Premium Essay

Computer and Network Security

In:

Submitted By AndyMiller
Words 1474
Pages 6
Computer and Network security
Problem statement
Unauthorized Access
“As the threat of unauthorized access grows companies and people continue to look for security to upgrade.” (Howard, 2009)``Unauthorized access'' is a very high-level term that can refer to a number of different sorts of attacks. The goal of these attacks is to access some resource that your machine should not provide the attacker. For example, a host might be a web server, and should provide anyone with requested web pages. However, that host should not provide command shell access without being sure that the person making such a request is someone who should get it, such as a local administrator.
What network security is
The history of network security
“Sense the 1980’s networks have become more complex, so the need for security has become more complex.” (Mowers, 2006) The need for network security is a relatively new requirement. Prior to the 1980s most computers were not networked. It was not due to lack of desire to network them; it was more a result of the lack of technology. People or organizations could be interconnected over the shared network. It was no longer necessary to connect systems in a point-to-point configuration. Vulnerabilities were introduced with the deployment of this distributed environment utilizing shared, packet switched networks employing protocols such as TCP/IP and the concept of trusted systems. Systems on the network "trusted" each other. This situation was frequently made worse by connecting relatively secure LANs to an unsecured WAN. This early use of networking opened up some major security risks. The holes that allowed unauthorized access made it so, computers and networks needed new protocols to protect the systems.
Why Network security has become so important
Network security is a high priority form of security because many hackers try to infect as

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Computer and Network Security

...Windows NT (CVE, 2013). In the first article it discusses the use of USB devices in the workplace. USB’s are used for transporting data from one computer to another. These allow for business requirements to be reached at a faster pace but they also pose a number of security challenges. Those challenges may be “disgruntled workers, careless users and malicious individuals” (Couture, 2009, p. 6). Ways to migrate this issue is by gluing shut the ports, disable USB ports in BIOS, prevent users from installing a USB device by denying permission on files called usbstor.pnf and usbstor.inf, making USB ports read only, disable USB ports in Group Policy, or disable Autorun (Couture, 2009, p. 11). In the second article it discusses the vulnerabilities of the BIOS. The BIOS performs power up test amongst the hardware components and memory and without this program the computer wouldn’t know what to do after it was turned on. The BIOS can be accessed by the use of backdoor passwords, cracking the BIOS password, deleting the contents of the CMOS RAM by software and/or hardware (Allgeuer, 2001, p. 4). Ways to mitigate the risk of users accessing the BIOS is to use BIOS passwords to protect the BIOA configuration utility, for the more critical systems different BIOS password should be used than less critical systems, boot only from hard drives, computer cases should be...

Words: 1760 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Evaluating the Security of Computer Networks

...Evaluating the Security of Computer Networks Security in Systems Architecture and Applications SE579 2 Table of Contents Evaluating the Security of Computer Networks I. Vulnerabilities A. Design Flaws B. Poor Security Management C. Incorrect Implementation II. Firewalls A. Packet Filtering B. Circuit Level Gateway Proxy Server C. Application Gateway III. Antivirus A. Scans IV. Intrusion Detection Systems V. Disadvantages VI. Conclusion 3 One of the major computing challenges in today’s economy is the lack of adequate security over the information computer networks, and internet applications in which business, government, and economy depend on. Businesses have become more dependent on information. The gathering, organizing, managing, finding, and analyzing of information are crucial to businesses. Computer viruses created by hackers cost businesses $55 billion in 2003. In 2011, a single instance of hacking on the Play Station cost Sony more than $170 million, while Google lost $500,000 due to hacking in 2005.(Coyne) 2003 Single instances of hacking may cost as much as $600,000 to $7m a day for...

