Network security threats are like digital burglars, always looking for ways into your systems. Malware, phishing, and ransomware are some of the most common methods they use to exploit weaknesses. Each one targets vulnerabilities in unique ways, requiring constant vigilance. Staying ahead of these threats means keeping your defenses strong and your data protected.

What you’ll discover:

• The biggest security threats and vulnerabilities targeting modern businesses
• Elements of a strong security strategy
• How Meter protects your network from security attacks

What are the biggest network security threats?

The biggest network security threats exploit system weaknesses, human error, and outdated defenses. These threats are constantly changing, posing significant risks to enterprise networks.

Here are the most prolific:

Every network threat has its own way of causing trouble, but the goal is the same:

• Mess with your security
• Grab your data
• Throw your operations off balance

The damage isn’t just about fixing systems. Downtime, recovery costs, and lost trust all add up fast. A damaged reputation can scare off customers and partners, hurting future growth.

For engineers, spotting threats is just step one. The real work is fixing weaknesses, building defenses, and staying ahead of network attacks.

Threat 1: DDoS attacks

DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) are like thousands of fake calls flooding a customer service line. The phones ring non-stop, real customers can’t get through, and the whole system grinds to a halt.

They mess up your systems and leave businesses scrambling to fix things. Money gets lost, and productivity takes a serious hit. It’s the kind of problem no one wants to deal with.

Take the 2016 attack on Dyn, for example. Hackers launched a massive DDoS attack using a botnet of infected IoT devices, taking down big names like Netflix, Twitter, and Spotify for hours. It’s a reminder of just how disruptive these attacks can be.

Fighting back against DDoS takes a mix of strategies:

• Redundant networks are key, giving your traffic alternate paths when one route gets clogged
• Load balancers spread traffic across servers so no single one gets overwhelmed
• Dedicated DDoS protection tools detect and block suspicious traffic before it can cause trouble
• Rate limiting is another layer of defense, capping the number of requests hitting your network to avoid overload

Keep a watchful eye on your network. Real-time monitoring tools spot unusual traffic patterns fast, so you can act before things spiral out of control.

Threat 2: Unauthorized access

Think of unauthorized access as someone sneaking into your house with a stolen key and using it to unlock every door. It’s not only annoying—it’s the starting point for bigger problems. Fixing this means opting for more than passwords and layering up your defenses.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is like adding a deadbolt and an alarm system. Users need more than a password—they’ll also need their phone or even a fingerprint to get in. It’s a simple step that makes it way harder for bad actors to gain entry.

Then there’s role-based access control (RBAC). Not everyone in the house needs keys to every door, right? By assigning access based on roles, employees only get what they need for their jobs and nothing more.

Segmentation adds another layer of secure network design. It divides your network into smaller, isolated sections. If someone does get in, they’re stuck in one area and can’t move around freely. Each segment gets its own access controls, making it even tougher for an intruder to do any real damage.

With these strategies in place, unauthorized access goes from a free-for-all to a problem that’s much easier to lock down.

Threat 3: Malware and ransomware

Malware and ransomware are like digital burglars—one sneaks in to swipe your data, and the other locks it up and demands payment to hand it back. Both are serious threats that can:

• Grind your operations to a halt
• Leak sensitive info
• Leave you with a hefty bill if you’re not ready\

In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack exposed just how devastating these threats can be. It infected over 200,000 systems worldwide, with organizations like the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) among the hardest hit. Hospitals were forced to cancel appointments and postpone surgeries as their systems were locked down, leading to billions in damages globally.

Attacks like these can be a wake-up call for businesses to rethink their defenses. It's time to prioritize the right things to help catch threats before they take hold.

Start with anti-malware tools baked into your network. Think of these as your digital security guards, scanning for trouble in real time and stopping threats before they cause damage. They’re your first line of defense and a must-have in the threat-filled environment of today.

Keep your systems updated. Ignoring updates is like leaving your back door wide open—it’s an open invitation for attackers. Regular patches close those gaps and keep your network one step ahead of malware and ransomware.

Backups are your safety net. If ransomware locks you out of your data, having secure backups stored off the network lets you restore everything without coughing up a cent. No ransom, no problem.

And don’t forget an incident response plan. It’s your playbook for tackling an attack, with steps to spot, contain, and fix the issue. Add clear recovery steps and communication guidelines, and you’ve got a solid plan to bounce back fast.

With the right tools and preparation, malware and ransomware go from catastrophic to manageable.

