The present invention discloses a processor for enhancing network security, i.e. a three-dimensional (3-D) security processor. It is a monolithic integrated circuit comprising a plurality of storage-processing units (SPU). Each SPU comprises at least a three-dimensional memory (3D-M) array for permanently storing rule/virus patterns and a pattern-processing circuit for performing pattern processing on an incoming network packet against said rule/virus patterns. The 3D-M array is stacked above the pattern-processing circuit.