| A network is two or more computers linked together | | | | "patch" their programs and software to prevent the |
| in order to share data. From a security standpoint, the | | | | exploitation of that vulnerability. Without these patches, |
| problem with networks is that unauthorized individuals | | | | the software and programs on your computer remain |
| might also be able to access that data. Network | | | | vulnerable. |
| security is a term that encompasses your overall | | | | Network security also depends on common sense. |
| system for keeping your network as impenetrable as | | | | Weak passwords can cause big problems, but are |
| possible, be it hardware, software, or company policies. | | | | easily avoided. Never use easy-to-guess passwords |
| Whether your network consists of two computers or | | | | like your last name, phone number, or birth date. |
| two hundred computers, there are certain basic | | | | Always use a combination of letters and numbers. |
| security measures you should have in place. Most of | | | | Your best bet is to avoid real words altogether and |
| these measures aren't complicated or expensive, and | | | | use a string of numbers and letters that stand for a |
| they don't require any particular expertise in networking | | | | saying or phrase you can easily remember. |
| or computer security. | | | | Another common sense security measure is to delete |
| One of the most basic steps for securing your | | | | suspicious-looking email. More importantly, never open |
| network is to have anti-virus software in place. | | | | or download an attachment from an email address |
| Anti-virus software periodically sweeps your computer | | | | you don't recognize. Doing so could be inviting a virus |
| looking for known viruses. You can also choose to run | | | | right into your computer. When in doubt, follow this |
| a anti-virus test at any time. Once run, the software | | | | simple rule: delete without opening. |
| generates a report that lists the viruses detected. You | | | | If your business, you should also put in place security |
| are then able to select which, if any, of the viruses | | | | policies to govern the behavior of authorized users. |
| detected you want quarantined and removed. It's more | | | | Even authorized users can pose a serious security |
| important that you keep your software up to date | | | | risk, sometimes without realizing it. For instance, "I love |
| because new viruses are created and released every | | | | to dance, I love to sing" could be "1L2D1L2S," with the |
| day. | | | | number 1 replacing the letter I. |
| Next, make sure you have a firewall in place. A firewall | | | | Here are a few elements of a solid network security |
| is like a gatekeeper. It's a hardware/software | | | | policy: |
| combination that allows you to decide what goes in | | | | • Require your employees to change their |
| and out of your network. You determine the "trust | | | | passwords every 3 months. |
| level" to which your firewall is set. The trust level | | | | • Do not allow employees to post their |
| dictates which network connections will be | | | | passwords on their desk or cubicle |
| automatically allowed and which will require specific | | | | • Immediately terminate a departing |
| permission. Firewalls come with a "default" setting | | | | employee's access to your network. |
| which is unlikely to be stringent enough to meet your | | | | • Operate on the computer network |
| security needs. For optimum security, you should | | | | equivalent to the "need to know" basis. Only allow an |
| always manually set the trust settings to a higher | | | | employee access to the programs and data that are |
| degree of scrutiny. | | | | essential to his or her job. |
| Firewalls and anti-virus software are essential for | | | | • Put all of your security guidelines down in |
| another very important reason: they help protect your | | | | writing, and post them where all of your employees |
| system from adware and spyware. Adware and | | | | can see them. |
| spyware range from annoying to very dangerous. | | | | You want your network security policy to be tight, but |
| Adware slows down your system, and generates | | | | not completely rigid. That is, if a given security measure |
| irritating pop-up ads that interfere with your work. | | | | is proving to be unworkable or a serious inconvenience, |
| Spyware is much more serious. It tracks your | | | | be willing to adjust. You can often achieve the same |
| computer usage habits, and basically opens up a door | | | | result through different means. |
| to your network that allows hackers to penetrate your | | | | Last, but certainly not least, review your network |
| system without your knowing it. | | | | security on a regular basis. A network that's secure |
| Another simple measure is to regularly download | | | | today may not be secure a few months down the |
| patches for your software. Computer programs are | | | | road. Hackers are smart and are constantly |
| tested for vulnerabilities and possible exploits before | | | | developing ways to bypass security measures. Be |
| they are distributed to the public. However, it's | | | | smarter than the hackers by staying on the cutting |
| impossible to detect every single vulnerability in | | | | edge of network security technology. |
| advance. As new exploits are discovered, companies | | | | |