Threat 4: Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks turn your private conversation into someone else’s listening session. In these attacks, hackers intercept the communication between two parties—without either of them noticing.

The purpose of the attack is to:

• To steal sensitive data
• To inject malicious content
• To manipulate the exchange

A notable example of a MitM attack occurred in 2011 when the Dutch certificate authority DigiNotar was breached. Attackers issued fraudulent certificates, including one for Google, which were used in Iran to intercept and manipulate communications, leading to a significant security breach.

Preventing MitM attacks starts with encryption protocols like Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS). These tools lock down your data in transit, scrambling it so attackers can’t read or alter the information even if they manage to intercept it.

Adding Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to the mix takes it a step further. VPNs encrypt all communication between users and the network, creating a private, secure channel that keeps prying eyes out. Together, these tools make it much harder for attackers to crash the party and mess with your data.

Threat 5: Insider threats

Insider threats can feel like betrayal from the inside. They’re risky because they involve people with legitimate access who misuse it to steal, damage, or leak sensitive information. Unlike external hacks, these threats are harder to spot because they look like normal, everyday actions.

A chilling real-world case occurred in 2019. A former employee of Tesla allegedly stole confidential files related to the company’s manufacturing operations. The individual used legitimate access to exfiltrate thousands of documents before sharing them with outside parties. Tesla responded by suing the former employee, exposing the serious risks of insider access gone rogue.

To combat insider threats, start with tightly controlled access. Only give employees access to the systems and data they need to do their jobs—nothing more. Real-time monitoring tools are essential, logging user activity and flagging anything out of the ordinary. It’s about catching red flags before they escalate into full-blown disasters.

Routine audits keep access in check, especially when employees change roles or leave the company. Don’t overlook how much a strong security culture can do for you. Train your team on best practices and keep them aware of the risks. Make network security design something everyone owns, not just the IT department. When everyone’s on the same page, insider threats get a lot harder to pull off.

Threat 6: Phishing and social engineering

Phishing and social engineering attacks prey on trust and trick people into giving up sensitive information. Hackers use fake emails, calls, or messages to manipulate employees into sharing sensitive information, opening the door to major security breaches.

In 2016, even Snapchat payroll data was compromised. Attackers tricked an employee at the company into sharing payroll data for hundreds of staff members. They were able to do this by sending a convincing email pretending to be from the CEO. The phishing scam exposed sensitive employee information, leading to a public apology and serious scrutiny of their security practices.

The best defense starts with advanced email filters that block most phishing attempts before they hit inboxes. But no system catches everything, which is why regular employee training is so important. Teach your team how to spot red flags like urgent requests, unusual senders, or odd formatting.

Set up protocols that require employees to verify sensitive requests through a second channel. Things like a quick phone call or secure messaging app will do. It's a simple step that stops phishing attempts dead in their tracks.

Combine these efforts with clear guidelines for securing communication and reporting anything suspicious. Doing so creates a strong line of defense against these manipulative attacks.

Threat 7: Network vulnerabilities

Network vulnerabilities are like cracks in your armor—they might seem small, but attackers know exactly how to exploit them. These weak spots often show up in outdated software or hardware that hasn’t been patched, leaving your network wide open to known threats.

A real-world example? In 2020, a Citrix vulnerability allowed attackers to access thousands of company systems worldwide. The flaw, which had a patch available, remained unaddressed by many organizations, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches. It was a costly reminder that skipping updates can leave you exposed.

Keeping everything updated should be a non-negotiable part of your network design security plan. Automating updates helps ensure no device or software slips through the cracks, cutting down on human error and missed patches.

But updates alone won’t cut it. Regular vulnerability scans and security assessments are your detective work—they show you where the cracks are before someone else finds them. Spotting and fixing those gaps early keeps your network strong and attackers out.

Threat 8: Wireless network security plan risks

Wireless networks might be convenient, but they’re also a favorite playground for attackers. With open access points and signals flying through the air, risks like eavesdropping and unauthorized access are always lurking. A solid plan can turn your wireless network from an easy target into a fortress.

WPA3 is the gold standard, giving your network better protection against snoopers and hackers than older protocols like WPA2. If some of your devices still need an upgrade to support WPA3, stick with WPA2 for now, but don’t wait too long to make the switch.

Make sure every access point is authenticated. It’s like having a guest list for your network—only the devices you trust get in. Rogue devices don’t stand a chance if you lock things down properly.

