A network is a system that allows a number of computers to be interconnected. In other words, we can also say that a network is a mode of access between distant places for the data to flow easily to and from one computer to another. It helps people stay connected around the world.
During the process of sending and receiving data there are risks of files being hacked. Therefore, in order to protect such attempts by hackers, network security is essential. The main purpose of setting up network security is to avoid the misuse or unauthorized access to the network or its component parts. Networks are large and small in size but for network security, size is not an issue. So for a network to be protected against inevitable losses, it is important to secure it with strict policies, which can only be done through network security.
Why is Network Security Important?
Network security is very important to protect confidential documents against misuse of the system. There are a number of drawbacks that can arise if network security is not launched properly, some of which include:
1. Violation of Confidentiality: Every business has some information that is required to be kept confidential from other competitors and even from their own employees.
2. Damaging Data: Data is an important and valuable asset for any company or sole proprietor as it is the core of what your information is based on. Therefore backup scripts are also set for the data to be stored on other available media. If the data is damaged by any means, then the victim will face severe loss and can cripple the business severely.
3. Manipulation of Data: When data is hacked, the hacker often leaves behind a token of accomplishment which shows how easily your network can be accessed without proper network security. Even riskier than all this is the manipulation of data in which the data is changed with another type. For example if your data is built up with values and numbers then they can be changed and the result gets devastating when reconciled and all the hard work is lost or destroyed.
Apart from the disadvantages mentioned above, there are many more potential threats that can cripple a system.
Various Kinds of Network Security Threats
Network securities are threatened by two categories: resource attacks and logic attacks. Logic attacks are strategies used to break in with system security codes and crash the software’s vulnerabilities or access by an unauthorized individual. Whereas, resource attacks, was considered to be a very common attack in the 90′s. It was done was by flooding the server with multiple requests, so that it becomes difficult for the server to manage. Some of these resource attacks include, malware which caused the network to become even more exposed to danger or defenseless.
Process of Applying a Network Security
A four step process will help guide you if you are thinking about implementing network security:
1. Security: Make sure that your network is equipped with software that is guarded by secure authentication and strict policies for authorization.
2. Observe: A constant monitor of the activities taking place on the network should be observed and safeguarded. Proper tools can help diminish the risks.
3. Testing: A constant testing of the network system should be done to check your security access and defenses by getting it attacked by a trusted agency or security testing instrument. This will give you a fair idea about the system’s defenses and improvements can be made if required.
4. Improve: After going through all these phases, improvements should be noted on a regular basis and implemented on your network for better safety.
For further information about more advanced security measures, please visit: http://www.ixiacom.com
Ali Bitazar is Computer Security Expert
Article from articlesbase.com
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