The importance of network security is obvious. If you are operating on a network with any sort of access permissible from multiple computers then there is the possibility of access by an unwanted third party unless security systems are in place. A network administrator is required to implement these systems, which may differ depending on the needs of each individual network, in order to prevent unauthorised access. In addition to this, they will need to monitor misuse.

Nowhere is the significance of network security more pertinent than in business. Businesses rely on a reputation built upon years of service, and when security is compromised that reputation suffers. The internet and its many facets, such as web access or email etcetera, are absolutely imperative to the regular and healthy function of a business in this digital age. That's all well and good, but the open nature of the internet has an unpleasant but unavoidable side effect. That is the constant bombardment by external threats. Be they viruses, spam email, information theft or a malicious system attack. Any organisation will have to take measures to protect themselves from this sort of intrusion.

The consequences of such an intrusion can be significantly damaging to the operation of a business day to day. It's not just the reputation of a business that suffers after an unwanted intrusion, it is the business itself. Sensitive information regarding customers or clients and employees can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. Payroll information or customers financial details have potentially fraudulent applications. This can result in a financial loss that is severely detrimental to both the company as a business model, as well as to the company's reputation. If an intrusion is not detected or prevented, then malicious software could possibly compromise the functionality of a network and its systems. This might mean that internet protocol telephony systems are disrupted, preventing the process of incoming and outgoing calls. It might mean that an internal email system may be rendered useless for some time. A collapse in the ability to communicate within a business would be detrimental to customers and employees trying to work. This inefficiency prevents people from doing their job, so it is absolutely crucial to protect a business and maintain an efficient service.

There are numerous ways in which to achieve the level of protection needed to maintain a resilient and smooth running network. A layered approach provides different levels of protection. External email filtering provides a net to detect potential harmful data even reaching a network in the first place - so this is a good solution. Firewalls are effective too. This provides a high level of defence to manage threats and prevent unauthorised access to a network. Internal web filtering is another layer of security that is advisable. This prevents access to potentially malicious websites that could spread malware, Trojans or viruses.

Perhaps the most important aspect of business network security is proper control and monitoring from a good network security administrator or an administrative organisation. This provides a level of human control that is sometimes the last line of defence between a potential threat and a network security concern.