Prioritizing Network Security- Identifying Key Focus Areas for Users
Securing the network infrastructure should be the only priority when there is an imminent, serious attack or security incident that calls for a quick response. Within a company, the network infrastructure provides the essential framework for all internal communications and data transfers. Its protection is critical since a hacked network infrastructure can result in possible data breaches, unauthorized access, and extensive disruption. The network infrastructure should be the first priority for several reasons, including preventing more disruption, blocking unauthorized access, attack containment, and Safeguarding data and systems.
REASONS FOR THE PRIORITIZATION OF THE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE
Preventing More Disruption
The network infrastructure, which consists of firewalls, switches, and routers—serves as the brains of an organization’s IT environment. Attackers can stop data, communication, and service flow across the whole network if they manage to take over and access this infrastructure. An organization’s activities may be negatively impacted by this interruption, which may result in lost revenue, downtime, and reputational harm.
Blocking Unauthorized Access
An organization’s systems and resources can be compromised by an attacker using a hacked network infrastructure as a gateway. After breaking into the network, an attacker can go laterally, increasing their level of access and taking control of vital information and services. Network infrastructure security allows companies to erect a strong wall that makes it harder for intruders to get past their defenses (Wong and Yeung).
Attack Containment
During the early phases of a security event, containment is essential. Isolating the threat and stopping its spread can be accomplished in part by securing the network infrastructure. This confinement affords incident response teams critical time to evaluate the circumstances, pinpoint the source of the attack, and develop a potent countermeasure.
Safeguarding Data and Systems
Although protecting data and systems is crucial, if the network infrastructure is breached, concentrating alone on these issues would not be sufficient. In order to protect data and systems, securing the network first makes the environment safer by lowering the possibility of data breaches and unwanted access (Khan).
USER CREDENTIALS AND AUTHENTICATION
Safeguarding user credentials and authentication methods would be the next essential step after network infrastructure security. This incorporates protecting passwords, user accounts, and access control systems. Attackers may pose as authentic users if they obtain access to user credentials, which could result in data breaches and illegal access. This risk can be reduced by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), creating strong password policies, and routinely checking user account activity.
Works Cited
Khan, Muhammad Jamshid. “Securing Network Infrastructure With Cyber Security.” World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, vol. 17, no. 2, Feb. 2023, pp. 803–13. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.17.2.0308.
Wong, Angus, and Alan Yeung. Network Infrastructure Security. Springer Science and Business Media, 2009.
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
There is general agreement that all parts of a network should be secured. However,
Everyone who accesses the network and its resources has a particular focus on which element, resource, or component of the system is the most important to secure.
Prioritizing Network Security- Identifying Key Focus Areas for Users
If you were faced with an imminent catastrophic attack or security event and you had only the time to secure one thing, what would it be and why? What would come in second?
Your discussion posting in each lesson has two parts, each of which is scored separately but in one point total.
Your main discussion posting is a response to the question or request made by the discussion description. Your response must be at least 75 words in length, not including any quoted or
sourced content, such as cutting and pasting from other sources.