How to Secure a Network
Securing a computer network is a process of preventing it from the internet and external threats such as virus attacks, spyware, adware, unauthorized access, Trojan horse, malicious codes, web worms, hackers attacks, Denial of service, backdoor entry, SMTP hijacking, remote login capability and physical security threats. Being a network administrator, you should be aware of these threats and implement a solution to avoid these threats.
A security attacks on a LAN/WAN computer network may lead to loss of connectivity, communications, data, delayed processing and financial losses of an organization. With the increased use of the internet in the organizations, a computer network without proper security implementations and the intrusion detection system can be attacked by the hackers, intruders, spyware and viruses. In this article, you will learn that how to secure your network from the known threats and security risks.
- Antivirus Software
Computer viruses and no more uncommon to any computer user. Every online computer can be attacked with the viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, adware and web worms in less than twenty minutes if it has not been using the up-to-dated antivirus solutions. The most common antivirus solution providers are Symantec, McAfee, Panda and Trend Micro etc. Use up-to-dated antivirus software to all the computers in your network to avoid the viruses.
- Anti Spyware Software
Today, viruses are not only the one threat on the internet. There are spyware that can attack your computer, which leads to loss of information, slow system performance, key logging, Windows registry corruption, popup, browser hijacking and system crash. To deal with the spyware, you need to install an up-to-dated anti spyware software in every computer in your network. Spyware once entered in a system, they monitor your activities by working in the system background. A spyware infected computer can spread the spyware in all the connected computers.
- Firewall Software/Hardware
Hacking is one of the most common threats to a network. To deal with hackers, intruders and unauthorized users, you need to install and configure a firewall software or hardware in your computer network and especially in your gateway computer. A gateway computer is directly exposed to the internet if it is not protected with the firewall, then it can be attacked easily from the online hackers and once they access the gateway computer, they can access all the computers in your network, which leads to the attack on your privacy, loss of your financial information, data loss, files corruption and system crashes.
- Restrict User Access
There are two types of security threats to a computer network internet and external. Internal threats include the attacks on your network from within your organization. Restrict the access of your network users on their computers, network resources, server and proxy server etc. Restrict them to install any software on their computer or access any potentially dangerous website. Install a network monitoring software to monitor the activities of the network users. Enable logging and monitor their online activities with monitoring software.
- Physical Security
Physical security involves securing your network resources such as servers, network devices, printer, scanner and server room. Never allow anyone to enter the server room except the authorized users. Never leave your server unattended. Train an assistant administrator so that he can take charge of the sever room in your absence. Use inventory software and keep track of all the software applications and hardware devices used in your entire network.
- Use Strong Passwords
Use strong administrative passwords on your server computer with the combination of the alphanumeric and special characters. Make a backup administrative account with a strong password.
- Implement Security Policies
Windows servers operating systems such as Windows 2000/2003/2008 offers many built-in security features such as Kerberos authentication, public key infrastructure, access control, auditing and patch management. Based on the unique business requirements of your organization Implement tight security policies in your network.
- Authenticate Users
There are many authentication methods that can be implemented to prevent your computer network from the unauthorized access. The common authentication methods include password authentication, PKI, Certification Authority, Biometrics and physical authentication. Implement any user authentication method based on the security level you require.
- Use Network Traffic Monitoring and Security Software
In the complex and big IT infrastructures you need to use monitoring tracking, resources management and troubleshooting software in your network. These software will help you to identify and troubleshoot the problems and security risks in your network.
Wireless Network Security
A wireless network is susceptible to the electromagnetic interference and unauthorized access. Wireless networks have different level of security than the wired networks. The following tips will help you to secure your wireless network to a highest level.
- Enable MAC address filtering
- Implement WEP/WPA.
- Use strong passwords on your wireless router.
- Enable and configure firewall on the server and all the client computers.
- Enable SSID.
- Use Encryption techniques.
- Disable the network broadcasting features.
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