Implementing robust network security solutions for enterprises is crucial to protecting sensitive data, maintaining privacy, and ensuring business continuity.
Given the complexity and scale of enterprise networks, a layered and comprehensive approach to security is necessary. Here’s an overview of critical network security solutions and best practices for enterprises:
Due to their reliance on various business and personal communication verticals, enterprises of all sizes and scales should have proper digital security and compliance strategies and mitigation processes to secure their networks.
Although no network is entirely secure from cyber threats, implementing an effective and dependable Network Security solution can ensure critical security throughout the business’s network system.
This includes a comprehensive suite of Network Security solutions that protect against unauthorized access, cyber threats, and data breaches, safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of business data and communications.
Network security leaders such as Perimeter81 offer enterprise security solutions to secure their cloud environments and Easily deploy, manage, and scale a secure corporate network without compromising performance. Try a Free Demo.
What Is Network Security?
Network security is a crucial barrier against hackers and cyber threats, particularly when cybercrime is projected to inflict $6 trillion in global damages by 2023.
Network Security encompasses policies and practices to safeguard information systems from intrusion, tampering, unauthorized disclosure, alteration, destruction, or access.
It involves the strategies and measures implemented to prevent, detect, and manage unauthorized access, exploitation, alteration, or denial of a computer network and its resources.
Achieving comprehensive Network Security requires a synergistic approach that includes deploying specialized hardware-software solutions and cultivating user awareness regarding effective security protocols and practices.
Importance Of Network Security In Enterprises
- Data Protection: Essential for safeguarding students’ details, academic records, and staff information against breaches and identity theft.
- Educational Continuity: Prevents cyberattacks like ransomware from disrupting educational services, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps schools and universities adhere to legal requirements for protecting sensitive information, avoiding fines and reputational damage.
- Intellectual Property Security: Critical for maintaining the integrity and value of research and intellectual property against theft.
- Safe Learning Environment: Uses content filtering and monitoring to minimize cyberbullying and access to inappropriate content, promoting a healthier online educational space.
- Reputation and Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity, enhancing the institution’s credibility with students, parents, and partners and aiding student retention and partnerships.
Types Of Network Security Solutions
- Firewalls: Firewalls are like security guards for your network. They check incoming and outgoing traffic to block or allow data based on security rules.
- Antivirus and Antimalware Software: This software acts like a doctor for your computer, scanning and removing harmful software like viruses and malware to keep your system healthy.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Think of IDPS as a security alarm system that not only alerts you of intruders (detections) but can also automatically lock the doors to stop them (prevention).
- Virtual Private Networks (VPN): VPNs create a secure and private tunnel for your internet activity, like sending your internet traffic through a protected pathway that keeps it hidden from others.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP solutions are like confidential document handlers, ensuring sensitive information doesn’t leave your network without permission.
- Email Security: Email security tools work as specialized filters for your inbox, catching spam, phishing attempts, and malicious attachments before they can cause harm.
- Encryption: Encryption turns your data into a secret code so that even if someone intercepts it, they can’t understand it without the key.
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): SIEM systems are like security control centers, gathering and analyzing information from across your network to detect and respond to threats.
Assessing The Future Of Network Security Solutions In 2024
Enterprise network security solutions of the future will likely focus on cutting-edge technology and integrated strategies to combat ever-evolving cyber threats in 2024.
Businesses will emphasize adaptable, scalable, and automated security solutions as they embrace remote work, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
When it comes to improving threat detection and response times, predictive analytics made possible by AI and ML will be crucial in preventing assaults before they happen. With their emphasis on “never trust, always verify,” Zero Trust security models are set to gain traction. These models provide stringent access controls and minimize the attack surface.
Integrating blockchain technology is also expected to strengthen data integrity and authentication procedures. Network security solutions will adapt and become more proactive in protecting networks from cyber attacks.
These solutions will aim to meet the ever-changing needs of modern businesses by addressing a broad spectrum of digital hazards.
Here Are Our Picks For The Best Network Security Solutions For Enterprise In 2024 And Their Feature
- Perimeter81: Cloud-based VPN and zero-trust network access solution for secure, remote network access.
- Fortinet: Unified threat management with next-gen firewalls, secure SD-WAN, and endpoint protection.
