Network Security

Network security concepts

Network security starts from authenticating any user, commonly (one factor authentication) with a username and a password (something you know). 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 stateful firewall enforces access policies such as what services are allowed to be accessed by the network users.[1] Though effective to prevent unauthorized access, this component fails to check potentially harmful content such as computer worms being transmitted over the network. An intrusion prevention system (IPS)[2] helps detect and prevent such malware. IPS also monitors for suspicious network traffic for content, 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.[3]

A useful summary of standard concepts and methods in network security is given by [4] in the form of an extensible ontology of network security attacks.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Small homes

* A basic firewall or a unified threat management system.
* For Windows users, basic Antivirus software like McAfee, Norton AntiVirus or AVG Antivirus. An anti-spyware program such as Windows Defender or Spybot would also be a good idea. There are many other types of antivirus or antispyware programs out there to be considered.
* When using a wireless connection, use a robust password. Also try and use the strongest security supported by your wireless devices, such as WPA or WPA2.
* Raise awareness about information security to children.[5]