The Top Three Threats to Network Security and How to Protect Against Them

The network is critical to the business. Any network security threats that interfere with operations and infrastructure can have a significant effect. As the volume and severity of cyber attacks accelerate, it is crucial to understand the biggest threats and what security infrastructure should be implemented to prevent attacks and recover from breaches when they occur.

Considering the diversity and extent of attack types, identifying the most serious network security threats can be challenging. Everything from exploration kits to crypto-jacking poses a threat to optimal network operations and data security.

In particular, these three common network security threats are perhaps the most dangerous for businesses:

• Malware
• Advanced persistent threats
• Distributed denial of service attacks

In all cases, effective mitigation requires a multi-layered security approach. The good news is that many of the elements work to protect against various threat vectors.

How Dangerous Is Malware?

Malware is malicious software designed to infect computers and other systems to disrupt operations and track activities clandestinely. It is one of the most widely used and potentially damaging attacks.

It can be widely deployed in many organizations and is usually not detected until it is too late. The malware can be downloaded by email, downloaded from a website, or other methods of communication.

Fighting malware requires more than antivirus software and vigilant patch updates. Organizations need to employ scanning and filtering of content on email servers, which have become especially attractive targets for attack.

Firewalls, and having the right rules in place, can be vital to deflecting malicious code. Virtual private networks also play a key defensive role, helping remote users to connect to the network safely and avoid viruses, worms, and other malicious code.

In addition, educating end-users about the different strategies that attackers use to breach network assets, including phishing attacks and malicious code provided by unsafe websites, is an important part of a well-executed defense.

What Are the Characteristics of Advanced Persistent Threats?

Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are highly sophisticated and sneak attacks that target a specific company or system. They use various mechanisms to breach the network, circumnavigate company controls and access desired information without authorization.

APTs can use malware to penetrate the network and apply a technique like phishing to acquire credentials to access the desired data. Cyberattacks that use APTs often extract their knowledge of a breach to redirect the organization.

Firewalls, email protection, managed detection and response services and antivirus software are key elements in defending against APTs. Companies should also have an environment sandbox for siphon programs and unreliable code to be tested.

What Happens in a Distributed Denial-of-service Attack?

Between January 2018 and June 2019, the average number of denial of service (DDoS) attacks distributed daily almost doubled, according to Akamai Technologies. DDoS attacks use multiple systems to flood the target network asset with traffic in order to disrupt operations.

In many cases, attackers hijack high-value targets to extort the organization. These attacks are sometimes ideologically or politically motivated.

Public and Private Sector Organizations Need to Have Several Measures in Place to Protect Their Infrastructure From Different Types of Attacks

They need a secure network infrastructure that employs intrusion protection, unified threat management, and network performance monitoring. Companies must employ a geographically diverse approach to server placement, potentially using the cloud to secure this strategy. The companies should focus on investing in network security that should have pre-default cloud security like total security.

Companies also need to follow best practices that incorporate consistent system updates. They need a solid, tested response plan in the event of an incident. Many companies also benefit from third-party DDoS mitigation services that detect and mitigate attacks.