Network Security is a specialized field in computer networking which involves securing a computer network infrastructure and is typically handled by a network administrator or system administrator who implements the security policy.
The network software and hardware protect the resources from being accessed through the network via unauthorized access. It also ensures that employees have adequate access to the network and resources to work. This system typically relies on layers of protection and consists of multiple components including networking monitoring and security software in addition to hardware and appliances, wherein all components work together in order to increase the overall computer security.
Three types of fundamental weaknesses open the door to security problems
Technology weakness – Every technology features known or unknown inherent weaknesses, or vulnerabilities that can be exploited by a hacker. Some weaknesses are publicized widely in the media because they’re associated with a well-known product. The inherent risks in the environment get reduced by the working together of many vendors to deliver security best practices and security services.
Policy weakness – Lack of policies lead to security threats to the network system. Implementation of a written security policyis the essential foundation of a good securityimplementation
Configuration weakness – Many network devices have default settings that emphasize performance or ease of installation without regard for security issues. These could in turn be created into serious potential problems by installing without adequate attention to correcting these settings.
Security management
Security management for networks is different for all kinds of situations. A home or small office may only require basic security while large businesses may 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).
- 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.
- For Windows users, Have multiple accounts per family member and use non-administrative accounts for day-to-day activities.
- Disable the guest account
- 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.
- Use a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, to communicate between a main office and satellite offices using the Internet as a connectivity medium. A VPN offers a solution to the expense of leasing a data line while providing a secure network for the offices to communicate. A VPN provides the business with a way to communicate between two in a way mimics a private leased line. Although the Internet is used, it is private because the link is encrypted and convenient to use. A medium sized business needing a secure way to connect several offices will find this a good choice.
- Clear employee guidelines should be implemented for using the Internet, including access to non-work related websites, sending and receiving information.
- Individual accounts to log on and access company intranet and Internet with monitoring for accountability.
- Have a back-up policy to recover data in the event of a hardware failure or a security breach that changes, damages or deletes data.
- Assign several employees to monitor a group like CERT which studies Internet security vulnerabilities and develops training to help improve security.
Large businesses
- A strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted people out.
- A strong Antivirus software package and Internet Security Software package.
- 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.
School
- An adjustable firewall and proxy to allow authorized users access from the outside and inside.
- Strong Antivirus software and Internet Security Software packages.
- Wireless connections that lead to firewalls.
- Children's Internet Protection Act compliance. (Only schools in the USA)
- Supervision of network to guarantee updates and changes based on popular site usage.
- Constant supervision by teachers, librarians, and administrators to guarantee protection against attacks by both internet and sneakernet sources.
- An enforceable and easy to understand acceptable use policy which differentiates between school owned and personally owned devices
- FERPA compliance for institutes of higher education
Large government
- A strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted people out.
- Strong antivirus software and Internet Security Software suites.
- Strong encryption.
- Whitelist authorized wireless connection, block all else.
- All network hardware is in secure zones.
- All hosts should be on a private network that is invisible from the outside.
- Host web 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.
- Inventory controls of government owned mobile .
