Network Security

Data that is sent over a network is by default in plaintext. Plaintext or cleartext is data in a form that can be read by a human. If the network is private and accessible only to trusted users this may not be a problem.But if the network is connected to the Internet than it is essentially open to everyone unless the proper controls are implemented.

Data sent from one device to another over the Internet may need to hop across multiple routers and even multiple networks before reaching its destination. There is a possibility that this data may be intercepted and read by an entity other than the sender and intended receiver, anywhere along its path between the sending and receiving devices. In technical terms, this is referred to as a man-in-the-middle attack.

In simple applications that are exchanging public data, this is not a significant problem. Also, the average user cannot easily intercept data, it requires some advanced technical skills. However, the Internet is now being used in almost every aspect of personal and work transactions, which include the exchange of highly confidential data and financial transactions. If this data were to be intercepted and read or manipulated, it could result in financial or reputational losses to an individual or a business.

The possibility of financial gain through intercepting and manipulating data has attracted several entities with malicious intent who have the necessary technical skills to do this. They are very broadly referred to as hackers, and the process of manipulating the data being sent between two entities in any way is referred to as hacking.

To avoid this, it is important to ensure network security especially on public networks.