Best Network Security Tools to Use in 2024 (in addition to a Firewall)

With the continued sophistication and rise in the volume of malicious software and other online threats, the need to use a combination of dependable network security tools is inevitable. Gone are the days when firewalls alone would get the job done.

According to a report released by Purplesec, cybercrimes have risen by a whopping 600% in 2020. Part of this surge is fuelled by the pandemic and the increased reliance on IoT for work, learning, shopping and name it. Both personal and work devices are at risk.

To stay protected in 2021, you need a set of security tools in addition to the firewalls. Let’s look at how firewalls function, some of the current risks that they do not offer protection against, and later some of the tested tools that you can use alongside a firewall to strengthen your guard.

FAQ

1.What is SIEM and how it works?

Real-time SIEM analyzes network and application hardware security alerts. IT data from servers, domain controllers, network devices, etc. is analyzed.

Network traffic, system events, logs, and security data are prevalent. SIEM systems detect security threats and anomalies using machine learning and behavioral analysis.

Event analysis from several sources helps SIEM discover cyber attack or internal breach trends. When risk is detected, SIEM alerts security workers and gives investigation and reaction capabilities. Security and regulatory compliance improves when firms quickly discover, understand, and fix security risks.

SIEM solutions provide security dashboards, compliance reporting, and breach forensics.

2.Is a SIEM a firewall?

An information security and event management system (SIEM) is not the same as a firewall. Although they perform separate but complementary roles, both are essential to network security.

A firewall controls incoming and outgoing network traffic according to a set of predetermined security rules, creating a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the internet.

Stopping unwanted users from connecting to or leaving the network is its main purpose.

3.Can SIEM detect attacks?

It’s true that a SIEM system is meant to identify network assaults. It aggregates log data from servers, network devices, applications, and security systems to do this.

It covers network traffic, system events, and user activity. SIEM systems analyze this massive quantity of data in real time using powerful algorithms, rules, and machine learning to find patterns and abnormalities that may indicate a security issue or attack.

SIEMs can detect anomalous login attempts, malware trends, data exfiltration, and other suspicious behaviours. The SIEM system informs security experts with detailed information to quickly identify and respond to potential threats.

Functions of a firewall

A firewall’s main function is to provide network security. This is done by filtering the internet and blocking any suspicious traffic from accessing a secured network.

A suspicious network is determined using preset rules and conditions which vary depending on the method of filtering used by a firewall.

Why a firewall is not enough for network security

Being reactive protection rather than proactive, a firewall has proved to be a good security tool but with the modern-day cyber threats, a firewall alone is not pulling the weight.

If an attacker successfully figures out what the preset terms and conditions for a firewall to block threats are, he can easily devise a way of circumventing the rules. That’s how cybercriminals develop threats such as malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks to bypass firewalls.

So, which tools can you use to protect your network?

Don’t toss away your trusted firewall just yet. It is good, just not sufficient. Consider using concerted efforts between the firewall and the 5 security tools discussed below.

Tools to secure your network

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus

Vulnerability Manager Plus is a comprehensive vulnerability management solution that can detect and mitigate vulnerabilities within minutes of their discovery, ensuring that your network is always protected against the latest threats. that arise in your enterprise network.

This multi-OS solution helps you to keep threats and exploits at bay with its various security features, including security configuration management, automated patching, high-risk software elimination, and many more. Level up your network security with Vulnerability Manager Plus

Features:

Assess & prioritize exploitable and impactful vulnerabilities with a risk-based vulnerability assessment for multiple platforms, third-party applications, and network devices.
Automatically deploy patches to Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Identify zero-day vulnerabilities and implement workarounds before fixes arrive.
Continually detect & remediate misconfigurations with security configuration management.
Gain security recommendations that help you set up your web servers in a way that’s free from SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common attack variants.
Audit end-of-life software, peer-to-peer, insecure remote desktop sharing software, and active ports in your network by performing regular scans and generating detailed reports that help you identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Network Security

Data breaches are on the rise. Unauthorized access remains the leading cause of security breaches, accounting for 43% of all global data breaches. This alarming statistic begs the question of whether employees are properly protected and more importantly, if your network infrastructure is at risk for an attack.

To secure critical network and cloud-based infrastructure in 2022, you’re going to need a set of network security tools and policies that apply the Zero Trust approach to prevent unauthorized user access and minimize the attack surface.

Perimeter 81 takes the complexity out of network security and offers a suite of radically simple network security tools for the modern distributed workforce.

Perimeter 81 Offers:

● Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – Grant access and permissions only if devices and users are verified. Easily create and enforce security compliance policies throughout your organization.

● Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA) – Prevent network security gaps by enabling secured and restricted agentless access for employees, partners, and contractors.

● Web Filtering – Monitor and restrict which websites employees can access to avoid phishing and other web-based attacks. Protect the integrity and confidentiality of your company with Perimeter 81’s Network Security solutions.

1. Anti-malware

These are tools designed to detect and block spyware, keyloggers, and other forms of malware that are designed to infect and spread through networks.

When used alongside antivirus software, antimalware can help minimize the spread within an infected network by resolving the malware.

2. Email security gateways

Email security gateways provide security by monitoring both incoming and outgoing emails within a network. It is a reliable way to counter phishing and other nasty attacks spread through emails.

3. Virtual private networks

To block eavesdroppers and any other party from spying on your network activity, many people choose to download a VPN on their devices. In terms of reliability, Virtual Private Networks are the leading hack-proof security tools for private internet access over a network.

Using this tool gives you the peace of mind: that no one can lay hands on your internet data when it’s in transit.

4. Data loss prevention software

These security solutions offer protection against data leakage or compromise. They monitor sensitive data whether it’s in use, inert, or in motion. This greatly reduces the cases of criminals using human weakness to sneak sensitive data out of a network.

5. Endpoint security

The line between personal and work devices continues to grow thinner by the day. Unfortunately, this lack of a clear distinction is risky in the modern-day threats landscape.

With endpoint security, you secure the end-user devices within a network including laptops, smartphones, PCs, and so on. This is an ideal way to protect the work network from any vulnerabilities emanating from personal or other non-work devices connecting to the network.

Although we are living in the age of all-new and sophisticated cybercrimes that multiply by the day, pairing the security solutions above with a firewall can go a long way in decreasing vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

In 2024, the best network security tools are those that protect against a lot of different types of cyber dangers that work together.

Some important tools are advanced firewalls that protect the boundaries well, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) that watch for threats in real time, and antivirus and anti-malware programs that are updated all the time to fight new types of malware.

Tools for Network Scanning and Monitoring are necessary to keep an eye on and manage network actions. Vulnerability management tools are very important for finding and fixing possible security holes.