What does network security include?
Network traffic monitoring and control
By monitoring and observing the data that travels across the network, network traffic monitoring and control help identify suspicious patterns that could be security threats.
Security tools
Security tools are software or hardware designed to work together to detect, prevent, and respond to threats.
Examples of this kind of software or hardware include antivirus programs or encryption software.
Network segmentation
Network segmentation limits the spread of potential threats by dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments.
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
Intrusion prevention systems detect and block potential threats in real-time by analyzing the network traffic for suspicious activities.
By taking immediate action automatically, IPS prevents breaches.
Firewalls
Think of a firewall as a barrier between your internal network and external threats.
Firewalls filter incoming and outgoing requests based on predefined security rules, limiting unauthorized access while still allowing legitimate, safe communication in the network.
Software-defined perimeters (SDP)
Only authenticated users can access the network with SDP in place. By making the network invisible to unauthorized users, software-defined perimeters create a crucial boundary around network resources.
What are some common network security solutions?
Firewalls
Firewalls are your network's dedicated guardians, actively monitoring incoming traffic and blocking suspicious IP addresses.
They play an essential role in keeping your digital space secure, allowing only trusted users through.
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
With intrusion prevention systems, suspicious activity is continuously monitored within the network, and actions are taken to block threats as they appear.
Antivirus software and sandboxing
Antivirus software detects and removes malicious software, while sandboxing isolates suspicious files in a secure environment to prevent them from affecting the system.
Web and DNS filtering
Web and DNS filtering restricts users' access to harmful websites within the specific network and prevents them from visiting malicious domains.
Attack surface management (ASM)
Attack surface management identifies and reduces potential vulnerabilities in a network, minimizing the areas that attackers can exploit.
Remote access VPNs
By creating encrypted internet connections, remote access VPNs protect the data that is in transit within a network.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication prompts users who try to access the network to verify their identity with more than one device. That creates better measures for minimizing unauthorized access.
Network access control (NAC)
Network access control enforces security policies on devices attempting to access the network, ensuring that only compliant and authorized devices are granted access.
How does network security work?
Through a combination of different tools, technologies, and policies, network security protects the networking infrastructure and data from external threats.
Security gateway
A security gateway acts as a barrier between an internal network and external networks, filtering traffic to prevent unauthorized access and protecting against cyber threats.
Network access control (NAC)
Only authenticated devices and those that meet compliance policies are allowed access with network access control.
An example of NAC in practice could be blocking access from a specific type of device.
Data loss prevention (DLP)
DLP tools keep your data safe by tracking data flows, encrypting sensitive information, and alerting users when suspicious activity is detected.
Agentless monitoring
This type of monitoring inspects packets to learn about data and network usage as well as ensuring that only authenticated users have access.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI tools identify patterns that indicate potential security threats much faster than humans, speeding up the process and improving security.
What are the best practices for network security?
Firewalls
Firewalls block incoming traffic from suspicious IP addresses, adding a layer of security regarding who can access the network.
Wireless network security
Securing your wireless networks with encryption, strong passwords, and proper configurations, you create a safer environment that prevents cyberattacks from exploiting this common access point.
Password management
Using both multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, and educating your team on how to create strong passwords are elements of good password management.
Encryption
By encrypting data across your network, all resources are kept secure even in the event of unauthorized access.
Software updates
Keeping software updated ensures you address security vulnerabilities as they are discovered.
Data backups
In the event of ransomware, an updated data backup can minimize the impact the attack has on your organization.
Authentication
By requiring all users to authenticate themselves through tools like smart cards or biometrics, you minimize the risk of unauthorized access to your network.
See how Parallels RAS enables network security best practices and policies at your organization.
What are some key network security benefits?
Network security keeps your data and network safe. That is valuable, as breaches, leaks, or hacks can cause serious damage to your organization's reputation and finances.
Access control
Limiting who can access your network and data is crucial, and an Access Control List (ACL) helps achieve this.
By restricting access to only authorized users, you reduce exposure to breaches and leaks that could significantly impact your organization.
Firewalls
With firewalls blocking access from suspicious IP addresses, they help organizations maintain the integrity of their systems.
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) filters activity and keep threats out long before they reach your network.
Malware protection
With the right malware protection tools, you can prevent malware from accessing your network and keep your network safe from external attacks.
Data loss prevention
Data loss prevention protects your most valuable information, ensuring sensitive data stays within your network and out of the wrong hands, whether by accident or intent.
Application security
Application security helps protect software applications from external threats by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, ensuring data integrity, and maintaining user trust.
Compliance
With robust network security and cybersecurity measures, your organization stays compliant with industry standards and regulations, avoids legal penalties, and protects sensitive data.
Network segmentation
Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments to improve security. This approach limits the spread of potential threats and improves traffic management.
What network security features does Parallels offer?
Parallels RAS helps organizations keep their data safe. With our desktop virtualization tools, network security is maintained.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Users are required to authenticate their identity with two factors when accessing the network.
Granular filtering
Administrators customize and control network access with precision with Parallels RAS.
Granular filtering ensures secure data flow by enabling tailored rules for applications, users, and devices.
Encryption
With Parallels RAS, your data is SSL/TLS and FIPS 140-2 encrypted.
Access control
Access to your network can be restricted based on user, group, role, IP address, and more.
Kiosk mode
Kiosk mode prevents users from changing system settings and installing new applications.
Smart card authentication
By supporting smart card authentication, an additional layer of security is provided.
Users access systems using encrypted credentials stored on physical smart cards.
Full cloud security
Organizations can get a full overview of threats and vulnerabilities in cloud-based environments through cloud security monitoring, by assessing physical and virtual servers to understand threats in cloud-based environments.
How do organizations implement network security with Parallels solutions?
Parallels RAS enables secure remote access for organizations, supporting hybrid and remote workforces across various devices.
ProfytoDSD uses Parallels RAS to simplify their remote access, which has eliminated their need for additional solutions to restrict access to specific apps accessed by users outside of the organization without compromising the security of their network.
Learn moreSeabix chose Parallels RAS to ensure secure remote access to their sensitive information, virtual files, and essential applications. The solution allows them to maintain high security standards while providing employees with the flexibility to work remotely.
Learn moreFarmers & Merchants Bank implemented Parallels RAS to provide secure access for internal and external users, replacing the risks of their traditional approach of granting full desktop access to third parties.
Learn moreParallels and network security
The Parallels ecosystem of products offers multiple solutions to boost network security for all types of organizations.
Whether your team is distributed, remote, or on-site, you'll find the right option tailored to your unique needs.
Related solutions
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Parallels RAS is designed to support the needs of IT administrators and departments in enforcing security policies by providing application and desktop security to users on any device, regardless of location.
With a robust security framework, Parallels RAS helps organizations keep their networks safe.
Learn more
Network security resources
Network Security Monitoring: A Complete GuideLearn why network security monitoring is the key to staying protected in a time where threats to data security are constant.
Understanding What Secure Data Remote Access IsDiscover why the cornerstone of modern IT security starts with secure data remote access.
Microsegmentation: Build secure zones in your virtualized environmentExplore how microsegmentation transforms network security with fine-grained controls and persistent policies to protect workloads in virtualized environments.
Take the next step
The Parallels ecosystem provides a range of solutions designed to simplify network security for your organization.
Different organizations have varying needs, and with the options available within Parallels, you can identify the combination of tools that best meets those needs.
Explore how Parallels RAS enhances your organization's network security features and beyond.