Words: 2281 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Computer Network & Information Security

...has focused on computer security of big businesses and how they have been breached, yet individuals do not stop and think about their own personal computer safety. Information can be stolen or damaged, access of personal computers can be gained without permission, viruses and worms can enter creating problems for a user, and our computers may be susceptible to cyber-attacks from hackers. Yet most computer users are new to the technology or do not realize the dangers at hand. This is why users need to learn how to keep their personal computer safe. To achieve a good level of security, there are many important elements that must be taken into account: authentication, access control, data integrity, content protection, etc. Information security can be obtained using methods such as cryptography and network protocols. Computer security is the process of detecting unauthorized use of your computer or PC. As the old saying goes “prevention is better than cure”, according to this we realize that if we learn about the possible loopholes in the security, then we can prevent it from occurring in the first place. But the big question is 'why should I care about my computer security?’. We use computers for everything from banking and investing to shopping and communicating with others through email or chat programs. Although we may not consider our communication a 'top secret', but you don’t want others to eavesdrop on you conversations, read your mails, use your computer to attack others...

Words: 1454 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Facebook Computer and Network Security

...Computer and Network Security Abstract Facebook began in 2004 as a kind of online directory for undergraduates at Harvard University, created and launched by Harvard students Mark Zuckerberg et al. Two months later, the site expanded to include other Ivy League schools. After that, the college network slowly grew and by the end of 2010, Facebook has over 500 million active users. Facebook is social networking. People have been “facebooking” each other for about 6 years now, making Facebook the most used social network worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to briefly describe Facebook’s history as well as also discuss Facebook’s inner working, covering its architecture and front/backend infrastructure, pretty much the nuts and bolts holding Facebook together. In closing, if looked past all of the features and innovations the main idea behind Facebook is really very basic, keeping people connected. Facebook realizes the power of social networking and is constantly innovating to keep their service the best in the business. Overview and Structure of the Organization Facebook is a social network service and website launched in February 2004 that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. As of July 2010, Facebook has more than 500 million active users, which is about one person for every fourteen in the world. Users may create a personal profile, add other users as friends and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile. Additionally...

Words: 2589 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Computer Network Security for Social Networking

...Computer Network Security for Social Networking McCray C. Devin Undergraduate Business, Leadership, Information System Technology Security Regent University 1000 Regent University dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23464 e-mail: devimcc@mail.regent.edu Abstract In this paper, I will address the security issues, flaws, and problems that social networking sites are faced with in retrospect to information that the sites hold. The Information is not protected from the public in any way, why is this a normal operation about the popular social media sites. Lastly I want to address the simplicity of gaining someone vital information through a protected individual’s social network profile. 1. Introduction In today’s society almost everyone has some type of social networking service that they hold an account with. These social networking sites are a great way to communicate, network, and interact with fellow colligates and friends. Facebook, Twitter, and Google plus are just a few social networking sites to mention. These sites all have a one factor authentication system for the user to log into their account (Beaver) .This simplistic authentication systems is very easy and efficient for the users accessing there accounts. The idea arose if it is this easy for me to log into my account how easy would it be for an outside party to gain access within my account. Companies are faced with the problem of convenience over security. (McCHale 12) In this paper I would like to address...

Words: 2048 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

The Tools of Network Security

...The Tools of Network Security Name Date Class Professor School Introduction Network security can be hard in the environment of constantly changing technology. Strong protection does not have one simple solution. Anyone who is concerned with the protection of their computer, data, or network needs to be ready to spend time researching their specific needs to protect all the different layers and domains that can be attacked. The areas that need the most attention are port scanning, protocol analysis, vulnerability tests, intrusion prevention, firewall use, VPN security, internet filtering, and password recovery. Users need to become proactive when it comes to their network’s security by knowing what tools are the best for the job and being able to implement these tools quickly and correctly. Port Scanning Port scanning and IP scanning is an important step towards network security. A port scanner checks for available virtual ports on your network and can identify if they are open or closed. Finding out which ports are open allows network administrators to take appropriate protective actions by closing or blocking traffic to and from those open (Network Security Tools, 2013). Nmap is the major tool of choice for most network administrators. It is an affordable choice because it is a free open source tool. Nmap supports most operating systems and comes in wither a traditional command line interface or GUI version (Nmap, 2013). Nmap works by using raw IP packets...

