7 Network security threats: Examples, identification, prevention

Network security threats pose serious risks to businesses, potentially causing financial losses, data breaches, and damage to reputation. To protect your business's digital assets, it's crucial to understand these threats and how to defend against them.

This article covers the most significant network security threats, shares real-world examples, and outlines practical strategies to help you secure your network.

What you’ll discover:

• What are the biggest network security threats?
• Malware
• Phishing attacks
• DDoS
• Ransomware
• Insider threats
• Weak encryption
• Zero-day vulnerabilities
• Elements of a strong security strategy
• How Meter protects your network from security threats

What are the biggest network security threats?

Network security threats are constantly changing, posing significant risks to enterprise networks.

These threats take many forms, including:

• Malware infiltration
• Phishing attacks
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
• Ransomware
• Insider threats
• Weak encryption practices
• Zero-day vulnerabilities

Each threat uses distinct methods to penetrate or disrupt a network, but they all aim to compromise network security, steal valuable data, or disrupt business operations.

The fallout from network security threats and solutions often extends beyond immediate disruptions or data breaches. Financial losses accumulate from not just downtime and theft but also the costs associated with recovery efforts and damage control.

The impact on a company’s reputation and customer trust can be profound. When security threats are not adequately managed, the resulting loss of confidence from customers and partners can have long-lasting effects, potentially causing a decline in business opportunities and market position.

For network engineers, understanding the intricacies of these threats is merely the first step. The real challenge lies in predicting potential vulnerabilities, deploying effective defense measures, and continuously adapting to new and evolving threats.

Proactive strategies include:

• Vigilant network monitoring
• Regular user training
• The implementation of adaptive security practices

1. Malware infiltration and its impact on networks

Malware infiltration is a common threat to network security, often leading to significant damage. Malware, or malicious software, comes in several forms—viruses, worms, and Trojans—each with its unique method of attack:

• Viruses embed themselves within legitimate programs and spread when the infected software is run, potentially causing widespread harm to network infrastructure.
• Worms operate more independently, replicating themselves to move across devices without needing a host program. Their ability to spread autonomously makes them particularly dangerous in network environments.
• Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software, deceiving users into installation. Once inside the network, they can perform various malicious actions, including data theft and creating backdoors for future exploits.

A more recent example, the NotPetya ransomware attack in 2017, highlights the devastating effects malware can have on business networks. It initially appeared to be a ransomware attack but was later identified as a wiper attack designed to cause irreversible damage rather than collect ransom payments.

This attack rapidly spread across global networks, causing significant disruptions to major companies and resulting in an estimated $10 billion in damages.

Malware often infiltrates networks through various methods, including:

• Phishing emails
• Malicious downloads
• The exploitation of software vulnerabilities

To prevent malware infiltration, organizations should focus on two key strategies:

• Employee training: Regular sessions to help employees recognize phishing attempts and avoid behaviors that could introduce malware.
• Security measures: Deploy comprehensive security solutions, like antivirus programs, network segmentation, and controlled access, to block malware from entering and spreading within the network.

A deep understanding of malware types and their spread mechanisms is essential for network engineers to develop effective defenses and protect their networks from potential breaches.

2. Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks involve cybercriminals pretending to be trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. These attacks often focus on employees, tricking them into sharing confidential information or clicking on malicious links that can compromise network security.

A more targeted variant, spear phishing, involves attackers crafting personalized messages aimed at specific individuals or organizations. This method increases the likelihood of success because the communication appears more authentic and relevant to the recipient.

The Google and Facebook phishing scam between 2013 and 2015 is a significant example, where a cybercriminal used fake invoices to trick employees into wiring over $100 million, demonstrating how spear phishing can successfully deceive even large organizations and lead to substantial financial losses.

To guard against phishing:

• Use advanced email filters to detect and block phishing attempts before they reach employees.
• Regularly train employees to recognize signs of phishing, such as suspicious email addresses, unexpected attachments, or links.
• Apply multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts, adding a layer of security that helps prevent unauthorized access even if credentials are exposed.

Combining these tactics can significantly reduce the risk of phishing attacks and protect an organization's sensitive information.

3. Disruptions caused by DDoS attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are deliberate attempts to overwhelm a targeted server, service, or network by flooding it with excessive Internet traffic.

