Defend against network security threats with a business VPN
From phishing to man-in-the-middle attacks, network threats put businesses at risk. Proton VPN for Business helps secure data, protect teams, and strengthen network security.

What are network security threats?
Network security threats are attack methods cybercriminals use to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to your company’s network. They exploit vulnerabilities that can compromise confidential data and undermine the cybersecurity of your business.

Common network security threats
Phishing
A phishing attack is when a criminal sends fraudulent communications that appear trustworthy to trick victims into clicking malicious links, downloading infected files, or entering credentials on fake websites. If successful, it results in credential theft or the installation of malicious software on the network, serving as an entry point for more extensive attacks.
Malware
Malware is software designed to perform malicious activities and comes in many forms, such as ransomware, adware, spyware, and trojans. Using malware, attackers can steal sensitive data, spy on victims, lock up data for ransom, and even make your systems inoperable.
Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks
MITM attacks happen when a cybercriminal “listens in” on internet traffic. There are a variety of methods, from DNS spoofing to evil twin attacks that involve fake WiFi hotspots. In the worst case, attackers could intercept logins, emails, and other sensitive data and communications sent and received from that device. MITM attacks are why tools like a remote work VPN are essential for enhancing network security.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
Cybercriminals carry out DDoS attacks by flooding a network with fake traffic that blocks real users from accessing services. Websites, applications, servers, and network resources can all be targeted by DDoS attacks, leading to substantial downtime for your business.
Zero-day exploits
These exploits target newly discovered software flaws before vendors release security patches and fixes. Computer network security is left vulnerable and open to attacks, providing cybercriminals with an easy foothold until the vulnerability is fixed.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
APTs prioritize long-term attacks rather than immediate chaos. Once cybercriminals gain access to your network, they can remain undetected for an extended period, quietly stealing sensitive data, such as financial information, customer data, and trade secrets.
Botnets
Networks of compromised devices, also known as botnets, can pose a serious threat to network security. Cybercriminals use botnets to launch coordinated spam and DDoS attacks to cause massive disruption to businesses. A compromised device can also create security and compliance concerns, as it may unintentionally contribute to botnet activity.
Brute-force attacks
Cybercriminals execute brute-force attacks by using automated software to rapidly guess usernames and passwords until they gain access. When successful, they can escalate privileges, move freely through the network, and compromise data. Weak and reused passwords make for easy targets; this is why an enterprise password manager is crucial for securing access.
Misconfiguration exploits
Rushed deployments, weak access settings, lack of updates, and even human error can lead to misconfigured systems that provide cybercriminals an entry point into corporate networks, giving them easy access to sensitive systems and confidential data.
Supply chain attacks
Instead of targeting your business directly, cybercriminals target your vendors, contractors, and software providers. If these third parties are successfully compromised, attackers gain a backdoor to your business network.
Insider threats
Sometimes, network threats happen from within the business. Whether through negligence or malicious intent, employees may cause leaks, theft, and disruptions.
Impact of network security threats
Beyond technical disruptions, network threats can impact other aspects of a business.
Financial loss
Unplanned downtime, ransomware payments, and restoring compromised systems are costly.
Compliance violations
Data breaches can violate regulations like GDPR, leading to regulatory fines and increased scrutiny.
Reputational damage
Breaches erode customer trust and confidence, which can be difficult to repair.
Operational disruption
Network threats can disrupt critical systems, resulting in delayed service delivery and reduced productivity.
Theft
Compromised systems grant attackers access to trade secrets, customer data, and strategic plans.
How to identify network security threats
Early detection is key to minimizing the damage of network threats. Through proactive measures and the right cybersecurity tools, you can effectively safeguard your business.

Network security threats: Best practices and prevention
Implement these best practices to protect your business against network threats, enhance computer network security, and reduce the risk of breaches.
Ensure timely updates
Keep all software and systems up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
Limit access
Segment your network to minimize insider threats and limit the severity of breaches.
Monitor your network
Cybersecurity tools like a firewall and an intrusion detection and prevention system help monitor for unauthorized and unusual network activity.
Encrypt network connections
Use a business VPN to secure and enhance computer network security for distributed teams.
Strengthen authentication
Use a password manager to store and create strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on to protect against credential theft and brute-force attacks.
Create an incident response plan
Ensure consistent backups of your systems to aid in quick recovery in the event of a network security incident.
Conduct regular security audits
Network threats are constantly evolving. Regular audits ensure your security measures are up to date.
Evaluate third-party vendors
Work with trusted software and service providers that uphold strong network security practices to avoid supply chain attacks.
Employee education
Train employees on security best practices and how to spot phishing attempts.
Essential tools for managing network threats
With the right cybersecurity tools, you can build a strong defense. Get started with these:
VPN
A business VPN ensures that all connections to company networks are secure and encrypted, even when working remotely.
Firewalls
Firewalls filter traffic based on your predefined security rules. They block unauthorized access and prevent malicious data from entering the network.
Anitvirus
Antivirus software protects devices on your network from malware attacks by detecting, quarantining, and removing malware.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems
An IDPS provides continuous monitoring, enhancing detection and prevention of suspicious network activity.
Data encryption
End-to-end encryption ensures that intercepted data is kept secure and unreadable to attackers.
Secure authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and use a business password manager to strengthen access security.
Upgrade your network security with Proton VPN
No matter your business, Proton VPN is the out-of-the-box solution for upgrading your organization’s network security.
Secure and private connection, always
Fully encrypt your network traffic with no compromise, no matter where employees connect from. Proton VPN uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption algorithms to keep your network safe from interception.

Strong perimeter defense
Enjoy greater peace of mind with robust protection against MITM attacks and malware, and effectively block privacy-invading trackers and ads with the built-in NetShield Ad-blocker.

Better VPN protection with Secure Core
Enhance your business’s cybersecurity with Secure Core servers, our double VPN that offers superior protection from complex attacks.

Control who sees what
Minimize security risks and ensure only the right people can access your assets by segmenting privileges from the centralized admin dashboard.

Your network, your way
Boost security oversight with advanced controls that allow you to manage access permissions, monitor your gateways, and strengthen security with enforced 2FA.

Security you can trust
Proton VPN is 100% open-source and independently audited, so you can trust that our VPN does only what it needs to. Anyone can inspect our code to verify what we claim.

Trusted by businesses and privacy experts worldwide
FranciscoSZ
Amazing VPN: privacy focused, lots of servers to choose, and some extra safeguards such as ad tracking prevention. The best out there👌
Michael "Doc" Kuster
Excellent VPN, clean and easy interface. Connections are always stable. Must have if you want to keep your online surfing private.
Chris Reynolds
Fast connections all over the world. Set up and use is very easy. By far the best VPN out there and worth the subscription!
Defend against network threats with the leading VPN for business

Frequently asked questions about network security threats
- How do I know if my business is at risk of network threats?
- How does a VPN protect against network security threats?
- Is a VPN enough for securing my business against network threats?