementing firewall protection, email security solutions, endpoint security measures, intrusion detection systems (IDS), data loss prevention strategies, and network segmentation. Moreover, companies should conduct awareness programs to educate their employees on best practices for cyber security. With everything in place, you can ensure that your company’s sensitive data and valuable assets remain secure from all types of cyber attacks.