Lesson 5: Network Security Fundamentals

Once systems are connected, the attack surface expands. Network security focuses on protecting data in transit, network services, connected devices, and the paths through which users and attackers communicate.

Basic security concerns in networks include:

• unauthorized access,
• eavesdropping,
• spoofing,
• service disruption,
• malware spread,
• weak remote access,
• insecure wireless connections.

Network security is especially important because a single weak point can affect many systems at once.

Several network components contribute to security.

A firewall is important, but it is not enough by itself. Secure network design often includes segmentation, rule review, host hardening, secure services, and monitoring.