Why You Need the Right Types of Network Security

Your business network is more than just computers and servers. It runs your daily operations, supports your team, and stores important information. Every new device, app, or remote login increases risk.

Cybercrime is set to cost businesses up to $10.5 trillion by 2025. That staggering figure reflects how quickly attackers are exploiting weak points in business networks, from outdated firewalls to unsecured data and poorly protected remote access.

Daren Boozer, CEO of NCC Data, noted that “Too many businesses are still using old security tools that don’t offer enough protection. Understanding what types of network security exist helps close those gaps.”

This blog breaks down the different types of network security. You’ll learn what each one does and how it helps protect your business, reduce downtime, and support compliance.

Why Network Security Needs Layers

No single tool can stop every threat. Malware, phishing attacks, open ports, and unsecured devices each introduce unique risks, and each requires a different kind of defense.

That’s why a layered security approach is essential. By combining multiple tools, each designed to target specific vulnerabilities, you can build a more resilient network.

Think AI-powered threat detection, 24/7 monitoring, and support that complements your internal IT team. The result? Full coverage without the need to expand your staff.

80% of businesses have experienced an increase in cyber threats since shifting to remote work. With cloud applications and remote work now standard, attackers have more entry points than ever. Your security strategy needs to extend across office networks, cloud platforms, and remote devices alike.

A co-managed support model can help you identify weak spots, resolve issues quickly, and strengthen protection across all systems.

Core Types of Network Security Every Business Should Use

These tools form the base of your network protection. Each one has a clear job. Together, they reduce the risk of downtime, theft, and non-compliance.

1. Firewalls and Next-Gen Firewalls

Firewalls act as filters between your network and the Internet. They check incoming and outgoing traffic and block suspicious activities. Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) go further. They examine data more deeply and block both known and new threats.

Modern firewalls protect devices across multiple locations—your office, cloud platforms, and remote sites. You can manage all settings from one place.

2. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

IPS tools scan traffic for signs of an attack and stop it before it causes damage. They act automatically and don’t just send warnings.

Many IPS tools offer “virtual patching.” This means they can block known weaknesses even before a vendor releases an official fix. They also monitor traffic moving within your network, not just what enters from outside.

3. Antivirus and Sandboxing

Antivirus software blocks malware by recognizing known threats. Sandboxing adds a layer of protection by isolating unknown files and testing them in a safe environment.

If an employee downloads a file, the antivirus checks it first. If it’s suspicious, the sandbox runs it in a safe space to see if it behaves like malware. This helps stop new or hidden threats.

4. Network Access Control (NAC)

NAC tools check every device before it connects to your network. If a device doesn’t meet your security rules, NAC can block it or limit its access.

This prevents unsafe or unknown devices from causing problems and helps meet compliance standards.

5. Web and DNS Filtering

Web filters block access to dangerous or inappropriate websites. DNS filters stop connections to harmful domains before the site even loads.

These tools also allow you to set rules for what websites your employees can visit while on your network.

6. Remote Access VPNs

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) secures internet traffic for remote workers. It encrypts the connection so that no one can intercept sensitive data.

Despite the risks, only 57.4% of employees use VPNs when accessing company resources remotely. That means nearly half of the workforce may expose sensitive data on unsecured connections.

VPNs are essential if your team accesses company systems from home, public Wi-Fi, or outside the office.

Modern Network Security Types for More Complex Setups

If your company has multiple locations, uses cloud platforms, or handles sensitive data, you need more advanced tools for visibility and control.

1. Network Detection and Response (NDR)

In 45% of cases, attackers extract data in less than a day after gaining access. NDR tools detect unusual behavior early so your team can respond before the damage is done.

NDR tools monitor how data moves across your network. They learn what normal activity looks like and flag anything unusual.

This helps catch threats early, even those from within the network or attackers already in your systems.

2. Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

XDR collects security data from sources, such as computers, emails, networks, and cloud apps. It analyzes everything together, giving a more comprehensive evaluation of threats.

This helps your team detect attacks faster and understand how they spread.

3. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM systems collect logs and alerts from all your IT tools. They display this data in a single dashboard for easier monitoring.

SIEM tools help detect threats, track incidents, and prepare for audits. They are particularly essential for businesses that must follow strict regulations.

4. Managed Firewall and SOC-as-a-Service

Not every business has the staff to run these tools well. Managed services take care of it for you.

A managed firewall means a team of experts updates rules, blocks threats, and keeps traffic safe. SOC-as-a-Service provides you access to a 24/7 team that watches your systems and responds to risks.

Network Security Tools That Add Extra Protection

Even strong defenses can miss some threats. These tools help find weak spots early and reduce hidden risks.

Attack Surface Management

75% of cyber attacks target vulnerabilities that have existed for two years or more. Attack Surface Management helps you detect and resolve these weaknesses before attackers exploit them. This tool scans your network to find every connected device, app, and cloud system. It checks each one for security issues and alerts you to problems.

It also reviews your tools and settings to detect outdated software or mistakes in your setup.

Types of Encryption in Network Security

Encryption protects data by scrambling it. Only users with the right key can read it. There are two main types:

• Symmetric encryption: Uses one key to lock and unlock data. It’s fast but requires secure key sharing.
• Asymmetric encryption: Uses two keys, one public and one private. This is common in web connections such as HTTPS.

You should encrypt stored data and shared data, including email and VPN traffic.

Types of Scanning in Network Security

Scanning tools look for problems before attackers find them. Two key types include:

• Network scanning: Finds all connected devices and services. It scans for open ports or areas without protection.
• Vulnerability scanning: Checks systems for known issues that need fixing.

Your IT team should run automated scans on a regular schedule.

Matching the Right Network Security Tools to Your Needs

Not every business needs every tool. The right tools depend on your size, industry, and risks.

• Small business: Use a firewall, antivirus, VPN, and NAC.
• Mid-sized businesses: Add intrusion prevention, DNS filtering, and possibly SIEM.
• Larger businesses: Add tools like XDR, NDR, encryption, and attack surface management.

Quick Network Security Checklist: Are You Covered?

• Do you have protection for both remote and on-site users?
• Are you scanning your systems regularly for risks?
• Do you control which devices and users access your network?
• Can your team spot and respond to threats quickly?
• Are you compliant with industry regulations such as HIPAA or PCI-DSS?

If you answered “no” or “not sure” to any of these, your network might have security gaps.

Choosing the Right Types of Network Security

Your business runs on IT systems. Strong network security keeps them safe and working properly.

Each tool in this blog solves a different problem. When combined, they give you complete protection. A good managed services provider can help you build that protection. They assist you in selecting the right tools, setting them up, and managing them over time.

Network Security Tools Comparison Table

Strengthen Your Network’s First Line of Defense with NCC Data

You can’t stop every cyberattack, but you can stay ready. Understanding which network security tools your business needs is the first step. The next step is working with a trusted partner who can apply those tools correctly.

NCC Data delivers advanced, fully managed IT support tailored to SMBs. Our team helps you prevent threats, automate 90% of IT issues, and strengthen your entire environment across cloud apps, endpoints, and infrastructure.

With 24/7 monitoring and real-time response, we protect your network around the clock.

Get expert help securing your systems. Schedule your free consultation with NCC Data now.