What is network security? A new model for protecting business

It may seem hard to believe, but protecting digital data has been an issue since the ​1970s​​​. ​In 1971, Ray Tomlinson invented machine-to-machine electronic mail (email) for the Department of Defense network—the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET).                

Soon after, a researcher named Bob Thomas created the first cyberattack using a self-replicating program, Creeper, to see if it could leave a trail between machines across ARPANET. In response, internet pioneers at ARPA invented the first antivirus, Reaper, which identified and deleted the code.¹

Once the internet hit the public domain in the 1990s, cyberattacks—and the network security that tried to keep up with them—took on a life of their own with data-destructive behavior, challenging IT teams to combat threats.​​​​

Security solutions are often designed to address a specific need. For example, antivirus software protects a machine by scanning existing programs or incoming traffic for threats. More broadly, a firewall guards against unauthorized access to a network.

As digital technology and its footprint continue to expand, there are more lapses at these endpoints. As a result, cybersecurity continues to evolve to address gaps with endpoint security. This protection includes cloud security, mobile security, and many others that layer cyber protections. Together, these layers equate to a comprehensive cybersecurity infrastructure that helps defend against vulnerabilities that may expose data on a network.

While a multi-layered approach to security is essential, the core of all digitization is the network. For this reason, network-embedded security must be the foundation for all security efforts. It’s important, though, to not look at security embedded into the network as simply replacing endpoint security, firewalls, and other valuable security products and services.

These technologies can work in tandem to create “clean pipes”—real-time visibility into all the traffic crossing our network—which can detect the bad actors going both downstream and upstream. Think of this as a form of automated, low-touch remediation.

Simply put, network security is a combination of people, processes, policies, and technology that protects the business from both internal and external cyber​security​ threats. It simultaneously uses a layered approach to create a secure network environment that allows for productivity across the business.

​​As the number of endpoints that access a network continues to increase, the access points for how an attack can enter the business ​network​increase as well. Mobile devices, Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and a host of other tools, machines, and applications all create potential entry points to the network. ​​​

Potential dangers to business network security

​​​Attackers can hit these vulnerable entry points from several angles. Here are a few common threats that can compromise your business network security and disrupt operations. ​​

And it is all too well-documented that the damage from a cyberattack can be significant.​​​

To put this into perspective:

These costs can cripple a company or put it out of business entirely. And while many publicized cyberattacks tend to skew towards the loss of money, the reality for a business is the loss of intellectual property from cyberattacks is growing and becoming all too frequent. Intellectual property attacks affect not only the business, but society and our communities. The impact can linger for months or years.

Of course, business leaders are aware of this and continue to invest more in cybersecurity. Here’s the question—how effective can the cyber​security​ tools be if the network is vulnerable?

To build a house, you first need a reliable, secure foundation. Today, this secure foundation begins with fiber connectivity. This has changed the game a great deal since it’s not as vulnerable to cybercrime as traditional phone lines. However, with cybercrime continuing to escalate, network protection must evolve. For this reason, the very definition of network security is changing. 

Digital transformation has created many new opportunities for businesses. It enables greater efficiency, better productivity, more flexibility, and for companies to work faster and smarter than ever before.

These benefits are the result of technologies like IoT, which creates and shares data in real time. Add to this artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which enable more reliable automation, faster analysis, more convenient customer engagement options, and virtually unlimited other opportunities. With these advancements, however, come more opportunities for security incidents. ​​

Data vulnerabilities

​​The result of this boon in technology has been the proliferation of endpoints to the network. These are generating, ​collecting​​​, sending, and receiving enormous amounts of data—access points and data that can be used to infiltrate the network.

IT leaders are constantly trying to keep up with network security threats through not only cybersecurity tools and applications but also employee accountability. It’s a lot to keep up with.​​​

System misconfigurations

​​Next, we have system misconfigurations, including cloud misconfigurations. These are vulnerabilities that can cause several security headaches. They occur when security settings are implemented incorrectly or are not defined properly.

The issue may not occur at the time of configuration, but over time, creating a configuration drift. In this case, the environment changes over time and fails to stay aligned with IT requirements. This can open the door to a security breach if additional precautions like encryption and controlling access are missed.​​​

Frequent update requirements

Another big challenge in network protection is staying up-to-date with tool, application, and software updates, which often include security patches. These updates are critical to keep pace with the latest cyberthreats.

When companies or users delay or fail to run an update, it can create a significant risk to the business. It opens the door to ransomware attacks and a host of other cybercrimes.

Gaps in multi-layered security defenses

In each layer of security, gaps can occur. Firewalls, antivirus software, password protections, and any others can all be vulnerable if they’re not cared for properly. IT teams may work to implement security patches, but that isn’t always enough.

