Network security is the process of protecting your computer networks from unauthorized access and use. This includes protecting your data, your devices, and your users.
A computer network is a system of two or more computers that are connected to each other to share resources. The computers can be connected by cables, or they can be connected wirelessly.
A LAN is a computer network that is confined to a relatively small area. A LAN can be as small as two computers in a home office or as large as thousands of computers in a corporate setting.
A MAN is a computer network that is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. A MAN can typically connect computers in a city or metropolitan area.
A WAN is a computer network that spans a large geographical area. A WAN can connect computers in different cities, states, or even countries.
What Types of Threats Does Network Security Prevent?
Network security prevents a variety of threats, including:
- Malware: Malicious software that can damage or disable computers and networks.
- Spyware: Software that surreptitiously gathers information about users without their knowledge or consent.
- Viruses: Self-replicating pieces of code that can damage or disable computers and networks.
- Trojans: Malicious programs that masquerade as legitimate software but actually perform harmful actions.
- Phishing: Fraudulent emails or websites that attempt to steal users’ personal information.
- Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: Attacks that flood a network or computer with so much traffic that it can’t function properly.
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Attacks in which an attacker intercepts and manipulates communications between two parties.
There is quite a number of vital network security elements a network manager should take care of, among them are:
- firewall
- IDS (Intrusion Detection System)
- IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)
- antivirus
- antispyware
- content filtering
- URL filtering
- application control
- password management
- directory services
- network access control
- remote access
- network monitoring
- network security policy
- network security assessment
Auditing network security
Auditing the security of your computer networks is an important step in protecting your data. By identifying and addressing any vulnerabilities in your network security, you can help to ensure that your systems and data are safe from unauthorized access or theft. There are a number of different factors that you should consider when auditing your network security. These include assessing the level of security protection that is currently in place, identifying any potential vulnerabilities, and taking steps to address any security concerns.
One of the most important steps in auditing your network security is to develop a security policy. This document will outline the specific security measures that your organization will take to protect its systems and data. It is important to ensure that all employees are familiar with the security policy and that they are aware of their responsibilities in regards to protecting the network.
Another key element of network security is regular monitoring. By monitoring your network for signs of intrusion or attack, you can quickly identify and address any security issues. You should also regularly audit your systems and data to ensure that they remain secure. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your computer networks are safe and secure.
Network Security Policy
A security policy is a set of rules that dictate how an organization’s computer systems should be protected from unauthorized access. Security policies may be specific to individual systems or may be organization-wide. They may be written down or simply understood by those who are responsible for implementing them.
Security policies typically include rules governing password strength, password management, user permissions, access controls, and system security. They may also include guidelines for reporting security incidents, responding to attacks, and maintaining security logs.
Security policies are an important part of an organization’s overall security strategy. They help to ensure that all systems are protected in a consistent and effective manner and that users are aware of the security risks associated with using the organization’s computer systems. It is important for employees to be familiar with the IT security policy and to follow it closely in order to protect the company’s systems and data.