A network is defined as any interlinking lines similar to a wed or net; therefore a computer network is basically a system of interconnected computers. Network security is a complex issue; one thought to be so hard and should only be undertaken by professionals. However this is not the case. As more people embrace technology, the need for basic understanding of network security by users escalates.
Network security is defined as any action intended to safeguard a network. The purpose of these actions is particularly to safeguard the dependability, usability, security and integrity of the network system and the information therein. An efficient network security aims at an array of threats and prevents them from going into and spreading in the system.
Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, Spywares and adware, Zero-day attacks also known as zero-hour attacks, Hacker attacks, Denial of service attacks, interception and theft of data, password attacks and Identity theft are some of the threats on a network. These threats, once they invade and spread in a network, will cause massive damage to any computer in that network. Most of these threats occur via the internet which is the biggest network of computers.
Network security seeks to eradicate or at least minimize these threats and their effects on the network. Although some threats like password attacks may not have direct solution or protective software, most of the other threats can be managed with protective software. Some of these softwares include; antivirus, spam and phishing filters, security suits, and Network Intrusion Prevention (NIP) systems.
A network security system is made up of many components which are basically divided into two main classes: hardware and software. Software must be regularly updated to ensure their effectiveness. The components of a network security system ideally work together to safeguard the network. This eases maintenance and perk up security of the network altogether.
So as to comprehend the importance of network security, we must first understand the possible threats to a network and the solutions to these threats. A virus can be defined as a program that has been loaded onto a computer and runs without the user’s knowledge. They cause massive damage to the computer and the data therein. If a virus has been downloaded onto one computer in a system it affects the whole network since it replicates itself and spreads across the entire network. Mostly, viruses are downloaded from the internet.
Another threat to a system is a worm. A worm is comparable to a virus, the only difference is that a worm can run on solely and does not require a host program like in the case of a virus which cannot run on its own and depends on a host program to run on. Another threat to a system is a Trojan horse. It is referred to as a program in which a malevolent or damaging code is enclosed within an apparently safe encoding or data in such a way that it can acquire control and do its intended harm. Similar to a virus and a worm, a Trojan horse, once installed on one computer in a network, will affect all the computers in that network.
Another threat to a network is a SPAM. This is the flooding of the Internet with numerous reproductions of an identical message, in an effort to induce the message on internet users who wouldn’t otherwise opt to accept it. A SPAM isn’t the greatest threat to a network since it doesn’t harm any physical rudiments of the network despite the fact that it is irritating and overflowing.
Phishing, another form of threat is an electronic mail scam technique where the architects of the fraud post legitimate-looking emails with the aim of gathering personal and financial data from recipient of such e-mails. Unfortunately phishing might be the most dangerous security threats on a system as most users linked up to the net are laypersons and would be highly susceptible to giving out data that might lead to identity theft or money theft.
A password attack is where hackers are able to find out passwords or unearth passwords to diverse protected electronic locations. Most systems on a network are protected by passwords and as a result, are easy to hack. Hackers then steal data from the system. This is the easiest means of acquiring confidential data since the hacker, after obtaining your password, can access your data account easily.
Zombie computers are also a major threat to a network. They are also identified as drones. This is a computer that has clandestinely been compromised by hacking apparatus that let a third party run the computer and its resources remotely A hacker could hack into and run a computer and acquire information remotely. Similarly a botnet is a chief security threat on a system. It is a described as many different Internet computers that have been put in place to pass on communication (including viruses and spam) to other processor on the internet, while their owners are oblivious of it. This is a key safety concern for a network since such networks could be performing as hubs that send malevolent files and data to other computers with no one’s knowledge.
Sharing computers is always a security concern. More than one person uses one computer to do their work. In this case, it is easy for someone to access another person’s data if that person did not logout after using the computer. Finally, the greatest and easiest way to breech network security is hardware loss or theft. Residual information remains is a lingering security threat to networks. A hardware thief can easily access crucial data from the stolen hardware which can lead to further criminal activity.
In light of the security threats mentioned above it is necessary for network managers and users to consider remedies to protect against such threats. Network security made up of three major forms of controls: administrative, physical, and technical. Administrative controls include security guidelines and supporting measures exercised to manage user conduct. These guidelines are useful where people share computers. Physical security control comprises locks, barriers and any other appliance used to stop anyone from gaining access to where network components are. This deals with the issue of hardware theft or loss.
Technical controls are devices and/or configurations put in place to safeguard data stored on or passing through the network. In most cases when we consider network security, we typically think intruders stealing our data or distracting computer services, even so, a good number of problems are brought about by employees’ actions, whether intentionally or unintentionally, therefore technical controls are intended to lock out unintended users from accessing crucial data while allowing the right users perform their duties competently. Perimeter controls are an significant segment of technical control that assist in keeping out unwanted network traffic and persons off your network.
Software applications such as: antivirus and antiworms, firewalls, SPAM and Trojan horse and phishing filters, strongly encrypting data and changing passwords often are other ways of protecting your network against these threats. Also, where computer sharing is common, people should always ensure that they in no way leave a computer unattended whilst they are signed in; they should, at all times, sign out fully. It is also important to clear the browsers cache, shun confidential communication, be cautious of spyware, and on no account save passwords.
After putting into place these security measures, a user will then reap the benefits of network security. These benefits are; the user is sheltered from interference, in case of a business, the company enjoys business continuity with no interruptions. It also helps the business meet obligatory regulatory conformity since it helps shield clients’ data from illegal access or theft thus reducing the perils of legal act.
Network security also improves communication by linking your computers and operating on uniform systems. This enables workers, suppliers and clients to share information and contract each other more conveniently. Information sharing helps make a business more competent. It also helps employees deliver superior quality of services since they are fully equipped with the necessary information. This will intern help portly a better image of the business. Ultimately, a better image of the organization translates to better profits and good customer relations.
With a good network security system in place, there is reduced errors improved reliability. This is facilitated by workers using a common source of data such that uniform editions of guidelines and directories can be availed, and data can be backed up from a central point. A good and secure network also ensures decreased outlay and improved competency by storing data in one central database and reforming operational practices. Workers are able to serve more clients simultaneously because all the data is in a single database; administration of the network is also easy since it is done in one place. In terms of cutting costs, Printers, external discs, internet access, scanners and other hardware can be shared.
In conclusion, with an increase in the number of people connecting to networks; the security threats that cause immense damage are escalating too. Network security is a key element of a system that requires to be managed since data is passing between computers and is highly susceptible to attack. Over a period of five years, network security managers have witnessed a considerable rise of hackers and criminals fashioning malevolent threats that have been siphoned into networks all over the globe.
Network Security is an extremely large field and being a Network Security manager is a difficult task. Such threats as password attacks have no prevention thus further making network security a handful. Most these threats are meant to acquire private data. None the less, networks allow sharing of common archive, databases and business application software over the network. Good communiqué between staff and clientele is vital for advancement of the business. Sharing data improves effectiveness of the business. Hence network security is a fundamental function that should be considered by all users.
Works Cited
Harrington, Jan L. Network Security: A Practical Approach. Califonia: Elsevier, 2005.
Joshi, James B. D. Network Security: Know It All. London: Morgan Kaufmann, 2008.
Kaufma, Charlie, Radia Perlman and Mike Speciner. Network security: private communication in a public world. New York: Prentice Hall PTR, 2002.
Maiwald, Eric. Network Security: A Beginner's Guide. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003.