- Check Point Software Technologies: Advanced threat prevention with firewalls, cloud security, and zero-day protection.
- Cisco Systems: Industry-leading firewall, VPN, and threat intelligence solutions for comprehensive network security.
- Palo Alto Networks: Advanced firewall and AI-driven threat detection for network security and zero-trust architecture.
- Sophos: Integrated cybersecurity solutions with firewalls, endpoint protection, and synchronized security features.
- McAfee: Comprehensive endpoint and network security with advanced threat detection and incident response.
- Juniper Networks: Scalable firewall, VPN, and advanced threat protection solutions for enterprise networks.
- Trend Micro: Cloud security and threat intelligence platform with endpoint, network, and hybrid cloud protection.
- Kaspersky Lab: Robust network security with advanced threat detection, endpoint protection, and anti-malware solutions.
Best Network Security Solutions For Enterprises And Its Features
| Best Network security Solutions | Features | Stand Alone Feature | Pricing | Free Trial / Demo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Perimeter81 | 1. Zero Trust Security framework implementation. 2. Secure cloud-based network access. 3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security. 4. Automatic protection on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. 5. Network segmentation for role-based access control. | Cloud-based zero-trust network access | Starting at $8/user/month | Yes |
| 2. Fortinet | 1. FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall for integrated security. 2. FortiGuard Security Services providing real-time threat intelligence. 3. FortiSandbox for analyzing suspicious files in isolation. 4. Secure SD-WAN for integrated routing and security. 5. Multi-Cloud Security for consistent policy enforcement. | Integrated security fabric architecture | Competitive, starting at $500/year | Yes |
| 3. Check Point Software Technologies | 1. Quantum Next Generation Firewalls for layered defense. 2. SandBlast Zero-Day Protection against unknown threats. 3. Harmony Endpoint Protection for comprehensive endpoint security. 4. CloudGuard for secure cloud infrastructure. 5. Infinity Total Protection for unified security management. | Multi-layered threat prevention | Starts at $400/year | Yes |
| 4. Cisco Systems | 1. Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for threat defense. 2. Secure Firewall for network perimeter protection. 3. Identity Services Engine (ISE) for access and identity management. 4. Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) for encrypted threat detection. 5. Comprehensive cloud security solutions for internet access. | Advanced threat intelligence and analytics | Varies widely, typically custom quotes | Yes |
| 5. Palo Alto Networks | 1. Application-aware Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). 2. WildFire Malware Analysis Engine for threat analysis. 3. Zero Trust Network Security principles implementation. 4. Threat Prevention for both known and unknown threats. 5. URL Filtering to block access to malicious websites. | AI-driven threat prevention | Starts around $3,000/year | Yes |
| 6. Sophos | 1. Intercept X Endpoint Protection with AI threat detection. 2. XG Firewall for advanced network protection. 3. Centralized security management via Sophos Central. 4. Phish Threat for phishing awareness and training. 5. Secure Web Gateway for web filtering and protection. | Synchronized endpoint and network security | Starts at $50/device/year | Yes |
| 7. McAfee | 1. Endpoint Security for comprehensive device protection. 2. Centralized management with McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO). 3. Threat Intelligence Exchange for collaborative defense. 4. Advanced IPS with Network Security Platform. 5. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) for cloud application security. | Unified cloud security management | Enterprise pricing, custom quotes | No |
| 8. Juniper Networks | 1. Deep Security for servers, cloud, and virtual environments. 2. Apex One for automated endpoint threat detection. 3. Cloud One platform for cloud security services. 4. TippingPoint IPS for network threat prevention. 5. Profound Discovery for specialized threat detection and response. | AI-powered network visibility | Typically custom pricing based on needs | No |
| 9. Trend Micro | 1. Deep Security for servers, cloud, and virtual environments. 2. Apex One for automated endpoint threat detection. 3. Cloud One platform for cloud security services. 4. TippingPoint IPS for network threat prevention. 5. Deep Discovery for specialized threat detection and response. | Cross-generational threat defense techniques | Starts at $40/user/year | Yes |
| 10. Kaspersky Lab | 1. Endpoint Security for malware and ransomware protection. 2. Advanced threat hunting with Threat Management and Defense. 3. Hybrid Cloud Security for cloud environment protection. 4. Comprehensive Internet Security against online threats. 5. Security Awareness Training to reduce human-related risks. | Global threat intelligence network | Starts at $30/user/year | Yes |
1. Perimeter81
Perimeter 81 stands out as a comprehensive, cloud-based Network Security Solution for Enterprises designed to meet the demands of the modern workplace. It notably facilitates remote work and secure data access beyond traditional office boundaries.