The intent is to exhaust the target’s resources, rendering services inaccessible to legitimate users. Such disruptions can lead to extended downtime, resulting in significant financial losses and harm to a company's reputation.

A notable example is the 2016 attack on Dyn, a DNS provider. The attack caused widespread outages across major websites, including Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit. Users experienced slow or intermittent access, underscoring how a well-coordinated DDoS attack can impact a broad swath of the Internet ecosystem.

Common indicators of a DDoS attack include:

• Noticeable slowing of network performance
• Repeated and unexplained website outages
• A sharp increase in traffic from unfamiliar sources

To mitigate the impact of DDoS attacks, businesses can implement several strategies:

• DDoS protection services: These services can detect and filter out malicious traffic before it reaches the target.
• Regular network threat monitoring: Keeping an eye on traffic patterns helps identify unusual activity that could signal an attack.
• Incident response planning: Having a clear plan helps organizations respond swiftly and effectively to minimize disruptions and recover operations.

Preparing for potential DDoS attacks involves technical solutions as well as a proactive stance on monitoring and response to protect network integrity and maintain operational stability.

4. Ransomware: Threatening data and business continuity

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a company's data, making it inaccessible until the attacker is paid a ransom. When this type of attack occurs, business operations can grind to a halt because access to crucial data is blocked. Without access to these files, day-to-day activities are disrupted, potentially causing severe operational and financial damage.

A concerning trend in recent years is Ransomware as a Service (RaaS). This model allows cybercriminals to sell or lease ransomware tools, making it easier for even those with limited technical skills to launch an attack.

The rise of RaaS has significantly increased the frequency of ransomware incidents. A well-known case is the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021, which led to fuel shortages across the U.S. East Coast. The company was forced to shut down its operations temporarily and paid a $4.4 million ransom to regain control of its systems.

Protecting a network from ransomware requires a layered security approach:

• Regular data backups: Keeping multiple backups, both on-site and off-site, ensures that an organization can recover data without paying a ransom. These backups should be kept separate from the primary network to prevent simultaneous encryption.
• Strong access controls: Restricting user permissions to the minimum necessary for their job reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional barrier against unauthorized access.
• Advanced threat detection technologies: Utilizing tools that detect and respond to ransomware behavior quickly can prevent malware from completing its encryption process.

Preparing for ransomware attacks involves understanding the tactics used by cybercriminals and deploying effective countermeasures. A well-prepared organization is far less likely to suffer the damaging consequences of an attack.

5. Insider threats and their growing risk to networks

Insider threats originate from within an organization and involve employees, contractors, or other trusted individuals who compromise network security. These threats can be particularly challenging to detect because insiders typically have authorized access to the network and its sensitive data.

Insider threats can be categorized into two main types:

• Intentional breaches: These occur when insiders deliberately steal sensitive information or sabotage systems. Motivations might include personal gain, espionage, or a desire for revenge. An example of this is when a disgruntled employee downloads and sells proprietary company data to competitors.
• Accidental leaks: These are the result of insiders unintentionally exposing sensitive information. Common scenarios include sending confidential documents to the wrong recipients or falling victim to phishing scams, which can lead to unauthorized access.

The 2013 Edward Snowden incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by insider threats. Snowden, a former NSA contractor, accessed and leaked highly classified information, causing significant repercussions for national security.

Organizations can reduce the risk of insider threats by focusing on a few key areas:

• Deploy monitoring and detection systems: Tools that analyze user behavior and detect anomalies can help identify potential insider activities before they escalate.
• Regular employee training: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and the latest threats helps raise awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidental leaks.
• Restrict access to sensitive information: Applying a least privilege model, where access is limited to what is necessary for specific roles, can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats.

Understanding the potential for insider threats and taking proactive steps to address them can significantly enhance an organization's security posture.

6. Weak encryption leading to data breaches

Weak encryption exposes sensitive data to breaches, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept and read information transmitted over networks.

While encryption is designed to secure data by converting it into a coded format, the effectiveness of encryption relies heavily on its strength. Outdated or weak encryption algorithms become vulnerable as cybercriminals develop new methods to crack them.

A notable example is the Heartbleed vulnerability in 2014, a critical flaw in the OpenSSL cryptographic library that exposed encrypted communications across millions of servers.

