Introduction

Financial losses from cybercrimes will reach as high as $10.5 trillion by 2025. The rate at which cybercrime occurs increases by 15% every year. At this rate, the net loss would reach $23 trillion by 2027 (CyberCrime Magazine[1] ).

Therefore, network security is invaluable for emerging companies today. Most companies work with complex databases today. Modern businesses have several records to handle, ranging from sensitive customer data to financial records. 

But, a bigger question is- where do most businesses pause?

Their prime limitation are limited resources, constantly evolving cyber threats, and complex networking architectures. These paradoxes prevent them from setting up and maintaining rigid security measures.

The bottom line is that every firm needs a capable and adaptable Network Security Service Providers[2]  for survival and better growth!

Understanding Network Security

Network security is a conglomerate of strategies, technologies, and regulatory protocols that a firm uses to protect its intrinsic network from external attacks.

More precisely, cybercriminals are not the only source of threat. The organization’s network might be compromised by unauthorized access, internal misuse, etc.

It comprises multiple hardware and software components, designed to meet any industry’s niche operational requirements. For example, ecommerce companies like Amazon and eBay must protect their vast customer databases.

# Industry Case Example

Most e-commerce companies have innumerable data chambers to preserve customers’ demographic information. They use this data to pitch product suggestions or send customized offers to specific customers. At the same time, another crucial network zone is their payment blockchain.

The central recipient servers of e-commerce companies are connected to multiple blockchains, such as banks, NFTs, digital assets, etc.

In early 2025, Amazon encountered a major data breach, resulting in employee information leaks. Over 2.8 million records were compromised (MSNsn.com). The attack was conducted by a forum on the dark web called BreachForums. [3] 

Industry stakeholders usually expect companies like Amazon to have strong, flexible network security provisions. So, where did the slip occur?

The leak eventually happened from one of their third-party vendors, MOVEit. Experts also assume phishing threats from internal sources, like employees.

How Can Organizations Encounter Such Threats?

The above case study exposes two major vulnerabilities: 

1. Lack of integrity and confidentiality (if the breach happened from internal phishing attacks)

2. Data leak while transmitted across networks (if BreachForum was solely responsible for stealing the data from Moveit’s server)

All companies with large databases must implement updated and unique network security strategies. First, modern security networks should expand beyond ön-premise servers to accommodate virtual environments.

As DarkTrace[4]  suggests, over 50% of cybersecurity incidents will come from cloud network activities by 2029.  

Factors To Consider Before Choosing The Right Provider

Choosing the right enterprise network security requires a detailed understanding of the types of solutions and their limitations:

Threat Detection Methods Used by the Provider

Most network security service providers and instruments, like IDS or IPS, depend on historical data and machine learning algorithms for Threat Detection. However, unique threats like zero days, supply chain issues, and miscellaneous insider threats may go unnoticed.

This is a legacy approach in which one company acts as “patient zero.” It’s the first one to fall prey to a novel attack.

Proposed Solution

All companies must seek solutions centered on network behavior rather than depending on known attack signatures, external information, or the historical record of attacks.

The network behavior analysis tools use updated machine learning to understand the “normal” interface of your business’s network environment. Whenever there is an anomaly or unique threat, the firewall will activate.

AI Protocols in The Vendor’s Network Security Protocol

Often, network security providers use AI models to detect upcoming threats faster than individuals. However, they have a limitation.

After detecting the threat, their system depends on an analyst to decipher its nature and prioritize the threat level. However, the limitation appears when the teams don’t have adequate cycles to field alerts.

The scammers use this opportunity to launch the same technique and turbo-charge the new attacks. The bottom line is that AI can’t be limited to sheer horsepower-modem.

Proposed Solution

• AI models should continuously be used to detect the nuanced behavior of authorized users and spot subtle risk indicators.
• Effective network security providers should upgrade AI models to detect anomalies characteristic of the industry or organization.
• AI should be equipped to launch threat response within a few seconds, without hampering business operations.

Pro Tip: Enterprise network security today is very nimble in approach. Its resources and clients are spread across various enterprises, clouds, and obscure locations. So, Self-Learning AI would be crucial to covering such an amorphous perimeter—that’s hard to define!

Business Network Needs Assessment Methods

To understand the nature of the network used in your company, a network security service provider must study:

1. The company size and industry details

It includes the common nature of firewalls usd in the industry, followed by the antivirus used. In essence, larger corporations in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, etc, need advanced mechanisms like intrusion detection systems and best-in-class data encryption.

So, check out enterprise network security providers with experience working with large clients in your industry.

2. Network Complexity

Over 64% of organizations reportedly use a hybrid model or a remote work interface (Zoom). Therefore, they simultaneously need on-premise security solutions, cloud network protection, and remote device scrutiny (Unspot.com).

Determine Your Budget and Resources

Network security service providers use various pricing strategies. Because network security is paramount across organizations, small and medium-sized firms must have a sustainable cybersecurity budget regardless of size.

After that, you may decide if the provider’s pricing model syncs with your budget plan. However, pricing models are usually dynamic, depending on the client’s business niche, company size, and the complexity of the operating environment.

Usually, the cybersecurity vendors use the following pricing strategies:

Pro Tip: To determine the best model for you, factor in your security needs and other costs like implementation, training, and regular maintenance. Then, ask the selected managed security service provider for a reasonable quote. The final step is negotiating and finalizing!

Choose The Best Practice for Network Security Only

Choosing a traditional Network Security Service Provider at a low cost is redundant. So, you must select vendors offering the best practices across the network security industry.

Check three crucial facts to see whether your provider can keep your business ahead of threats.

First, note that all progressive security strategies have a layered approach. They depend on layered protocols, starting with firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), endpoint detection software, and others.

Secondly, all good enterprise network security companies offer a zero-trust approach. In other words, they filter and limit network access. Devices must be authenticated at individual stages before accessing the network.

The same applies to users as well (internal or external).

Finally, check how frequently your provider conducts security audits or offers software upgrades. It’s better for you if the provider provides an employee training package with the service.

Your employees can recognize the phishing attacks and engineering threats, spot on!