This platform gives distant workers secure, uninterrupted network access through cloud management. With its simple, one-click client, no hardware is needed. Advanced encryption and protocols like WireGuard and IPSec protect data transfer from network attacks.
Zero Trust Security uses least-privilege access restriction and continuous monitoring to avoid network invasion. Centralized management improves network activity visibility and ensures GDPR and HIPAA compliance.
Features
- It implements the “never trust, always verify” principle to ensure that only authenticated users with the necessary permissions can access specific network resources.
- Protects users from web-based threats and enforces company policies through web filtering and internet use monitoring.
- Enhances security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to resources.
- Automatically secures data over public Wi-Fi networks to protect against eavesdropping and cyber threats.
- It allows businesses to segment their network, control access, and reduce the attack surface by isolating sensitive data.
- This service offers Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) and traditional VPN access, providing flexibility in secure remote access strategies.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Eliminates the need for external hardware, offering a cost-effective, scalable solution. | Depends on cloud infrastructure, posing challenges in areas with unstable internet. |
| Employs Zero Trust Security for stringent access controls and minimizes breach risk. | It may be complex for smaller organizations with limited IT capabilities. |
| Supports compliance with major regulations, enhancing organizational trust. | |
| It uses advanced encryption and protocols to protect data in transit. |
2. Fortinet
Fortinet’s comprehensive network security solutions empower enterprises to defend against ever-changing cyber threats. Its integrated platform includes secure SD-WAN, endpoint security, intrusion prevention, and powerful firewall features.
Fortinet’s Security Fabric enables centralized control and visibility across the entire network infrastructure, consistent security rules, and threat intelligence exchange.
Businesses of all sizes may benefit from Fortinet’s scalable solutions, which enable them to protect their essential assets and keep operations running smoothly despite ever-changing threats.
Features
- Delivers timely, automated security updates powered by AI-driven FortiGuard Labs, protecting against the latest global threats.
- Identifies and analyzes unknown or suspicious files in a safe environment, blocking new malware before it reaches the network.
- Integrates advanced security capabilities with WAN capabilities to cost-effectively support dynamic, secure branch connectivity.
- Provides consistent security policies and centralized management across cloud environments, ensuring secure applications and connectivity.
- Centralizes the management of the security fabric, simplifying the administration of multiple Fortinet devices and policies from a single console.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Real-time, actionable insights from FortiGuard Labs to combat malware, exploits, and malicious sites. | Fortinet’s products may have bugs or require patches |
| Seamless protection across the entire digital landscape with automated security measures | Complexity of management |
3. Check Point Software Technologies
Check Point’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution streamlines remote access, secures cloud apps, and mitigates internet and SaaS risks. It unifies many security services on a single cloud platform for scalable, easy-to-manage security.
Check Point’s advanced threat prevention solution, SandBlast Network, uses sandboxing, threat extraction (content disarm and reconstruction), and threat emulation to guard against zero-day threats, ransomware, and other complex assaults.
CloudGuard protects public and hybrid cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud with superior threat prevention and network security. It also unifies cloud and on-premise security administration and policy enforcement.
Features
- Deliver multi-layered security protection with advanced threat prevention capabilities to defend against cyber attacks.
- Provides comprehensive protection against zero-day threats and sophisticated attacks with threat extraction and emulation techniques.
- Offers complete endpoint security with threat prevention, data security, and remote access VPN for secure connectivity.
- Protects cloud environments with consistent security across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, ensuring seamless policy management and visibility.
- A consolidated security solution that protects against attacks on enterprise networks, cloud, and mobile environments.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Extensive URL filtering for student protection | challenging setup for schools with limited IT resources |
| Meets regulations to shield children from harmful content | Risks restricting access to legitimate educational content |
| Blocks phishing attempts targeting students | Effectiveness tied to Chrome and G Suite, limiting broader use |
4. Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems delivers a robust portfolio of Network Security Solutions for Enterprise designed explicitly for the educational sector, focusing on safeguarding networks, devices, and sensitive data across in-person and remote learning environments.
