What is the primary goal of network security?

The primary goal of network security is to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and resources. This triad, often referred to as the CIA triad, is fundamental to maintaining secure network operations.

Integrity ensures that data remains accurate and unaltered during transit or storage, protecting it from unauthorized modifications. Confidentiality safeguards sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized users, ensuring that only those with the right permissions can view or use the data. Availability ensures that network resources are accessible when needed, preventing downtime or disruptions that can impact business operations.

Focusing solely on hardware performance, unrestricted access, or merely improving speed and bandwidth misses the core essence of what network security aims to achieve. It's essential to prioritize the protection of data and resources over merely enhancing performance or access. In a well-secured network, any performance improvements or speed enhancements are approached with the understanding that they should not compromise the core principles of security.