Today’s businesses need more than just a firewall to stay secure. Attackers are targeting endpoints, cloud applications, emails, and everything in between, but deploying a multi-layered security strategy can help you cover more than just your network perimeter.
Understanding what each layer of network security does is the first step toward improving your cybersecurity posture. Read on to explore the different types of network security, their real-world applications, and how they work together to defend your organization.
What Is Network Security?
Network security involves protecting an organization’s IT infrastructure from common threats like unauthorized access and attacks – a must, considering 72% of security leaders say cyber risks have risen in the past year.1 It combines technologies, policies, and best practices to help businesses prevent disruptions and maintain compliance with standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
What Are the 9 Network Security Types?
Some network security solutions focus on keeping threats out, others on spotting suspicious activity, and some on controlling what users and devices can access. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of network security and how they’re used.
1. Firewalls
Firewalls are one of the best-known network security tools. They help filter traffic going in and out of your network so that only approved data gets through.
How Firewalls Work
Network firewalls follow predefined security rules to decide what traffic should be allowed or blocked, typically based on IP address, port, application, or protocol. That makes it easier to prevent unauthorized access or risky behavior.
Real-World Applications
- Protecting company networks from external attacks.
- Segmenting internal departments to contain potential breaches.
- Enforcing policies for remote access and branch connectivity.
At Aseva, we deploy and manage both traditional and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) as part of our managed security services – integrating features like intrusion prevention, application visibility, automated threat detection, and more.
2. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
An IDPS identifies suspicious activity within your network and takes action to stop it. It’s useful for catching attacks that might slip past a firewall.
How IDPS Works
IDPS tools use signature-based and behavioral analysis to monitor network traffic for signs that a threat is present, like repeated login failures or abnormal traffic volumes. Then, they alert your team or block the activity automatically.
Real-World Applications
- Detecting internal or external attack attempts in real time.
- Preventing lateral movement within a compromised network.
- Supporting incident response and forensic analysis.
We often recommend IDPS as part of a broader threat detection and response plan, especially for larger environments.
3. Email Security Systems
Email is still a top entry point for phishing, which was the most common access vector for cyberattacks in 2025.2 Email security systems filter messages and block harmful content before it hits inboxes.
How Email Security Works
Email security tools analyze emails for suspicious links, malware attachments, and spoofed sender addresses. Some systems also scan outgoing messages to prevent data loss.
Real-World Applications
- Blocking phishing attempts and fraudulent attachments.
- Preventing credential theft through deceptive links.
- Ensuring compliance for industries that transmit sensitive data.
Strong email security tools act as a filter between your users and potential threats, protecting your network without slowing communication.
4. Network Access Control (NAC)
NAC governs who and what can connect to your network, which makes it one of the most helpful network security methods for enforcing compliance at the access level.
How NAC Works
When a user or device tries to connect to the network, NAC checks their credentials, device posture, and security settings. If something doesn’t meet the requirements, the system can block access or place the user on a limited network segment.
Real-World Applications
- Controlling guest access and IoT device connectivity.
- Enforcing bring-your-own-device (BYOD) security policies.
- Maintaining compliance through endpoint verification.
NAC is especially helpful for businesses embracing remote and hybrid work models. Aseva helps companies set up NAC to strengthen their access policies without creating unnecessary friction for end users.
5. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
VPNs give employees a secure way to connect to your network from outside the office, making it another important tool for enabling employee mobility.
How VPNs Work
VPNs create a “tunnel” between a connecting user’s device and your network that encrypts traffic, so your business stays protected even if someone accesses it via an unsecured channel like public WiFi.
Real-World Applications
- Secure remote access for employees and contractors.
- Encrypted connections between branch offices and data centers.
- Protection for mobile users accessing public Wi-Fi.
Managed VPN solutions deliver encryption, scalability, and centralized monitoring without the backend management – a great option for hybrid and multi-site enterprises.
6. Endpoint Security and Antivirus Protection
70% of successful breaches in 2024 began on endpoint devices like laptops and phones.3 Endpoint security tools help keep them protected.
How Endpoint Security Works
Endpoint security tools run on the device itself and watch for risky behavior. They can block malware, quarantine infected files, and alert admins when something suspicious happens.
Real-World Applications
- Preventing malware infections and ransomware attacks.
- Managing security policies across thousands of devices.
- Detecting anomalies in user behavior for faster remediation.
Aseva’s endpoint solutions include antivirus, EDR, and integration with your central dashboard for real-time visibility.
7. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
DLP is designed to stop data in motion, at rest, or in use from being shared or accessed in ways it shouldn’t be.
How DLP Works
DLP solutions monitor network traffic and endpoints for data patterns like credit card or social security numbers. If a match is found, the system can block the action or alert your team.
Real-World Applications
- Protecting intellectual property or client data.
- Ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
- Preventing insider threats or misconfigured cloud storage.
Integrating DLP with cloud firewall management can help ensure your data is secured across both on-prem and cloud platforms.
8. Network Segmentation and Access Control Lists (ACLs)
Segmentation breaks your network into smaller sections, each with specific access rules enforced through ACLs, to limit risk.
How Segmentation Works
Network segmentation lets you create zones for specific purposes, such as guest Wi-Fi, finance systems, or IoT devices. If one zone is compromised, the rest of your network stays protected.
Real-World Applications
- Isolating guest Wi-Fi or IoT networks.
- Restricting access to sensitive systems like finance or HR.
- Containing potential intrusions before they spread laterally.
Separating your network into smaller sections ultimately gives you better control over your security setup.
9. Cloud Security and Zero Trust Architecture
PWC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights revealed that 32% of business leaders rank cloud security as their top priority for specialized managed services.4 Adding cloud security and Zero Trust solutions adds extra protection by verifying every user and device before granting access.
How Cloud Security Works
Cloud-based controls like Secure Web Gateways (SWG), Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB), and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) help security teams monitor and control access to apps and data hosted in the cloud.
Real-World Applications
- Protecting data in SaaS platforms like Microsoft 365 or Salesforce.
- Enforcing policies across multi-cloud infrastructures.
- Supporting remote workforces with identity-based security.
Aseva’s managed network security solutions integrate cloud-based tools like Fortinet and SASE to deliver scalable protection across all your environments.
How a Layered Approach Brings Your Network Security Systems Together
No single security tool can defend against every threat. The most resilient network security systems combine multiple layers of protection, each addressing a different attack vector.
For example:
- Firewalls block unwanted traffic at the edge
- VPNs secure remote access
- IDPS and endpoint tools help detect active threats
- NAC and segmentation limit movement if something does get through
This defense-in-depth model ensures that even if one layer fails, others continue to protect your business.
Build a Stronger Security Framework With Aseva
Creating a multi-layered security strategy is critical for keeping modern businesses protected. However, choosing the right mix of network security methods can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. That’s where Aseva can help.
We work with you to build and manage a network security strategy that fits your network and operational needs. From firewall management and Zero Trust frameworks to cloud security and compliance support, our team brings both expertise and execution to every environment we manage.
Ready to strengthen your security posture? Get started with Aseva.
Sources:
- https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Cybersecurity_Outlook_2025.pdf
- https://deepstrike.io/blog/Phishing-Statistics-2025
- https://purplesec.us/resources/cybersecurity-statistics
- https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/cybersecurity-risk-regulatory/library/global-digital-trust-insights.html
