Network security measures for wired and wireless networks

Network Security

The practice of networking has reached new heights in both homes and the office environment. Networking solutions are often chosen because of the convenience that they provide.

Although networks a re a popular solution for many, there are some security concerns that must be addressed to ensure that users and the information available over the network remains safe and secure. The purpose of this discussion is to examine the network security measures that are available.

Security for networks

To ensure the security of networks there are several steps that can be taken. One of the first steps is network configuration. When configured correctly the data contained on a network can be kept rather secure and access to the network can be restricted. The configuration of a network actually takes place when the network is first created. A configuration that takes security into account may ask for a user name and a password to enter into the network or to gain access to sensitive information. However, this type of identification has been around for many years and many hackers and malicious users know how to evade such measure.

For this reason, some organizations have actually begun to use biometrics to identify users. Biometrics allows the organization to scan a user attempting to enter the network using certain physical characteristics that are unique. In most cases finger prints and Iris Scans are used (Stallings, 2006). Most organizations that use this type of advanced security transmit highly sensitive information over their networks.

This type of security measure guarantees that unauthorized persons will not have access to the network or the sensitive information that is contained on the network.

Wire-based or Ethernet networks have been utilized for many years and is still one of the most popular solutions for networking. In addition wireless networking solutions are also gaining in popularity. There are certain security measures that can be taken to ensure security for either a wire-based or wireless network.

One of the first lines of defense actually lies in the hardware. In most cases hardware such as hubs comes equipped with firewalls. Firewalls are systems

That secure a network, shielding it from access by unauthorized users. Firewalls can be implemented in software, hardware or a combination of both. In addition to preventing unrestricted access into a network, a firewall can also restrict data from flowing out of a network (Intel Glossary)."

Firewalls are a vitally important to protecting any network because they do not allow unauthorized users to gain access to the network. Although firewalls provide a great deal of protection, they can be cracked by hackers or intruded upon because of holes in the firewall software. For this reason there must be other security devices in place.

Additionally security devices may include such things as virus scan software, anti-malware software and anti-adware software. The aforementioned software devices can scan an individual computer or an entire network to detect viruses, worms malware and adware that may be harmful to the network by slowing down the network or destroying the ability of the network to function at all (Stallings, 2006). Such software must be updated often to ensure that the latest virus definitions are present. When virus definitions are changed but the software is not updated, the network will not be protected from new viruses, worms or any other malicious threat.

In addition to threats that came from outside of a business or organization, there are also inside threats that can occur. In some cases, employees have done malicious things and accessed their office networks and downloaded sensitive information. For instance, there have been several incidences of employees stealing credit card numbers and other sensitive information from their places of employment. The stolen information is often used by the employee to commit identity theft. In addition, in some cases the employees will sell the information to a third party.

To combat this issue security checks should be done on employees that will have access to the network, particularly if the network contains sensitive information. In addition some type of encryption software that conceals credit card numbers may be necessary. This type of software can be used to prevent both inside and outside attacks on the network.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to examine the network security measures that are available. The research found that the proper configuration provides the first line of defense as it relates to securing a network.

In addition, firewalls serve an essential role in securing networks against outside intrusions. The research also indicates that anti-virus software, encryption software and biometrics allow organizations to secure networks in a more comprehensive manner. There are also specific strategies and technologies that should be considered if an organization chooses to use a wireless network.