The Evolving Landscape of Network Information Security: Emerging Challenges and Trends in Maintenance Technologies

Abstract

The accelerating global digital transformation has elevated network information security and maintenance from a technical concern to a core issue underpinning the stability of the digital economy and society. This paper provides a systematic review of the core technical framework constituting modern cybersecurity defenses. It meticulously examines foundational technologies including data encryption—encompassing symmetric (AES), asymmetric (RSA/ECC), and the emerging paradigm of homomorphic encryption—alongside intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) utilizing both signature-based and anomaly-based detection, firewalls, and the principles of zero-trust architecture. The analysis critically evaluates their respective application scenarios and inherent limitations. The contemporary threat landscape, however, presents formidable challenges that test these traditional defenses. These include sophisticated Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), the exponentially expanding attack surface presented by vulnerable Internet of Things (IoT) devices, insidious software supply chain attacks, and the looming threat of quantum computing to current public-key cryptosystems. The severity is quantified by an average annual global cost of data breaches reaching $4.35 million (IBM, 2023). In response to this evolving landscape, this paper explores the profound integration prospects of emerging technologies. It investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables proactive threat intelligence analysis and automated incident response; how blockchain's immutability can fortify identity management and ensure data integrity; and how privacy-computing techniques can enable data utilization without exposing raw information. Synthesizing these insights, the paper proposes a forward-looking development direction: the construction of an "intelligent + dynamic" comprehensive defense system. This paradigm emphasizes deep technological integration (e.g., AI-driven blockchain analytics), strategic coordination between active defense mechanisms and passive detection capabilities, and a holistic approach that combines technical measures with legal and regulatory collaborative governance. The conclusions aim to provide a theoretical reference and architectural blueprint for building a more secure, resilient, and trustworthy future network ecosystem.