• Authentication: Authentication is the recognition of each individual user, and the mapping of their identity, their location, and their time to a policy. Authentication authorizes user access to the network and network services.

• Encryption: Encryption is a method for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data communications across a network. The Cisco solution combines several standards, including the Data Encryption Standard (DES), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
  

• Firewalls: A firewall is a set of related programs, located at a network gateway server or router that protects the resources of a private network from users from other networks. Vulnerability patching: The identification and patching of possible security holes. That could compromise a network.

- CITC - NTS Support Centre