Network Security

Network Security

1. Reasons for Network Security

   • Ensures only authorised users can access certain files and resouces
   • Prevents misuse e.g. deleting information or installing data
   • Prevents damage to hardware

2. Importance of Network Security

   • Business may fail if the data is compromised
   • Privacy e.g. medical records
   • Data can be financially valuable

3. Authentication and Validation

   • Authentication is used to ensure that the person logging on is who they claim to be
   • This is done by the use of usernames and passwords
   • Strong passwords should include at least 8 characters and a variety of upper-case, lower-case, numbers, symbols

4. Access control

   • Used to allow certain users to access certain files and data

5. Physical Security

   • This is used a first line of defence; stopping unauthorised people from entering the building where the network equipment is
   • Examples include locks, biometric security recognition, swipe cards, cameras, alarms, radio frequency identification (an alarm will sound if the equipment is taken out of the building)

6. Firewalls

   • A firewall protects a network connected to a WAN e.g. the Internet
   • It can be provided by hardware or software
   • Firewalls can be made to prevent communications entering the network but can also prevent programs and users from accessing the internet from within the network