Network security is the protection of the underlying networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft. It involves creating a secure infrastructure for devices, applications, users, and applications to work in a secure manner. This is a vast and overarching term that describes hardware and software solutions as well as processes or rules and configurations relating to network use, accessibility, and overall threat protection.

Network security combines multiple layers of defenses at the edge and in the network. Each network security layer implements policies and controls. Authorized users gain access to network resources, but malicious actors are blocked from carrying out exploits and threats.

Endpoint security refers to securing endpoints — such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices — from cybersecurity threats. Endpoint protection solutions work by examining files, processes, and system activity for suspicious or malicious indicators.

Endpoint protection solutions offer a centralized management console from which administrators can connect to their enterprise network to monitor, protect, investigate and respond to incidents. This is accomplished by leveraging either an on-premise, hybrid, or cloud approach.

Endpoint security software protects endpoints from being breached – no matter if they are physical or virtual, on- or off-premise, in data centers or in the Cloud. It is installed on laptops, desktops, servers, virtual machines, as well as remote endpoints themselves.

Antivirus is often part of an endpoint security solution and is generally regarded as one of the more basic forms of endpoint protection. Instead of using advanced techniques and practices, such as threat hunting and endpoint detection and response (EDR), antivirus simply finds and removes known viruses and other types of malware . Traditional antivirus runs in the background, periodically scanning a device’s content for patterns that match a database of virus signatures. Antivirus is installed on individual devices inside and outside the firewall.

Cloud security refers to the technologies, policies, controls, and services that protect cloud data, applications, and infrastructure from threats. Organizations need cloud security as they move toward their digital transformation strategy and incorporate cloud-based tools and services as part of their infrastructure.

The terms digital transformation and cloud migration have been used regularly in enterprise settings over recent years. While both phrases can mean different things to different organizations, each is driven by a common denominator: the need for change.

Email security is the process of ensuring the availability, integrity and authenticity of email communications by protecting against the risk of email threats.

Email enables billions of connected people and organizations to communicate with one another to send messages. Email is at the foundation of how the internet is used, and it has long been a target for attacks.

Email security is important because email contains sensitive information, is used by everyone in the organization, and is therefore one of a company’s largest targets for attacks. The shift to cloud-based email like Gmail and others comes with several benefits, but cloud-based email has become a tempting attack surface for cyber criminals.

Email security safeguards the content of an email account or service that generally serves as a popular medium for the spread of malware, spam, and phishing attacks. This is usually done using deceptive messages to entice recipients to divulge sensitive information, open attachments, or click on hyperlinks that install malware on the victim’s device.

Zero Trust is a security framework requiring all users, whether in or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. Zero Trust assumes that there is no traditional network edge; networks can be local, in the cloud, or a combination or hybrid with resources anywhere as well as workers in any location.

Zero Trust is a framework for securing infrastructure and data for today’s modern digital transformation. It uniquely addresses the modern challenges of today’s business, including securing remote workers, hybrid cloud environments, and ransomware threats. While many vendors have tried to create their own definitions of Zero Trust, there are a number of standards from recognized organizations that can help you align Zero Trust with your organization.