What is network security?

I read so may times about network security but alway have confusion about it. what is the network security and how can it works?

Hi,

Network Security consists of the provisions made in a computer network to protect the network from unauthorized access. These provisions are usually implemented by a network administrator.

Network security starts from authenticating any user. Once authenticated, firewall enforces access policies such as what services are allowed to be accessed by the network users. An intrusion prevention system (IPS) helps detect and prevent such malware. IPS also monitors for suspicious network traffic for contents, volume and anomalies to protect the network from attacks such as denial of service.

Hope that helps!