Network security is essential because the Internet is a boundryless network of interconnected networks. Because of this reason, the organizational network becomes accessible and vulnerable from any host or computer in the world. As now a days companies business are more depended on Internet, new threats arise from persons who no longer require physical access to the data and information assest of the Company.

Threats to network security

Threats can be classified into below four categories.

1. Unstructured threats
2. Structured threats
3. External threats
4. Internal threats

Unstructured threats consist of mostly inexperienced individuals using easily available hacking tools over the Internet. People are mostly motivated by malicious intent, in this category but most are motivated by the intellectual challenge and are commonly known as script kiddies. They are not the most talented or experienced hackers, but what they have and matters is motivation.

Structured threats consist of hackers who are more highly motivated and are technically sound. They usually understand network system designs and vulnerabilities. They also knows how to create hacking scripts to penetrate the network systems.

External threats are individuals or organizations working outside your company who do not have authorized access to your computer systems or network. They work their way into a network mainly from the Internet or dialup access servers.

Internal threats occur when someone has authorized access to the network with either an account on a server or physical access. They are typically disgruntled former or current employees or contractors.

Types of network attacks

1. Reconnaissance attacks
2. Access attacks 
3. Denial of service (DoS) attacks

Reconnaissance attacks — An intruder attempts to discover and map systems, services, and vulnerabilities.

Access attacks — An intruder attacks networks or systems to retrieve data, gain access, or escalate their access privilege. 

Denial of service (DoS) attacks —An intruder attacks your network in such a way that damages or corrupts your computer system, or denies you and others access to your networks, systems, or services.

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