What is network security?
Network Security includes all the actions that businesses, institutions, and organizations take up on to protect their network, by protecting a network, companies can protect their assets, values, and ongoing operations. A secure network means that a hacker or competitor may not or have difficulties getting critical or sensitive data. A network is well secure when a user has to go through many layers before gaining access to the specified network. So, the more secure layers you have, the more secure the network is.
Why network security is so important?
Network security is a very serious topic. A computer network is probably the most significant system that is running within your home or company. A network is responsible for almost everything that the computer does such as email, web browsing, sharing files, sharing printers, etc. So if your computer network is down by any means, you or an entire company is greatly inconvenienced.
There are numerous amount of security issues that may cause a network to be down. Two of which is, (1) an attack on a personal computer. Example, a computer may be infected with viruses or spyware. (2) real time attack on the servers. Since the servers are responsible for many important functions on the network such as receiving or sending emails, or storing sensitive information about a you or a company, the penalty would be damaging if the servers have been tampered with.
Network security measures
Since this topic is so serious, we have provided a short list of security measures to think about when you’re installing a Local Area Network (LAN).
Be on the lookout for bugs: A lot of computer viruses are just plain annoying, but do remember that it only takes one malicious virus to crash a network. Buy or download dependable antivirus software, keep them up-to-date and think about other security measures that may help.
Use physical security: This may include keeping your server in a looked room, removing disk drives from workstations that is not in use, and installing alarm systems where necessary. Remember, there is absolutely no security software program out that can protect you from someone breaking in and steal sensitive information.
Stay on top of network security changes: Staying on top of these changes can lower the vulnerability of your LAN. Always try to keep your operating system up-to-date with latest bug fixes and security patches. Frequently use security test to check your network for security holes and possible break-ins. Also for companies, be sure to block access or remove users accounts right after they leave your company.
Use secure passwords: Stay away from passwords that contain dictionary words or personal information. Also avoid giving users the option to change their passwords regularly. A poorly generated password can compromise a whole network.
Use a firewall: A firewall can filter through both incoming and outgoing traffic. There are software firewalls like ZoneAlarm that will protect your network against malicious programs called Trojan horses, which can allow intruders to enter and take control of your computer.
Overall, an effective network security programs involves hardware and software security, as well as programs to educate users. Users should be taught so that they will know what to do. A firewall can only block a few websites, but it is totally up to the user to take precautions when browsing the web.
Passwords are what you use to gain access to your computer or personal information that you’ve saved on it and in your online accounts. If attackers should get a hold of such information, they can use your name to open new credit card accounts, apply for a mortgage, or pretend to be you in online transactions.
Every time you logon to a system, you must be able to show that you are who you say you are. If an attacker or someone else gets a hold of your password, he or she will have full access to any information link to that password. This could involves accessing your files, your email, your student or financial records, payroll and more. Password security is a serious issue. If a password is not properly secure, it can easily wreak havoc in your life if you become a victim of Identity Theft.
Password security is one that not only affects individual users but users on networks on the internet as well. If an attacker has the right tools and education he or she can gain access and control other computers and systems on the same network and take information about local users logging on to those machines.
Finally, it does not take a highly skilled hacker to take control of a computer on which he or she has an account. A majority of these tools used to gain access are downloadable from the internet which require a little or no knowledge of how they work.
PCTopSecurity.com is designed to help people like you, improve the security of your computer. The information we provide, is to help you understand “computer Security”, the types of threats that affects computers, the symptoms of a computer threat and the security measures use to prevent computer attacks.
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