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What is Network Security?, Definitions, Types, Tools & Attacks

Published

12 months ago

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What is Network Security?, Definitions, Types, Tools & Attacks


Network security protects computer networks from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or destruction. It involves a range of technologies, practices, and policies designed to ensure network resources’ confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Types of Network Security

Various network security measures can be implemented to protect a computer network from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats. Here are some of the most common types of network security:

  1. Access Control: Access control restricts access to network resources to authorized users only. This can be achieved through password policies, user authentication mechanisms, and other access control technologies.
  2. Firewalls: Firewalls are network security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security policies. They are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network and protect against network-based attacks.
  3. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): IDPS are network security devices that monitor network traffic for signs of potential attacks or security breaches. They can detect and prevent various attacks, including malware infections, denial-of-service attacks, and unauthorized access attempts.
  4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs are encrypted communication channels that allow remote users to access a private network over the internet securely. They are commonly used to provide remote access to corporate networks or to connect geographically dispersed networks.
  5. Antivirus and anti-malware software: Antivirus and anti-malware software detect and remove viruses, malware, and other malicious software from a network. They can also prevent these threats from entering the web in the first place.
  6. Encryption: Encryption converts plain text into cipher text using an algorithm and a key. It is used to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality of network communications.
  7. Data Backup and Recovery: Data backup and recovery solutions are essential to network security. They protect against data loss due to hardware failures, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
  8. Network Segmentation: Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller subnetworks to limit the spread of security breaches and improve network performance.

Network Security Tools

Numerous network security tools on the market can help protect a computer network from various security threats. Here are some of the most popular network security tools:

  1. Nmap: Nmap is a popular network mapping and port scanning tool used to identify hosts and services on a network and detect vulnerabilities and potential security threats.
  2. Wireshark: Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer that captures and analyzes real-time network traffic. It is often used to troubleshoot network issues, detect potential security threats, and investigate network attacks.
  3. Snort: Snort is an open-source intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) used to monitor network traffic for signs of potential attacks or security breaches.
  4. Metasploit: Metasploit is a penetration testing tool used to test a network’s security by simulating real-world attacks. It includes a wide range of exploits and payloads that can be used to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a network.
  5. Nessus: Nessus is a vulnerability scanner used to detect and assess potential vulnerabilities in a network. It includes a large database of known vulnerabilities and can be used to generate detailed reports on the security status of a network.
  6. OpenVAS: OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanner used to identify and assess potential vulnerabilities in a network. It includes a web-based interface, a wide range of scanning options and reporting features.
  7. Aircrack-ng: Aircrack-ng is a wireless network security tool that monitors and analyzes wireless traffic and cracks WEP and WPA-PSK encryption keys.
  8. Burp Suite: Burp Suite is a web application security testing tool used to detect and exploit potential vulnerabilities in web applications. It includes many tools and features for manual and automated testing.
  9. Kali Linux: Kali Linux is a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for penetration testing and network security assessments. Further, it includes a wide range of security tools and features and extensive documentation and support.

Network Security Attacks

Network security attacks are deliberate actions designed to compromise the security of a computer network or its resources. Here are some common types of network security attacks:

    1. Malware: Malware is malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a network. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware.
    2. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: A DoS attack is designed to disrupt the normal functioning of a network or website by flooding it with traffic or requests. This can cause the network to slow down or crash, making it unavailable to legitimate users.
    3. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: A MitM attack is an attack in which an attacker intercepts and alters communications between two parties, usually to steal sensitive information.
    4. Password Attacks: Password attacks are designed to obtain or crack user passwords to gain unauthorized access to a network or its resources. Common types of password attacks include brute-force attacks, dictionary attacks, and phishing attacks.
    5. Social Engineering Attacks: Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology to trick users into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise network security. Common types of social engineering attacks include phishing, pretexting, and baiting.
    6. SQL Injection Attacks: A SQL injection attack exploits vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to a database or to execute arbitrary code on a server.
    7. Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks: An XSS attack is when an attacker injects malicious code into a web page that other users view. This can allow the attacker to steal sensitive information or execute arbitrary code on a user’s computer.
    8. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs are sophisticated, long-term attacks designed to gain unauthorized access to a network or its resources over an extended period. They often involve multiple stages and techniques, including social engineering, malware, and MitM attacks.

Conclusion

Network security encompasses various measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), authentication and access control mechanisms, encryption, and data backup and recovery solutions. These measures are implemented to prevent network attacks and promptly detect and respond to security breaches.

I hope the information mentioned above on network security is useful for you!

Also, check Top Network Security Trends.

Lokesh Joshi

Computer Science Engineer by profession, and I am passionate about integrating technology with innovative ideas to give startups the initial boost they require.

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Fintech Kennek raises $12.5M seed round to digitize lending

Published

7 months ago

on

10/11/2023

By

Google eyed for $2 billion Anthropic deal after major Amazon play


London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.

According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.

The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:

“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”

The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:

“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”

The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.

The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.

Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!

Radek Zielinski

Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.

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Politics

Fortune 500’s race for generative AI breakthroughs

Published

7 months ago

on

10/11/2023

By

Deanna Ritchie


As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.

Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI

In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.

According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.

One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.

To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.

Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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Politics

UK seizes web3 opportunity simplifying crypto regulations

Published

7 months ago

on

10/10/2023

By

Deanna Ritchie


As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.

Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation

To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.

The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.

Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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