Several types of network security tools protect different components and operations within a network, and each one is vital for threat prevention. Sophisticated defense is more important than ever as cyber criminals enhance their attacks with capabilities such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.

Modern network security uses advanced AI and automation to combat threats rapidly without manual intervention or monitoring. Differentiating network security tools and understanding how they work can help you choose a comprehensive security platform that protects your entire organization.

As AI-driven cyber-threats become more complex, advanced AI-powered network security is vital. Ransomware attacks increased by 128% between 2022 and 2023, and 74% of today's security professionals report that AI-powered cyber-threats affect their organizations. Reliable network security offers the following advantages:

• Protection: Advanced network security tools protect a network's systems and data from threats such as malware, unauthorized access, and data breaches.
• Regulatory compliance: The right network security tools and techniques help you comply with data protection regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act.
• Client and customer trust: Clients and customers trust companies that protect their data and information. You can attract and retain more of your client base with advanced security features and a promise to safeguard sensitive information.

While various security tools serve different purposes, they all work together to combat evolving threats. Using the right tools for each part of your network is essential for effective, efficient protection. Consider how the following security strategies provide multiple layers of protection and comprehensively safeguard your network:

1. Traffic and access control

Control tools regulate network traffic and access. The following tools and systems prevent data breaches and unauthorized access:

• Access control software: Access control software manages who can enter your organization's systems and retrieve resources and data. It verifies user identity, authorizes appropriate users, and tracks how users connect to systems.
• Firewalls: Firewalls use predetermined security guidelines to monitor and control traffic, allowing or denying data and enforcing access controls. A firewall is typically the primary network traffic route and serves as a checkpoint, blocking potential threats when data packets fail to meet the established guidelines.

2. Threat detection

Threat detection systems intercept and analyze malicious traffic, mitigating threats before they infiltrate your network's defenses. IT professionals place the following threat detection systems after the firewall so they can closely examine filtered traffic for potential risks:

• Intrusion detection system (IDS): An IDS monitors filtered network traffic, alerting administrators of suspicious activity.
• Intrusion prevention system (IPS): An IPS analyzes data and blocks potential threats before they reach internal systems and resources.

3. Virus protection

Antivirus software protects devices from malicious software and threats such as ransomware, adware, spyware, phishing, worms, and keyloggers. Antivirus software performs the following functions:

• Malware prevention: Antivirus software scans files for malware during downloads, preventing infiltration.
• Malware detection: You can also rely on antivirus software to scan a device's existing memory and files for malware patterns and signatures.
• Malware removal: Antivirus software quarantines and removes existing malware.
• New threat protection: Heuristic analysis enables antivirus software to detect new or advanced threats based on unusual file behaviors.

4. Encryption

Encryption disguises plaintext data as encoded, unintelligible ciphertext data to prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information as it flows through a network. Only authorized users with an encryption key can view and use the original data, which helps prevent data breaches, cyber-attacks, and data misuse. A network security platform may implement one of the following types of encryption:

• Symmetric: Symmetric encryption uses one key for encryption and decryption. The sender must securely send it to the recipient.
• Asymmetric: Asymmetric encryption uses a private key and a public key. Owners keep the private key secret and share the public key. This method typically costs more but is the most effective.

Security growth is crucial for keeping up with changing risks. The following capabilities can help enhance your network security.

1. Automation

Automation enables cybersecurity systems and tools to detect and respond to threats quickly without manual input and monitoring. Advanced network security combats threats rapidly, giving you peace of mind that your network is safe while you focus on growing your business.

2. Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) consists of systems and algorithms that gather facts, improve performance, and protect networks without explicit programming or manual intervention. Advanced AI is vital for today's networks because it evolves and adapts to combat ever-changing threats. Darktrace's Self-Learning AI™ continuously learns from data, such as real-time network security logs and historical attack data, to identify patterns and quickly respond to sophisticated attacks.

Instant adaptation and response enable AI systems to adjust their defenses and stay one step ahead of new threats. The self-learning platform sends alerts while minimizing the need for human direction, giving your company's IT department more time to focus on your data management, analytics, security audits, and overall IT infrastructure.

3. Comprehensive network security

Network security works best when it detects threats across your entire organization and digital estate. The Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform™ combines the following products to protect your company's data, applications, operations, information, and communication:

• Darktrace / NETWORK: NETWORK leverages Cyber AI Analyst™ to protect your network and reduce triage time by approximately 92%.
• Darktrace / CLOUD: CLOUD detects novel and unknown cloud threats in real time, using platform-native response to secure your workloads and online collaboration.
• Darktrace / EMAIL: EMAIL protects your entire communication ecosystem, blocking novel social engineering attacks by learning your organization's unique communication patterns and detecting anomalies.
• Darktrace / OT: OT safeguards your operational technology, securing all devices across your infrastructure.
• Darktrace / IDENTITY: IDENTITY outsmarts identity threats with active defense and end-to-end visibility across your entire digital landscape.
• Darktrace / ENDPOINT: ENDPOINT targets known and novel threats on your network's endpoints, reducing triage time by 90%. Endpoint security is especially vital if your employees work remotely because you must protect the data transferred between multiple devices.

Enhance your network and system security with Darktrace's AI-driven protection. With years of experience and a proven track record, Darktrace offers advanced cybersecurity solutions tailored to your business needs. Explore our professional services and request a demo to see how we can help protect your digital assets. Visit Darktrace's website to learn more about our comprehensive cybersecurity services.

Download the Darktrace / NETWORK Solution Brief

Protect in real time: Defend against known and emerging threats without relying on historical data or external intelligence.

Full visibility: Gain comprehensive insights across all network environments, including on-premises, cloud, and remote devices.

AI-powered efficiency: Streamline incident response with AI automation, saving time and resources while ensuring minimal disruption to operations.