| It is no secret that there are computer hackers out | | | | suffice if they contain a virus scanner to scan for |
| there and any information on our computer systems is | | | | malicious software. |
| susceptible to attack. Ensuring confidentiality of | | | | * When using a wireless connection, use a robust |
| sensitive information is critical to any organization. Any | | | | password. |
| compromise of information about your business, | | | | Medium businesses |
| customers, employees or partners could lead to very | | | | * A fairly strong firewall |
| costly consequences. | | | | * A strong Antivirus software and Internet Security |
| Various technologies have been implemented to | | | | Software. |
| protect our computers and when choosing the right | | | | * For authentication, use strong passwords and |
| security, one can feel protected. But how much do you | | | | change them on a bi-weekly/monthly basis. |
| know about network security and how to protect your | | | | * When using a wireless connection, use a robust |
| information? | | | | password. |
| As critical as it is to protect information, industry | | | | * Raise awareness about physical security to |
| solutions still remain a bit behind the times. Rare are | | | | employees. |
| solutions that can be applied across an entire IT | | | | * Use an optional network analyzer or network |
| infrastructure, helping to secure both infrastructure and | | | | monitor. |
| business applications. Many solutions are limited to | | | | Large businesses |
| detecting an anomaly versus preventing it from | | | | * A strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted |
| happening in the first place. | | | | people out. |
| An effective security strategy requires a holistic | | | | * A strong Antivirus software and Internet Security |
| approach based on a framework that extends across | | | | Software. |
| applications, middleware and data stores. | | | | * For authentication, use strong passwords and |
| Network security starts from authenticating any user, | | | | change them on weekly/bi-weekly basis. |
| most likely with a username and a password. Once | | | | * When using a wireless connection, use a robust |
| authenticated, authorization enforces which resources | | | | password. |
| this user has access to across the enterprise system. | | | | * Exercise physical security precautions by employees. |
| Though effective to prevent unauthorizedaccess, this | | | | * Prepare a network analyzer or network monitor and |
| component fails to check potentially harmful contents | | | | use it when needed. |
| such as computer worms being transmitted over the | | | | * Implement physical security management like closed |
| network. An intrusion prevention system (IPS) helps | | | | circuit television for entry areas and restricted zones. |
| detect and prevent such malware. IPS also monitors | | | | * Use security fencing to mark the company's |
| network traffic for suspicious content, volume, and | | | | perimeter. |
| anomalies to protect the network from attacks such | | | | * Provide fire extinguishers for fire-sensitive areas like |
| as denial of service. | | | | serve rooms and security rooms. |
| With a large company, managing security policies for | | | | * Hire security guards to help to maximize security. |
| thousands of users across hundreds of applications | | | | Government |
| can be a daunting task. Using automated user | | | | * A strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted |
| provisioning and de-provisioning, and self-service user | | | | people out. |
| functions such as password resets and delegated | | | | * A strong Antivirus software and Internet Security |
| administration, dramatically reduces costs and | | | | Software. |
| improves security. Various sized businesses, from a | | | | * Strong encryption, usually with a 256 bit key. |
| home business to a large government operation will | | | | * Whitelist authorized wireless connection, block all else. |
| each have their own unique challenges. Depending on | | | | * All network hardware is in secure zones. |
| who you are, your system will have to be tailored to | | | | * All hosts should be on a private network that is |
| your needs. Below are just a few quick examples of | | | | invisible from the outside. |
| what you should look for within your system. | | | | * Put all servers in a DMZ, or a firewall from the |
| Small homes | | | | outside and from the inside. |
| * A basic firewall. | | | | * Security fencing to mark perimeter and set wireless |
| * A basic Antivirus software like Norton AntiVirus, | | | | range to stay within the perimeter. |
| AVG Anti-Virus or Windows Defender. Others may | | | | |