Which term is used to describe the practices that protect an organization’s network from unauthorized access and threats?

Network security refers to the comprehensive measures and practices implemented to protect an organization's network infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, dysfunction, destruction, or unauthorized changes. This field encompasses various technologies, policies, practices, and controls designed to safeguard the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the network and its data.

The term encompasses various approaches, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secure access controls, and encryption. By utilizing these tools, organizations create a secure perimeter around their network to prevent cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. As organizations increasingly rely on digital communications and data sharing, the importance of robust network security grows, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected against evolving cyber threats.

In contrast, the other terms have distinct focuses that do not encompass the full scope of practices aimed at protecting the network itself. Software protection often refers to measures that secure applications and programs rather than the network as a whole, while end-user security emphasizes safeguarding the individual users who access the network, which is just one aspect of network security. Malware protection specifically targets malicious software, which is a component of the broader network security framework but does not define the entire practice aimed at safeguarding the network environment.