|
There are three areas that need to be secured in any network: the interior,
the perimeter, and the exterior. The interior
is defined as the local network itself, everything
that is sheltered from the outside world.
This includes servers,
desktops, switches,
routers and other hardware and software attached
to the network; this also includes the media
the network uses to communicate, whether over
copper cable, fiber, or wireless. The perimeter
is the boundary between the interior network
and the outside world; this is typically a
connection to the Internet. The exterior consists
of business partners, branch offices, and
remote users that need access to the company’s
interior network. Securing these three areas
should be a primary concern in any business
Using a Network Intrusion Detection System
and monitoring network traffic is a good start
in keeping a network healthy and safe. By
having sensors throughout the network to sort
through traffic and identify unusual activity,
harmful actions can be stopped prior to business
disruption
Securing the perimeter of the network with
a robust firewall can prevent nearly all external
attackers from compromising a company’s
network.
Securing remote access is just as important
as securing the network interior; allowing
insecure connections to the network leaves
an open back door to all of the company’s
assets. By using virtual private networks
and the Secure Desktop
methodology these risks can be avoided.
|
