Network security

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

In the field of networking, the area of network security consists of the provisions and policies adopted by the network administrator to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of the computer network and network-accessible resources. Network Security is the authorization of access to data in a network, which is controlled by the network administrator. Users are assigned an ID and password that allows them access to information and programs within their authority. Network Security consist of a variety of computer networks, both public and private that are used in everyday jobs conducting transactions and communications among businesses, government agencies and individuals. Networks can be private, such as within a company, and others which might be open to public access. Network Security is involved in organization, enterprises, and all other type of institutions. It does as its titles explains, secures the network. Protects and overseas operations being done.

1 Network security concepts
2 Security management
- 2.1 Homes & Small Businesses
- 2.2 Medium businesses
- 2.3 Large businesses
- 2.4 School
- 2.5 Large government
3 See also
4 References
5 Further reading
6 External links

Network security concepts

Network security starts from authenticating the user, commonly with a username and a password. Since this requires just one thing besides the user name, i.e. the password which is something you 'know', this is sometimes termed one factor authentication. With two factor authentication something you 'have' is also used (e.g. a security token or 'dongle', an ATM card, or your mobile phone), or with three factor authentication something you 'are' is also used (e.g. a fingerprint or retinal scan).

Once authenticated, a firewall enforces access policies such as what services are allowed to be accessed by the network users. Though effective to prevent unauthorized access, this component may fail to check potentially harmful content such as computer worms or Trojans being transmitted over the network. Anti-virus software or an intrusion prevention system (IPS) help detect and inhibit the action of such malware. An anomaly-based intrusion detection system may also monitor the network and traffic for unexpected (i.e. suspicious) content or behavior and other anomalies to protect resources, e.g. from denial of service attacks or an employee accessing files at strange times. Individual events occurring on the network may be logged for audit purposes and for later high level analysis.

Communication between two hosts using a network could be encrypted to maintain privacy.

Honeypots, essentially decoy network-accessible resources, could be deployed in a network as surveillance and early-warning tools as the honeypot will not normally be accessed. Techniques used by the attackers that attempt to compromise these decoy resources are studied during and after an attack to keep an eye on new exploitation techniques. Such analysis could be used to further tighten security of the actual network being protected by the honeypot.

Security management

Security Management for networks is different for all kinds of situations. A home or small office would only require basic security while large businesses will require high maintenance and advanced software and hardware to prevent malicious attacks from hacking and spamming.

Homes & Small Businesses

A basic firewall or a unified threat management system.
For Windows users, basic Antivirus software. An anti-spyware program would also be a good idea. There are many other types of antivirus or anti-spyware programs out there to be considered.
When using a wireless connection, use a robust password. Also try to use the strongest security supported by your wireless devices, such as WPA2 with AES encryption.
If using Wireless: Change the default SSID network name, also disable SSID Broadcast; as this function is unnecessary for home use. (However, many security experts consider this to be relatively useless. http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/index.php?p=43 )
Enable MAC Address filtering to keep track of all home network MAC devices connecting to your router.
Assign STATIC IP addresses to network devices.
Disable ICMP ping on router.
Review router or firewall logs to help identify abnormal network connections or traffic to the Internet.
Use passwords for all accounts.
Have multiple accounts per family member, using non-administrative accounts for day-to-day activities. Disable the guest account (Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Computer Management> Users).
Raise awareness about information security to children.

Medium businesses

A fairly strong firewall or Unified Threat Management System
Strong Antivirus software and Internet Security Software.
For authentication, use strong passwords and change it on a bi-weekly/monthly basis.
When using a wireless connection, use a robust password.
Raise awareness about physical security to employees.
Use an optional network analyzer or network monitor.
An enlightened administrator or manager.