What is Network Security? Simplified Definition
January 30, 2012 | 
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First of all, what is a network?
The network we refer to here is the computer network, which has so many definitions from too many sources whether on the internet or elsewhere. Simply put, a network is the inter-connection of cables and other communications media, connectivity equipment such as switches and routers, electronic devices such as computers, printers, scanners, plotters, etc., for the purpose of sharing data and resources.
Whoa! Now, that doesn’t sound simple at all, does it? Alright, let’s give it a second try…
A Network is the inter-connection of communications media, connectivity equipment, and electronic devices for the purpose of sharing data and resources.
Now, that wasn’t too hard, was it? And here’s the second question…
What is Security?
This one is easy, as the word security means safety or safekeeping, protection or well-being.
So simply put, Network Security refers to any undertaking designed to protect the network.
Why do we have to protect or “Secure” the network?
We need to protect the network because there are constant threats against the “resources” we share in the network. These could be valuable information or data about our employees and clients, or more importantly about our products or businesses. Most of these threats come in the form of:
* Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses
* Spyware and adware
* Zero-day attacks, also called zero-hour attacks
* Hacker attacks
* Denial of service attacks
* Data interception and theft
* Identity theft
In order for us to fully understand what “Network Security Solution” is all about, we must also understand how Network Security works. Because there are a variety of threats, there is no single solution. We need multiple layers of security, so that if one fails, the attacker would have to deal with the next layer.
Network Security Systems are usually composed of many components of both software and hardware which are designed to work together to improve security and minimize maintenance. The software must be relentlessly updated to prevent from new threats.
These components include:
* Anti-virus and anti-spyware
* Firewall, to block unauthorized access to your network
* Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), to detect and block attacks
* Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), to provide secure remote access
5 Important Tips for Computer Security
Just about everyone using computers these days can turn them on, browse the web, check email, and run a word processing program. The problem is that while computers are easy to use, those who have no knowledge of computer crime issues have a very difficult time comprehending the reasons why it is important to make sure their computers are safe and secure. If you don’t want to find yourself calling your Delaware computer repair guy for help with a virus or security breach, consider implementing some of these tips and tricks.
Update Your Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is great. There are tons of great programs to choose from and they’ll automatically scan your PC for viruses, malware, and more. The problem is that antivirus programs aren’t permanent set-and-go solutions. The internet evolves quickly and if you don’t update your antivirus software regularly you’ll be susceptible to some of the newest internet viruses and crimes out there.
Lock Your Computer
Your computer is your private space. Everyone walking into your home or office should not have access to your personal information. Get into the habit of locking your computer each and every time you walk away, even if you’re just running out to the bathroom. Computer security breaches can happen in mere minutes. Entering a password to log back in will only take seconds and you’ll instantly be back to work.
Avoid Strange Email Links
Be cautious when you receive emails from companies asking for your personal information, even if they look legitimate. Hackers will create email addresses that appear similar to those used by formal organizations but are just slightly different. They’ll send you to website pages that appear to be the log-in pages for the sites you’re used to. By the time you enter your information and realize you’re in the wrong place, you will have given away your user names and passwords. Never use links in emails to log-in pages if you can avoid doing so.
Update Your PC’s Security
You likely receive regular emails from Microsoft letting you know that the newest security patches have been developed. Don’t ignore these emails or pop-up messages. They’re designed to instantly correct security breaches that the platform developers identify. Ignoring these emails and failing to make updates will leave your computer vulnerable as well. Not getting notifications? Go do the Windows Update Center and search for them yourself.
Choose Strong Passwords
According to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, attackers have access to a number of programs that allow them to figure out your computer passwords. The more complex your password, the more work it will be for them to figure out, and the more likely they’ll give up and move on to something easier. Choose longer passwords with numbers, spaces, special characters, and a combination of both upper and lower case letters.
Use care and caution when using your computer. Every time you log onto the internet you are opening yourself up to potential security breaches. If you’re not careful, you’ll be the next person calling your Delaware computer repair technician for help getting things back to normal – if it’s even possible!
Posted in security for computer | 
Tags: Computer Crime Issues, Software Antivirus, User Names | 
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Network Security – The Risks of Having an Unsecured Network
One of the reasons why it is necessary to make sure that your network is fully secured is to ensure that it cannot be hacked or any of your information passed on to third parties; this is primarily because extremely important information will invariably be passed from one computer to another computer, within the network during a working day. If the network is not secure at the logical as well as the physical level, one is definitely not going to know that important information is being funnelled through channels up on the Internet to possibly your rivals as well as your competition.
That is the reason a good network security company is going to make sure that every single security tool and other necessary features, such as firewalls, are in place. Fundamentally, the primary reason for doing all of this is quite simply to protect your hardware as well as the data to the best of your ability. The way in which this is carried out, including the methods and tools is all very much dependent on the network that you have and what your business requirements are.
An unsecured network on which internal management as well as external penetration and hacking tests have not been done are definitely a security hazard for any company out there. That is the reason why a company’s key assets need to be protected in the strictest manner possible.
One of the most biggest risks about having an unsecured network is that the moment you go online on an http:// (including intranet) connection, there is a chance of every sort of vital information being transferred from your computer. In the same manner important information can be downloaded straight from your different hard drives, just because some other computer has managed to bypass your security measures. That is one of the more risky aspects of working on a computer on an unsecured network.
If your company has a number of computers that are connected to each other through a faulty and unsecured network, it isn’t every single business transaction between them easily accessed by anybody connected to that is at risk from hacking. Private information including credit card information and any other data, which you may have stored in your computer system is also obtainable to unscrupulous information thieves and hackers out there if given the opportunity. That is the reason why it is necessary to look for a company which can give you exceptional security measures including extremely efficient firewalls so that there is absolutely no question of any sort of information being transferred to computers outside the network.
If you find yourself upon an unsecured network, you should be particularly wary when exchanging any personal information and sending anything online. In the same manner, it is always a good strategy to make sure that you disconnect the link when you are not using it, especially when you do not know whether the network is secure or not. This goes a long way in keeping your computer and network safe from unwanted access from external parties.