IT security is a series of strategies implemented to prevent unauthorised access to computers, networks and data. It ensures the stability of your IT systems and the confidentiality of sensitive information. While IT security may seem expensive, the outlay following a breach could be far more costly. For this reason, it is vital that you understand the different forms of IT security that you need to implement in order to maximise your defence against security threats. Here are the five major types of IT security that you need to employ to secure your system:

Network Security

Network security is designed to block unauthorised users from gaining access to your network. This is achieved through a number of measures, such as:

• Access control – a system used to ensure only recognised users have access to your network
• Antivirus software – programmes that scan your files to identify and remove viruses and malware
• Firewalls – a barrier between your trusted internal network and untrusted outside networks
• VPN – virtual private networks are used to encrypt connections from the endpoint of a network to create a secure ‘tunnel’ of information

Companies like Checkpoint Direct can help with your network security needs.

Endpoint Security

Endpoint security ensures that all IT devices receive the necessary protection, by preventing them from accessing malicious networks. This applies to smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.

Endpoint protection platforms (EPPs) inspect and scan files once they enter into a network, while endpoint detection and remediation (EDR) solutions go one step further by continuously monitoring all files and applications. EDR can also help detect ransomware, polymorphic attacks and some types of malware.

Cloud Security

So much of data, infrastructure and applications are being stored in the cloud these days. This can leave you exposed to new threats if you do not take action to safeguard your cloud data connections. Cloud security in the form of cloud-access security brokers (CASBs) can secure internet gateways (SIGs). Cloud-based unified threat management (UTM) can help you make the most of cloud technology without worrying about the security implications. It is very important to keep your cloud security up to date.

Internet Security

Internet security is designed to protect your files, data and sensitive information that is sent and received in browsers and web-based applications. This includes everything from your name, address and bank account information, to more personal assets such as family photos or live recordings from your camera and microphone. Protection is often provided in the form of firewalls, antimalware or antispyware. It is good practice to ensure that your internet browser is set up to receive automatic updates.

Application Security

Every piece of software that is released is specifically coded at the time of creation with as much security as possible. However, as hackers develop more sophisticated techniques, it can be necessary to update your applications regularly to ensure you are not vulnerable to attacks. There are also programmes that can help to evaluate the coding of your apps in order to identify potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could exist within the software.