The term “enterprise network security” refers to all practices, technologies, policies, and systems companies use to protect their networks and data. It also involves continuous monitoring and response strategies to adapt to changing cyber-threats. Through various big data cybersecurity methods, businesses can improve the confidentiality and integrity of their information and safeguard it against unauthorized access and attacks.

Understanding enterprise network security

Today, cybersecurity is more necessary than ever. According to the International Monetary Fund, cyber-attacks have more than doubled in the last four years.

The consequences of cyber-attacks go well beyond financial implications, making it critical for businesses to implement enterprise network security measures to protect internal and customer data. Otherwise, they risk implications like lost business partners and customers, long-term reputational damage, and reduced interest from new customers.

A company can take several steps and use different solutions to improve its overall enterprise network security — the main goal is to secure the enterprise's network to build an essentially impenetrable system.

One of the most fundamental aspects is the enterprise's server structure. This element should be the most secure component of the network, constructed with security aspects that protect the network but also recover quickly should a successful attack occur. Implementing firewalls, silicon-based security measures, network segmentation, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and input validation and sanitization are just a handful of ways to improve network and application security.

In addition to creating a robust server structure, data security is an essential consideration. Through methods like encryption and data loss prevention (DLP), companies can protect data at rest and in transit and monitor and control data movement. As a result, unauthorized leaks and access are much less likely to occur.

On top of physical measures, organizations should introduce account management policies and incident response plans. For example, a log management system can help IT teams store and keep track of server logs, and the principle of least privilege restricts access to only the data needed for a specific task. In the event of a cybersecurity event, a comprehensive response plan allows businesses to quickly contain and recover from threats.

All of the above elements combine to create a cohesive enterprise network security architecture.

Some of the most prominent solutions used in enterprise network security include:

Firewalls: Different kinds of firewalls can provide intrusion protection and detection, controlling network traffic and segmenting the network to restrict access. For example, web application firewalls can disable detected hacker interference and prevent incidents like DDoS attacks and SQL injection. As a result, company and customer data are more secure.

IDPS: An IDPS monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and blocks potential threats. These systems analyze possible incidents using predefined rules and deep learning to detect anomalies based on learned patterns. The four main types of IDPS include network-based, host-based, wireless, and network behavior analysis.

WPA2: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) is a security protocol that encrypts network routers to revoke unauthorized access and use. It uses the Advanced Encryption Standard, one of the most complex encryption systems. With WPA2 in place, the entire network becomes less vulnerable to cyber-threats.

VPNs: A virtual private network (VPN) is ideal for remote users who need to access the enterprise network. This system protects internet connections by masking IP addresses and encrypting sensitive user data. It also creates an encrypted tunnel for data transmission. The result is greater privacy and data protection.

Network segmentation: It may be helpful to divide the entire network into smaller segments to limit the spread of cyber-attacks. Controlling the flow of traffic across the network enhances security. For example, subnetting creates smaller “subnetworks” within the network that can communicate with each other, and network traffic can flow more directly without passing through unnecessary routers.

SIEM: Through security information and event management (SIEM), organizations can gather event, threat, and risk data in a consolidated system. It provides a comprehensive overview of potential threats from various sources throughout the enterprise, helping IT teams remediate security issues more quickly.

Alongside hardware and firmware, the actual location of the servers is an essential consideration — secure server areas with surveillance and environmental controls can improve server integrity.

As businesses look to improve their enterprise network security, it's important to keep a few crucial best practices in mind:

1. Use a defense-in-depth strategy: There are many levels to big data network security, making multiple layers of security essential — physical, technical, and administrative approaches are necessary. Use numerous types of network security approaches to build a detailed, comprehensive approach.
2. Monitor network traffic: Routinely observe network activity for suspicious activity and potential threats. SIEM and other network traffic analysis tools can help businesses understand what's happening across the network at all times. With the right information in front of them, IT departments can make quick, effective decisions in incident response.
3. Incorporate DLP: Implementing data loss prevention helps companies control the movement of sensitive data, which can reduce the risk of unauthorized transfers and leaks. DLP blocks data from being accessed and distributed without permission. As a result, it's much harder for hackers to get inside the network.
4. Back up data: Despite best efforts, systems can still fail, which makes backup data strategies critical. Always back up enterprise data to make recovery easier and faster in the event of a breach or other incident. Additionally, practice data redundancy to create copies of critical data, especially when using cloud storage.
5. Review and update regularly: An effective approach to enterprise network security evolves as needed. IT teams should regularly review policies, audit existing strategies, and implement changes. As new threats arise and compliance regulations change, they can make adjustments and keep up. Additionally, test systems periodically to ensure they perform as expected.

Every day, cyber-threats become more sophisticated, making cybersecurity a considerable challenge for many organizations. Implementing the latest technology and software enables companies to remain one step ahead. It's also essential to stay informed and updated on network security solutions and potential obstacles.

If you want to learn more about network security for big data or how AI can be part of your enterprise network security approach, Darktrace is here to assist. We've been pioneering AI since 2013, and our expert team is ready to help you make it part of your threat detection and response strategy. We offer numerous educational resources to help organizations make decisions about their network security.

Our guide to network security solutions can help your business learn more about the limitations of traditional systems and the role of AI in protecting your network. Our comprehensive whitepaper also teaches you how to overcome modern challenges in network security. Explore our glossary to discover other cybersecurity topics and broaden your knowledge.

We invite you to learn more about Darktrace / NETWORK, the most advanced solution on the market to transform enterprise network security. Get in touch with us today for more information.

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