Router and Switch Security Overview. Router and Switch Security Overview "You are only as secure as your weakest link. " Network security professionals often encounter this adage. Present-day networks deploy security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), virtual private networks (VPN), and antivirus software to fortify the network. Unfortunately, the most basic network elements—routers and switches—are often ignored as security devices because routers and switches were originally created to enhance network connectivity rather than to provide network security. Consequently, routers and switches are conceptually less secure than dedicated security devices such as firewalls and IDSs.