The vulnerability highlighted the severe risks of relying on outdated encryption methods and underscored the importance for businesses to continuously review and update their encryption strategies to protect sensitive data.

To protect against these threats, businesses should:

• Regularly update encryption protocols to keep pace with evolving security standards and cyber threats.
• Adopt advanced encryption standards (AES) like AES-256, which are widely recognized for their strength and reliability in securing sensitive data.
• Implement effective encryption key management practices to prevent keys from being compromised or misused by unauthorized parties.

Maintaining strong encryption practices is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and reducing the risk of data breaches.

7. Zero-day vulnerabilities and their exploitation by attackers

Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws in software or hardware that are either unknown to the vendor or known but have not yet been patched. These vulnerabilities provide an opportunity for attackers to exploit systems before a fix is developed or deployed, making them particularly dangerous.

Cybercriminals actively search for these flaws to gain unauthorized access to systems, often moving faster than the vendor's ability to detect and respond.

A notable example of a zero-day vulnerability attack is the 2017 WannaCry ransomware outbreak, which exploited a previously unknown flaw in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability, known as EternalBlue, allowed attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and spread the ransomware across networks rapidly.

Because the vulnerability had not yet been patched by Microsoft, organizations were caught off-guard, resulting in widespread data encryption, operational disruptions, and ransom demands.

Reducing the risk posed by zero-day vulnerabilities involves a proactive and comprehensive security approach:

• Regular software updates are key, as they patch known vulnerabilities and reduce the potential entry points that could be combined with a zero-day exploit.
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS) help monitor network traffic and detect unusual patterns, which can be early indicators of zero-day exploits in action.
• Vulnerability assessments provide a systematic way to identify and address potential security gaps, allowing for quicker responses to new threats.

A well-rounded security strategy can help network engineers defend against the threat of zero-day vulnerabilities, making networks less attractive targets for attackers.

Essential elements of a strong security strategy

A strong security strategy relies on several key components to defend against network security issues. These elements work together to create a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your network.

Ongoing employee training and awareness

Employees play a significant role in defending against security threats. Regular training sessions help them recognize and avoid common threats like phishing and social engineering.

Training should be practical, incorporating real-world scenarios to demonstrate how these threats can manifest. This method helps employees understand the importance of security measures and encourages a proactive approach to safeguarding the network.

Deploy a range of security technologies

A multi-layered approach is necessary to provide comprehensive protection against threats. Combining firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint protection solutions creates a diverse defense system:

• Firewalls serve as the initial barrier, blocking unauthorized access.
• IDS continuously monitors network traffic for suspicious activities.
• Endpoint protection safeguards individual devices against malware and other threats.

Together, these technologies work to create a formidable defense that significantly reduces the likelihood of breaches.

Establish incident response plans

An effective incident response plan outlines specific steps for identifying, containing, and mitigating the impact of a security breach. Clear roles and responsibilities should be assigned to team members so that everyone knows their part in addressing an incident. Regular testing and updates to the plan are necessary to keep it relevant and effective as threats evolve.

Next steps: Meter protects your network

Meter offers advanced solutions to safeguard your business from network security threats while allowing your IT team to focus on other priorities. With our tools and services, you can enhance your network security and reduce the risks associated with cyber attacks.

Protections you can expect from Meter include:

• Advanced threat detection and monitoring: Meter's tools use machine learning and AI to detect and respond to threats in real time, preventing breaches before they cause damage.
• DDoS protection: Our services are designed to neutralize large-scale DDoS attacks, keeping your network operational and minimizing downtime.
• Ransomware prevention and recovery: With Meter's backup and recovery solutions, businesses can quickly restore operations after a ransomware attack, avoiding prolonged disruptions and enabling your IT staff to stay productive.
• Insider threat management: Track internal network activity using our patented Meter dashboard monitoring tools to detect and address suspicious behavior early, reducing the risk of insider threats and minimizing the need for manual oversight.
• Encryption management: Meter helps implement and manage strong encryption protocols to keep sensitive data secure, allowing your team to avoid constant concerns about data security breaches.
• Zero-day vulnerability mitigation: DNS security and regular updates, vulnerability assessments, and continuous monitoring from Meter help protect against zero-day exploits.

Partner with Meter to enhance your network's security and protect your business from evolving threats. Contact us today to learn more about our Network as a Service (NaaS) solutions and how we can help secure your network.