Keep your firmware up to date. Think of it as keeping your network’s immune system strong. Outdated firmware leaves your wireless access points vulnerable, and regular updates help shut the door on known exploits.

Finally, divide and conquer with network segmentation. Splitting your wireless network into zones, like one for guests and one for internal use, keeps sensitive data out of reach from casual connections. It’s an extra layer of protection that makes a big difference.

Threat 9: Data breaches

Data breaches can be costly and wreck your reputation, bringing legal pains that stick around for years. When sensitive information gets exposed, it’s not only about fixing the damage—it’s about preventing it in the first place.

Take the 2019 Capital One breach, where a former employee exploited a misconfigured firewall to access personal data from over 100 million customers. The breach cost the company $190 million in settlements and fines, proving how devastating even a single oversight can be.

Strong encryption pays dividends here. Implement it for both stored data and anything being transmitted. It's a lock that scrambles your information, so even if someone gets their hands on it, it’s useless without the key.

Then turn to network segmentation. Dividing your network into smaller pieces keeps sensitive data locked away in areas with stricter access controls. If one part of the network gets breached, it won’t take everything down with it.

Then there’s Data Loss Prevention (DLP). These tools act like security cameras for your sensitive data, monitoring who’s accessing it and where it’s going. Set them up to fit your business needs, and they’ll help you stay in control.

Don’t forget to periodically review your policies. Threats evolve fast, and the tools you trusted last year might not cut it anymore. Staying ahead means staying flexible and ready to adapt. When you layer these strategies, you’re giving your data the protection it deserves.

Threat 10: Inadequate monitoring and response

Even the best-designed network is at risk if you’re not keeping a close eye on it. Threats don’t announce themselves—they lurk in the background, waiting to cause havoc. Without proper monitoring, they can slip through the cracks, and by the time you notice, it’s already too late.

Real-time monitoring tools are your eyes on the network. Activity tracking isn't their only purpose. They also spot weird patterns, like a sudden spike in traffic or unauthorized access attempts. Automated alerts take it further, giving you a heads-up about suspicious behavior before it spirals out of control.

But spotting the problem is only a single step. A strong incident response plan is your guide to handling the mess. It should spell out everything—from how to pinpoint the issue to how to limit the damage and get things back on track.

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to handling security issues. Regular drills keep your team sharp and ready to act fast when something goes wrong. A strong response can turn a potential crisis into a manageable issue, while neglecting monitoring and response is like leaving your network unlocked and hoping for the best.

Essential elements of a strong security strategy

Building a solid security strategy is a mix of smart planning, good habits, and the right tech. These pieces work together to keep your network safe and sound.

Teach employees to spot trouble

Your team is your first line of defense. Regular training helps them avoid falling for tricks like phishing emails or shady social engineering attempts.

The best training won't only list dos and don’ts—it'll show real-world examples of how these scams work. When people see the stakes, they’re more likely to take security seriously and stay sharp.

Stack up the tech defenses

When it comes to tech, a layered approach is the way to go:

• Firewalls act like bouncers, keeping unauthorized users out
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS) watch for any suspicious moves on your network
• Endpoint protection tools guard devices against malware and other nasties

Together, they create a defense system that’s hard to crack.

Have a game plan for bad days

Even the best defenses can slip up, so you need a plan for when things go sideways. A good incident response plan lays out exactly what to do during a breach—who handles what, how to contain the damage, and what comes next.

Test it often and update it as new threats pop up. A well-rehearsed plan can save the day when the unexpected happens.

Meter protects your network

We make it easy to keep your network secure so that your IT team can focus on what really matters. Our tools and services are built to handle today’s network security threats while reducing risks and problems for your business.

Here’s what you get with Meter:

• Smart threat detection: Meter Command-powered tools spot and stop threats in real-time, so breaches get shut down before they cause chaos.
• DDoS defense: We neutralize large-scale DDoS attacks to keep your network running without unnecessary downtime.
• Ransomware recovery: Our backup and recovery solutions help you bounce back fast after an attack, so disruptions don’t derail your operations.
• Insider threat tracking: Our dashboard tools catch suspicious activity within your network early, so you don’t have to micromanage.
• Data encryption made simple: We help you set up strong encryption to keep sensitive info safe—no extra stress required.
• Zero-day vulnerability protection: Our DNS security and regular vulnerability checks block new exploits before they become a problem.

Contact Meter to discuss enhancing your network's security and protect your business from evolving threats.