Network Security Essay

Since the last two decades in that respect has been an overwhelming increase in the number of organizations that rely on info communication mesh topologys for their daily problem communications, resource sharing, database information retrieval so on and so forth. Previously most computers were centralized and managed in data centres. Computers were kept in locked rooms and links outside a site were unusual. Computer security threats were r atomic number 18, and were basically concerned with insiders. These threats were easily at a lower placestood and standard techniques were used to deal them.The scenario has changed and now systems are connected to the Internet. The Internet is a intercommunicate of networks and has no boundaries whatsoever. The Internet provides these organizations with a world of business opportunities. Information on the Internet can be accessed from bothwhere in the world, unfortunately it has also allowed for the proliferation of malicious informatio n. It does not take long for an unspoiled programmer to break into a system. The value of the data stored on most organizations networks and the value provided by the exertion systems in use far exceeds the cost of the networks themselves.Network security has become of the most important issues for these business organizations and aims at protecting the organizations data and application software. What is Network? A network has been defined as whatsoever set of interlinking lines resembling a net, a network of roads an interconnected system, a network of alliances. This comment suits our purpose well a computer network is simply a system of interconnected computers and peripherals. basically there are three basic hardware components of a data communication network. ServerThe emcee or the host computer houses all the data and the software that is to be accessed by the clients. lymph gland A client can be referred to as an input/output hardware device that lies at the an ano ther(prenominal)(prenominal) end of the communication circuit. It enables the drug user to have an access to the network and the data and software on the server. electrical circuit The circuit is the route or the medium through which the message travels. Nowadays the fibre optic line of credit and wireless transmission are becoming increasingly common. A peer-to-peer network lacks a central server. in that respect is a set of computers, which are linked together by a cable. Each computer is an equal, or peer, of the others, and has the ability to share the files and peripherals of other computers that are connected to the network. This type of network is essentially designed for a very limited number of users (five or less) in a business organisation. Some of the benefits of a peer-to-peer network are low-cost and easy-to-install solution. If anyone of the user turns of its workstation the other users are not able to access this particular users information and peripherals.Furthe rmore, accessing data and applications from another persons workstation can cause performance problems for that user. Client/Server Networks Client/server networks are a lot more than peer-to-peer networks. The presence of a utilize server in the network ensures that the users are able to access information and share peripherals without being open upon other user(s)systems. in that respect is room for installing a tape backup that enables the users to back up data on both the server and all workstations.Client/server networks are primarily used when there is a constant need to access large files and applications or when peripherals have to share between a numbers of users. Thin-Client Computing Thin-client (server-based) enables centralized application deployment and management on a server. Because of this technology system updates and tutelage can be done on an enterprise-wide level instead of on a physical desktop-to-desktop basis. This not only enhances the productivity and e fficiency of both end users and system administrators, but also lowers the total cost incurred.http//www. premiopc. com/networking/types/default. html Need of Security over Business Networks There are certain things in any business, which must be kept, confidential and secure. With the use of computers, everything is now on PC and PCs when connected to each other become vulnerable to many threats. The most common threats discussed below Business Network Threats and Their Effects There are essentially two kinds of network threats that business organizations have to guard against DisruptionsDisruptions can be referred to as loss or reduction in network service. For instance a network switch might start malfunctioning leading to a breakdown of a part of the network. Although the part that has not been change will be functioning perfectly, but the organization will have to replace immediately other there would be a loss in employee productivity. For example finance manager failing to see the information regarding the upcoming project. A computer virus could also lead to disruptions. For instance, an employee opens an email from an unknown sender.A virus could prove to be very fatal and may result in loss of valuable cartridge clip on part of the employees(s). Natural calamities can also lead to disruptions. Fires, flood and earthquakes are common examples. It is satisfactory idea not to have company headquarters in areas that are vulnerable to such calamities. unaccredited Access Unauthorised access is basically gaining access to organizational data files and resources, which you are not supposed(p) to have an access to. Common term used for such offenders is hackers.Unfortunately in most of the cases the hackers are organizations own employees and can do a significant amount of damage to the organization if that valuable contribution of information is leaked to organizations close competitors. If the hacker happens to be a competitor, he can do an unimag inable amount of damage to the organization. He could access all the information regarding the latest products, which are under development, sales figures, companys strength and weaknesses, financial position, future plans and a lot more. There are several types of unauthorized access. They are discussed briefly discussed.