Their comprehensive offerings encompass network, endpoint, and web security to prevent cyber threats, identity and access control to protect sensitive student and faculty information, and advanced video surveillance and physical security measures with Meraki MV Cameras and the Cisco Meraki Dashboard.
This integrated approach ensures a secure, productive learning atmosphere by enabling safe access to digital resources, preserving the integrity of research and intellectual property, and enhancing campus safety through meticulous monitoring and threat detection.
Features
- Provides comprehensive protection against advanced malware across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments using global threat intelligence.
- Offers industry-leading firewalls and IPS technologies that protect against threats by enforcing security policies and inspecting traffic.
- Delivers centralized access control and policy management, enabling organizations to control users and devices accessing the network.
- Utilizes machine learning to identify malicious patterns in encrypted traffic without needing decryption.
- It offers a secure access service edge framework that integrates networking and security functions to support dynamic, secure access to cloud applications.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Advanced malware protection | Complexity of integration |
| Next-generation firewall | Potential overhead for smaller institutions |
| Secure access service edge (SASE) |
5. Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks‘ StrataTM Network Security Solutions for Enterprise introduces a comprehensive security strategy that transcends traditional limitations, providing consistent protection across diverse modern use cases.
The platform can detect and neutralize sophisticated attacks that exploit the enterprise’s evolving digital environment by leveraging a zero-trust architecture and AI-driven techniques.
This approach secures the network and simplifies and automates manual security operations, ensuring educational entities can embrace digital transformation securely and efficiently.
Features
- Feature application-aware firewalling capabilities designed to enforce security policies at the application level, not just port and protocol.
- A cloud-based service that uses advanced analysis techniques to detect and prevent zero-day malware in near real-time.
- Offers protection against web-based threats by controlling access to malicious websites and scanning for vulnerabilities and exploits.
- Implements a comprehensive zero-trust model, ensuring strict access control and verification across the network.
- Provides a range of cloud security solutions, including Prisma Cloud, for consistent security across multi-cloud environments.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Advanced threat protection | Transitioning to Zero Trust and AI integration can require significant time and resources. |
| It offers a Cloud security | complex for smaller organizations with limited IT capabilities. |
| WildFire malware analysis |
6. Sophos
Sophos offers affordable cybersecurity solutions for businesses with limited funds and the requirement to protect all endpoints from contemporary cyberattacks. Its platform protects institutions from phishing attempts with 24/7 controlled detection and response.
Recognizing the importance of secure remote learning environments, Sophos provides a round-the-clock defense for remote services, employing AI-led technology and real-time threat intelligence to protect valuable research data and prevent data loss.
Sophos helps educational institutions increase IT cybersecurity competence without adding staff by simplifying security administration and improving network visibility through seamless integration with existing tools. This method enables academic institutions to maintain cybersecurity vigilance without significant financial or operational costs.
Features
- A centralized platform for managing all Sophos products, allowing administrators to configure, monitor, and control security settings from a single interface.
- Protects against phishing, spam, and malware, using advanced technologies like predictive email defense to stop emerging threats.
- Enables organizations to test and train their employees to recognize phishing attacks through simulated campaigns.
- Provides secure Wi-Fi access with easy-to-manage wireless networks that integrate with the Sophos Central management platform.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Blending user-friendly platforms | Limiting internal skill development and integrating their solutions with existing systems could present complexities. |
| AI-led technology to protect against phishing | Poses the danger of blocking access to legal instructional materials |
| Secure remote services and prevent data loss without the need to expand IT staff |
7. McAfee
McAfee provides a wide range of network security solutions specifically for enterprises. These solutions safeguard against various threats, ensuring business operations continue smoothly and comply with regulations.
A cutting-edge intrusion prevention system (IPS), McAfee Network Security Platform (NSP) protects against known and novel threats while maintaining network performance. NSP uses signature-based, behavioral, and advanced detection methods to find and stop assaults.
