NETWORK SECURITY

NETWORK SECURITY

ABSTRACT

In today’s world it’s impractical — if not impossible — to isolate your network. Networks are interconnected and usually feature a full-time connection to the Internet, which can be a danger-ous place. Although the vast majority of Internet users are honest and benign, there are a few who, motivated by greed or maliciousness, will attempt to directly or indirectly hurt you or your network. They can destroy your operating system, damage data, steal information, overwhelm Web sites, and clog e-mail servers. Even if your network isn’t connected to the Internet or other networks, it’s still vulnerable to attacks transported by diskettes or CDs, or from individuals with access to your network.
Attacks are surprisingly common. Virus or worm outbreaks large enough to make the news happen nearly every week and many, many more go unreported except at the Web sites of anti-virus software vendors. Corporate firewalls routinely log thousands of probes by hackers every day.
This paper will gives a basic understanding of security threats and gives an overview of how to defend your network. It will not make specific recommendations as to what your security policy should be. Every network in every organization has different security needs, and security strategies must be adapted to each specific situation.