Addressing the vulnerabilities is a start; however, companies need to think beyond patching holes and implementing firewalls when it comes to their cyber defenses. Our many decades of experience suggest that three broad types of network access require protection from cyber threats.​​​

Physical business locations

​​First, there are physical business locations, including headquarters and branch offices, which must include secure, high-capacity network connectivity. Our multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) solutions have served this market well for many years. However, in more recent years, we’re seeing Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) becoming the primary technological approach to defending one’s enterprise or business.​​​

Remote and hybrid workers ​​​​

​​Second, there are the end-users working from anywhere, and hybrid work has expanded this even further. These users are typically served by some form of virtual private network (VPN) solution.

Security approaches for remote access range from heavy client-server VPN deployments, using underlying protocols such as IPSec, to lighter solutions integrated into the browser, using protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS), which is designed to provide cryptography on the internet. These approaches helped users cope with work style transitions prompted by the pandemic.​​​

​​​B2B access

Lastly, there are the third parties who require access to their business customers. The need for B2B security became evident many years ago with the outsourcing of corporate functions to remote support teams.

By protecting these access points in particular, your cyber defense infrastructure can be more robust. But we can also add security at the network level.

Now that we know the three types of network access every organization must take into account in building and using the right cybersecurity approach, what should be done to remediate these challenges?

​​As a start, Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) are useful for these types of network access. There’s a caveat, though—they require considerable adjustment to support the challenges of handling modern hybrid networks, legacy systems, mergers and acquisitions, and other unique one-off scenarios.

Additionally, today, many B2B connections combine VPNs with a wide range of older protections, including IP source address filtering to dedicated connections. Authentication is provided using an identity and access management (IAM) tool.​​​

A secure access network edge: Five architectural zones

We see the future of approaching network access ​control ​challenges as a new model that is essentially a secure access network edge with five architectural zones.

​​This network and security convergence simplifies secure internet connection implementations for organizations from small and middle-sized businesses that might not have a security team to large global enterprises that manage numerous remote locations, employees, and data in hybrid cloud environments.

You don’t wait for a disaster to hit before making the proper investments in ​network security for business protection​. Cybersecurity challenges are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and networks are the foundation of security for any organization.

Whether it’s ​​ransomware​, phishing, or any of the countless other incidents you often read about in the news, it’s become clear the traditional security approach needs to be revisited. You can’t build a perimeter around the enterprise and then constantly add a new box or capability based on the most recent threats. 

When we think about the future of cybersecurity services, we like to think about a secure fence all around the parking lot outside of a football field to keep the malware and other threats out from the start. In short, this means embedding security into the network.

Software-enabled features enable AT&T Business to combine security technologies into the network. This delivers active threat prevention and detection into the connectivity services, executed at its multi-service edge. 

AT&T Business security solutions start with the network. We have been a connectivity leader for many  years and continue to build on our decades of experience. And data security is entrenched in our DNA.

In 1917, we invented the first unbreakable encryption for a Teletype machine. In 1988, we were among the originators of the packet-filtering firewall. And now we’re focused on developing a new model where security starts at the network.​​​

Technology you can rely on

​​We use the latest technologies, such as fiber, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to ensure your networks are reliable and secure. And while 5G is known for faster speeds, more reliability, and lower latency, it will also improve security as networks reach full compliance with 5G industry standards.

It will offer more privacy for your identity and stronger encryption for your calls. For example, when your voice and data travel from your device to a cell tower, they stay confidential because it’s scrambled.

Also, more and more, 5G is being run by smarter software. It relies on flexible software from an open community, not specialized hardware from a single company. Your call is routed through virtualized network nodes—switches and hubs that can be moved instantly from one physical computer to another. If there’s a problem, it can be isolated or patched quickly.​​​

 Experts you can trust

As a leader in cybersecurity, our experts in AT&T Labs and across our Chief Security Office are hard at work developing this future model for both business and government.

Pairing modern technology with our experts who know your business better than anyone else in the industry, we believe this is truly setting a new standard for networking with security designed for today's and tomorrow’s needs.

Learn more about AT&T Business networking solutions or contact your AT&T Business representative to connect with an expert who knows business.

See how ultra-fast, reliable fiber, protected by built-in security, and 5G connectivity give you a new level of confidence in the possibilities of your network. Let our experts work with you to solve your challenges and accelerate outcomes. Your business deserves the AT&T Business difference—a new standard for networking.

Updated on July 29, 2026 by Zoya Cochran for reformatting and updated statistics.

¹“AI and the Challenge of Cybersecurity,” Smithsonian, Accessed April 23, 2026, https://invention.si.edu/invention-stories/ai-and-challenge-cybersecurity/. 
^2"Average cost of a data breach in the United States from 2006 to 2025,” Statista, Accessed April 23, 2026, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273575/us-average-cost-incurred-by-a-data-breach/.
³Cybercrime and companies in the U.S. – statistics & facts,” Statista, Accessed April 23, 2026, https://www.statista.com/topics/1731/smb-and-cyber-crime/.