Network monitoring is an essential responsibility for businesses of

all sizes. Medium-sized and large companies typically have a network

monitoring system in place either onsite or offsite in the cloud but what about
small businesses? This is exactly what hackers are asking when they are seeking
to breach a network.
In the last few years small businesses have become the target for
network intrusions because hackers are aware that most small businesses do not
implement security practices. The perception is that network security is only
important for large companies, government organizations, and financial
institutions. This perception is rapidly changing with the increased number of
small businesses. So, what does network monitoring typically involve? Lets
start by defining network monitoring.
What is Network Monitoring?
Network monitoring involves multiple methods which are deployed
for the purpose of maintaining the security and integrity of an internal network.
The internal network is also known as a Local Area Network
(LAN) and monitoring encompasses hardware, software, viruses, spyware,
vulnerabilities such asbackdoors and security holes, and other aspects that can
compromise the integrity of a network.
Network Monitoring Methods
There is a wide variety of network monitoring methods which are implemented
by IT professionals. The techniques are deployed via network
monitoring solutions that automatically detect and respond to security and
performance problems.

Intrusion Detection: Intrusion detection monitors local area networks for

unauthorized access byhackers. This method can be implemented manually
however, most IT professionals prefer to use an intrusion detection
program which automatically detects viruses and malware, network
vulnerabilities such as backdoors, logic bombs and other security threats,

individual PCs which are connected to the network and file settings. intrusion
detection programs generate reports following a system check so any issues
can be addressed.

Packet Sniffing: A packet sniffer is a program that inspects

every packet of information that passes through the network. The purpose of
a packet sniffer is to detect unauthorized network monitoring software which
may be installed by hackers for spying on business activity and information
processes.

Vulnerability Scanning: A vulnerability scanner will periodically scan the

network for vulnerabilities and weaknesses which open up the potential for an
exploit. This method varies from intrusion detection because it detects a
weakness before the attack has taken place. Intrusion detectionidentifies
unauthorized access after the hacker has breached the network.

Firewall Monitoring: Firewalls monitor the traffic that is coming in and

out of the network. Firewall monitoring tracks the activities of a firewall to

ensure the screening process for incoming and outgoing connections is
functioning properly and securely.
Penetration Testing: Penetration testing is carried out by IT
professionals by using methods thathackers use to breach a network. The
purpose of this process is to take network security to another level by
discovering vulnerabilities that hackers may have knowledge of but have not
yet been detected via other monitoring methods.