McAfee Web Gateway protects against malware, phishing, and other web risks. It monitors web traffic and enforces security regulations to protect you. It uses real-time emulation and behavioral analysis to defend against threats.
Features
- Centralized platform for managing security policies, deploying updates, and ensuring compliance across endpoints and networks.
- Facilitates rapid sharing of threat data across security components to improve detection and response to emerging threats.
- Offers high-performance, advanced intrusion prevention and detection capabilities to protect against sophisticated network attacks.
- Provides visibility, control, and threat protection for cloud applications, enabling secure cloud adoption.
- A cloud-native platform that offers unified security management across devices, networks, and cloud services.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Implements “least privilege” to reduce breach impact | Implementation complexity |
| Encourages solid passwords and multi-factor authentication | May limit user access or functionality |
8. Juniper Networks
Juniper Connected Security strategy combines security with the network infrastructure to identify and enforce threats and policies. It enforces across the network, from routers and switches to gateways. This method lets the security policy follow data, protecting it wherever it is.
The SRX Series of high-performance security gateways provides network security, routing, and switching in one device. They offer firewall, VPN, IPS, and application visibility and management. SRX series is meant for small businesses, big data centers, and service providers.
Advanced threat detection and security analytics. Log and flow data from diverse sources are collected, normalized, and analyzed to provide threat detection and compliance management insights.
Features
- Cloud-based service that provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, and cyber attacks through advanced threat analysis.
- Offers a scalable, comprehensive management solution that simplifies security policy management across the network.
- It delivers the same security features as the SRX Series firewalls in a virtual form factor, allowing flexible deployment in cloud environments.
- Provides secure and scalable networking for cloud and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) environments, ensuring policy-driven network automation.
- Centralizes security management, allowing administrators to visualize and control security policies across physical and virtual assets.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Support for IoT and asset tracking | Heavy reliance on AI and machine learning technologies |
| Assists in building affordable, fast, and secure broadband connections | Continuous AI-driven network and security management demands significant resources and expertise. |
| Versatile application |
9. Trend Micro
Trend Micro Network Security provides a comprehensive approach to safeguarding networks, emphasizing the elimination of blind spots and the protection of unmanaged assets like printers, IoT devices, and BYOD systems.
This approach increases visibility into network traffic, ensuring that unknown assets do not become vectors for attacks.
The platform integrates with Trend One’s unified cybersecurity suite, centralizing and prioritizing events for efficient management. This allows businesses to focus on growth rather than managing complex security tool stacks.
Features
- Delivers advanced automated threat detection and response capabilities to protect against various threats.
- Offers a suite of services designed to secure cloud applications and environments, including workload, container, and file storage security.
- Provides industry-leading network protection with real-time threat prevention and advanced threat insights.
- Detects and responds to targeted attacks and advanced threats through specialized network traffic inspection.
- A threat defense solution that offers detection and response capabilities across email, endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and networks.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Eliminates blind spots | Potential overhead for smaller organizations |
| Leading threat research | Reliance on trending micro-ecosystems |
| Enhanced detection and response capabilities allow quicker reaction to threats, minimizing potential damage. |
10. Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky’s products offer centralized management, visibility across distributed settings, and the ability to identify and respond to threats in real time.
With Kaspersky Lab’s military-grade Network Security Solutions for Enterprise, businesses may safeguard themselves from complex cyber threats. This extensive suite includes vulnerability management, threat intelligence, enhanced endpoint protection, and network security.
By utilizing proactive defensive methods and continuous monitoring, Kaspersky helps businesses protect their digital assets, comply with regulations, and successfully reduce risks when faced with changing cybersecurity threats.
Features
- Machine learning and behavioral analysis offer advanced protection for endpoints against malware, ransomware, and other threats.
- Provides sophisticated threat hunting and investigation capabilities, enabling proactive defense against complex and advanced threats.
- Delivers next-generation security for physical, virtual, and cloud environments, ensuring seamless protection across all platforms.
- Protects users against internet-based threats with web filtering, anti-phishing, and safe money technologies.
- Empower employees with cybersecurity training modules to enhance their understanding of security best practices and threat avoidance.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Kaspersky provides extensive coverage against malware, phishing, and ransomware. | Requires IT expertise for implementation and management of large networks |
| Centralized management consoles | Cost concerns |