Governments, businesses, and individuals who own a computer need good network security. What is it exactly? It’s a preventative measure to keep your network and data safe from viruses, unauthorized users, and other threats. The process requires a lot of hardware devices and tools, like routers, firewalls, and anti-malware software. For big organizations and governments, network security is vital, but everyone deserves a safe, secure network. Here are ten reasons why:
#1. It’s an important part of cybersecurity
Many technical terms are used interchangeably, so you’ll see people say cybersecurity when they mean network security and vice versa. Cybersecurity is the overall umbrella term. It involves securing everything, including the network, but also the devices and data. Network security focuses on the actual network itself, which supports various systems and applications. An organization (or individual) committed to security won’t forget network security when developing a cybersecurity plan.
#2. Network security protects your data
To businesses and individuals, data is something to be treasured and protected. If you’re a business, your data might consist of marketing materials, financial data, and everything else that makes your business what it is. For individuals, you also have financial data and personal information you don’t want anyone else to access. Network security ensures your data stays yours.
#3. Network security protects client data
Governments and businesses store data that isn’t theirs. For organizations like accounting firms and medical clinics, that data is very sensitive. Keeping that data secure is the responsibility of the organization. This includes backing up the data properly and ensuring hackers can’t get into your system.
#4. Network security is required
Depending on your business, you most likely have requirements you need to meet. As an example, medical organizations must comply with regulations like HIPAA. In the EU, organizations that deal with the data of EU citizens must comply with GDPR. If you want to start a business and you’re going to be dealing with data, check to see what requirements you must follow regarding network security.
#5. Network security improves your network’s performance
Good network security doesn’t only keep your network safe; it helps it run better. The key is to get a good system that isn’t slowed down by redundant tools and apps. Look for systems proven to work efficiently. If you aren’t sure what to look for, talk to a service provider about what they recommend.
#6. Network security protects against ransomware
Ransomware attacks are common. For many, they’re the worst kind of attack. They’re a type of malware that threatens to release or block access to your data unless you pay a ransom. They can affect just one individual or entire countries. Recently, the group Darkside hacked the Colonial Pipeline in the United States. To get the pipeline back online, the group was paid millions in cryptocurrency. This is just one example of many.
#7. Cyberattacks are on the rise
Attacks like the one on the Colonial Pipeline are becoming more frequent. Organizations, especially big ones with money for ransoms, need to invest in better security now. There are a few reasons why cyberattacks are booming. The spread of the 5G network is one. As the network expands, so do all its vulnerabilities. It isn’t enough to embrace something new and exciting like 5G, you also need new security to support it. Improving technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning also helps hackers. They no longer have to manually hack systems; they can set up systems that do it for them.
#8. Not having protection costs money
As we saw from the Colonial Pipeline hack, not having good network security can be expensive. When Yahoo had a breach that affected its 3 billion customers, the direct costs ended up costing them around $350 million. On an individual level, attacks can leave you with a drained bank account. There’s also the emotional distress of having your information stolen or sold. While good network security may cost you upfront, it more than pays for itself.
#9. Network security is a lucrative field
Network security is good for the economy and individuals looking for well-paying careers. Because of the increasing cybersecurity threats, organizations are looking for experts. In the US alone, the BLS predicts that information security analyst jobs will increase 28% between 2016 and 2028, which is four times as fast as other job fields. The pay can be really good, too. According to ZipRecruiter, a network security specialist on average makes around $97,600 a year in the United States. The more specialized you are, the better the pay.
#10. The world depends on technology
Network security matters so much because of peoples’ dependence on technology. We use it for almost everything, including communication, production, record-keeping, and more. There are cameras in our computers, phones, cars, and even certain children’s toys. Peoples’ entire lives can be found online if you know where to look. This dependency will only increase, so network security needs to keep up.
