Cyber security engineers have a very tough job to do. They have to make a network as capable as possible, while also making sure that the networks are very secure. Typically in the cyber world, security comes at a price of usability. This means that for every additional security measure, it can make the network slower, or some users may not be able to access the network. The opposite occurs for having more usability in the network. With usability as a main focus, security may become a second thought. Finding the perfect security balance between security and usability is a main job of a network engineer. Such professionals use a variety of methods and tools to help keep networks safe. First of all is closing all open ports on a network. A network port can be an open door to hackers, so it is best practice to close any ports that are not in use. Another tool that engineers can use for security in a network is a firewall. These can be both for incoming and outgoing packets. A firewall prevents and permits only certain approved messages to go through. It can filter IP addresses, packet sizes, and much more. Some networks may use high grade encryption methods to ensure that no data remains in plain text format. This is especially important on public Wi-Fi networks, as someone could be sniffing packets for anything in the plain text format. This is especially common at gathering places like coffee shops. Also, another tool at an engineer’s disposal is a VPN, or virtual private network. This tool helps establish an encrypted connection and tunnel for information to go through. This adds more security for certain purposes like banking, or professional work. The consequence of a VPN, as mentioned above, is that more security can make for a slower connection. Thankfully, things have been getting faster as technology rapidly changes.