Everything about Network Security totally explained
Network security consists of the provisions made in an underlying
computer network infrastructure,
policies adopted by the
network administrator to protect the network and the network-accessible resources from
unauthorized access and the effectiveness (or lack) of these measures combined together.
Comparison with computer security
Securing network infrastructure is like securing possible entry points of attacks on a country by deploying appropriate
defense. Computer security is more like providing means to protect a single
PC against outside intrusion. The former is better and practical to protect the civilians from getting exposed to the attacks. The preventive measures attempt to secure the access to individual computers--the network itself--thereby protecting the computers and other shared resources such as printers,
network-attached storage connected by the network. Attacks could be stopped at their entry points before they spread. As opposed to this, in computer security the measures taken are focused on securing individual computer hosts. A computer host whose security is compromised is likely to infect other hosts connected to a potentially unsecured network. A computer host's security is vulnerable to users with higher access privileges to those hosts.
Attributes of a secure network
Network security starts from
authenticating any user, most likely an username and a password. Once authenticated, a stateful
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 fails to check potentially harmful contents such as
computer worms being transmitted over the network. An
intrusion prevention system (IPS) helps detect and prevent such
malware. IPS also
monitors for suspicious network traffic for contents, volume and
anomalies to protect the network from attacks such as
denial of service. Communication between two hosts using the network could be encrypted to
maintain privacy. Individual events occurring on the network could be tracked for audit purposes and for a later high level analysis.
Honeypots, essentially
decoy network-accessible resources, could be deployed in a network as surveillance and early-warning tools. 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 small home or an 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.
Small homes
Medium businesses
A fairly strong firewall
A 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.
Large businesses
A strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted people out.
A strong Antivirus software and Internet Security Software.
For authentication, use strong passwords and change it on a weekly/bi-weekly basis.
When using a wireless connection, use a robust password.
Exercise physical security precautions to employees.
Prepare a network analyzer or network monitor and use it when needed.
Implement physical security management like closed circuit television for entry areas and restricted zones.
Security fencing to mark the company's perimeter.
Fire extinguishers for fire-sensitive areas like server rooms and security rooms.
Security guards can help to maximize security.
Government
A strong strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted people out.
A strong Antivirus software and Internet Security Software.
Strong encryption, usually with a 256 bit key.
Whitelist authorized wireless connection, block all else.
All network hardware is in secure zones.
All host should be on a private network that's invisible from the outside.
Put all servers in a DMZ, or a firewall from the outside and from the inside.
Security fencing to mark perimeter and set wireless range to this.Further Information
Get more info on 'Network Security'.
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