Introduction to Is Your Network Secure
Most of us probably recall a serious data network breach recently, and those violations were against large companies where we expect to deploy the latest network security measures.
The problem is that every company, big or small, receives advice on securing its network, but I am afraid to say that a good number of security policies are not always implemented as you would expect.
Why were the full security policies not implemented? This can be a matter of cost, the inability of IT personnel to recognize the risk, and sometimes the outright decency as the company believes that since its network has not experienced a serious security breach, it will never do so Will do.
Network threats come in many shapes and sizes:
Virus
A computer virus falls under the heading of malware, as a virus integrates with another program and is usually able to replicate itself so that it can spread from one computer system to another.
The effects of computer viruses can vary from somewhat annoying symptoms to corruption or removal of data from an infected computer system.
There is usually an executable file attached to a virus that often requires the user to execute that file. It is a well-documented fact that viruses are often introduced into the system by email, transferring files from disk, or sharing files over a network. Worms and Trojans can often be classified as viruses.
Adware
As the name suggests, the software is software designed to redirect a user’s browser to a website displaying an advertisement on a user’s computer or to a website advertising. Some adware programs are designed to collect data about the user’s system, often with no clue for the user.
Adware is often offered in some form or the other in computer systems, through free or shared computer software (free and trial software), or through the use of websites infected with adware.
Sometimes you notice that your browser has already been hacked and everything you do is intended to take down a particular webpage. The good thing is that adware can be removed quite easily, but it can still be a nuisance.
DOS (Denial of Service)
As is clear in its name, the purpose of DoS is to seriously stop or shut down a network service or network itself. This is often accomplished by flooding the target device with fake requests so that no action is taken on the actual requests, rendering the service useless.
Web servers or email servers are often the victims, especially those run by large businesses. There are several known DoS attacks:
SYN attacks exploit a 3-way handshake that precedes a TCP connection by sending a request to connect but never completes that connection.
Eventually, all TCP ports used for the service are in use and the original user cannot make a connection to the server.
ICMP works by flooding networks with ping packets that require responses, thus utilizing valuable network resources and ultimately destroying these services.
Buffer overflow attacks target specific network hardware or software with excessive traffic, causing the system to completely freeze or shut down under heavy traffic.
Another DoS abuse vulnerability that makes the target system or service to crash. In those attacks, the input is assigned that takes advantage of flaws in the target that later break or seriously destabilize the system behind access or use.
An especially efficient DoS attack is one that is distributed, meaning that the system is struck by various devices in various locations, thus enhancing the attack capability.
Hackers
Hackers exploit vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities in computer networks or systems. The motives behind hacking are many and varied, the most common of which is theft or endangering organization information, embarrassing an organization, or compromising a system to stand out among peer hackers.
Identity theft
A computer system can be hacked to obtain sensitive information such as user, name, date of birth, and address. Identity theft can then be used as the basis for fraudulent activity:
- Open a bank account
- Requesting goods on behalf of another person
- Accessing or carrying a real bank account
- Obtaining a passport or other identification document, such as a driver’s license.
- Obtaining a loan or loan agreement
Identity theft often makes life miserable for intended victims because they may notice desired goods in their name, leading to the accumulation of loans in the name that can affect credit scores and personalize them like mortgages Unable to obtain a loan.
Attack on zero-day
The purpose of this type of attack is to exploit a vulnerability in a system or program when this vulnerability is declared. Often referred to as zero-hour vulnerability.
Network security should be implemented by using and monitoring multiple layers so that you can understand the types of attacks and whether certain layers of security have been breached.
We all know that firewalls and antivirus systems are also most applicable to home computers. Some firewalls are implemented in software, specifically for end-user devices such as computers and tablets, but corporate firewalls are typically programmable devices and include IDS (intrusion detection systems) and IPS (intrusion protection System) may also be included.
It is also helpful for integrating VPNs (virtual private networking), which is particularly important when using public networks as a means of remote access.
VPNs must use industry-standard authentication, a secure encryption key, and the same encryption standard.
Businesses should implement multiple levels of security to ensure sensitive company information and also protect against external attacks that may make the network unusable by DoS.
However, most DoS attacks target large organizations where the impact can have maximum impact. If the company transacts with customers and partners, the importance of good network security is even more important, especially if sensitive customer information is stored anywhere within the network.
Modern networks are complex and the main goal of network security is to provide access to authorized users and ensure that unauthorized users are denied access.
This may sound simple, but with so many means of network access, implementing a security policy can be a difficult task. If you have wireless users in your network, this requires additional security measures.
VoIP has weaknesses that must be taken into consideration and partners and partners may require some limited access to your network. These connections must be verified and authorized.
The organization must conduct regular network security audits to be able to identify new vulnerabilities. And when new weaknesses appear, deal with them quickly.
Don’t think, well, we had no success in this area, so he could wait a while. I am sure I am correct in stating that some of those companies suffering from data theft who already knew that customer data were affected had some security holes, but due to financial constraints or simply not experiencing real risk Due to obtaining action on audit reports they failed. Safety or recommendation from internal or external sources. I bet some people want them to act soon!!
The bottom line is that network security is a must, and regular security audits are essential if you value your business.
For further information, you can also contact your local IT support company that specializes in network security Indianapolis.