Words: 1657 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Aircraft Solutions

...Running head: AIRCRAFT SOLUTIONS AIRCRAFT SOLUTIONS Keller Graduate School of Management SEC 571 Principles of Information Security and Privacy Abstract An assessment of Aircraft Solutions (AS) as to what Security Vulnerabilities that might be found, two areas discussed are Hardware & Policy weakness and impact. Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Company Overview 1 Security Vulnerabilities 2 Hardware Vulnerability …………………………………………………..…….....2 Policy Vulnerability……………………………………………………………….3 Recommended Solutions 5 Hardware Vulnerability 5 Policy Vulnerability 8 Impact on Business Processes 9 Summary 11 References 12 Executive Summary The purpose of this paper is to explore and assess computer security as it relates to Aircraft Solutions. When we talk about computer security, we mean that we are addressing one or all of the three important aspects of any computer-related system: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. One of the challenges in building a secure system is finding the right balance among the goals, which often conflict. Aircraft Solutions provides full spectrum design and implementation solutions to multiple industries including the electronics, aerospace, commercial, and defense industries. In addition to the background information presented in the course assignment, additional information on geographic layout, business process, and IT architecture were presented. With the information provided, and based on...

Words: 1902 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Computer Security in Education

...Maintaining internet security is of the utmost importance to higher education systems. The majority of universities’ administrative, financial, and clinical systems are available through a campus-wide network (Rasmussen, 2011). This means that highly confidential documents, such as student’s personal information, medical records, and much more are housed on campus servers. This information is vulnerable to security threats and puts the university at risk for lawsuits if the information is exposed. Student’s internet use on campus daily comes in contact with social network targeting, malicious software, infrastructure attacks, phishing, and peer-to-peer file transfers (Rasmussen, 2011). These dangers put not only the students’ computers at risk for security breaches, but the universities’ network as well. The damages resulting from data breaches in college networks are numerous. Not only is having a student’s private information exposed, such as their Social Security number stolen, a nightmare for the individual, but it also causes much additional stress for the university. The higher education system then has to deal with legal issues, public relations fiascos, and various financial losses. In order to avoid any unnecessary headaches, universities go to great lengths to protect their networks from security threats. Organizations storing sensitive data are required by law to have a technology-based deterrent, a monitoring and reviewing method, and a process to lessen the breach...

Words: 330 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Classification of Botnet Detection Based on Botnet Architechture

...2012 International Conference on Communication Systems and Network Technologies Classification of Botnet Detection Based on Botnet Architechture N.S.Raghava, Dept. of Information Technology Delhi Technological University Delhi, India nsraghava@dce.ac.in Divya Sahgal Dept of Information Technology Delhi Technological University Delhi, India divyasahgal61@gmail.com Seema Chandna Dept of Information Technology Delhi Technological University Delhi, India seemachandna64@gmail.com Abstract—Nowadays, Botnets pose a major threat to the security of online ecosystems and computing assets. A Botnet is a network of computers which are compromised under the influence of Bot (malware) code. This paper clarifies Botnet phenomenon and discusses Botnet mechanism, Botnet architecture and Botnet detection techniques. Botnet detection techniques can be categorized into six classes: honey pot based, signature-based, mining-based, anomaly-based, DNS-based and network-based. It provides a brief comparison of the above mentioned Botnet detection techniques. Finally, we discuss the importance of honeypot research to detect the infection vector and dealing with new Botnet approaches in the near future. Keywords- Botnet; Bot; Malware; Malicious code; P2P; Honeypot functions programmed by the Bot-master in automated way. Bots can receive commands from the Bot-master and work according to those commands to perform many cyber crimes for example phishing [26], malware dissemination, Distributed...

Words: 2973 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Week 7 Project Paper

...American Military University All about Network Security: Network Security Means Never Giving an Adversary a Chance. Anthony Portz 4199864 ISSC340 I001 SPR 14 Professor Alidad Jalinous June 16th, 2014 11:55 PM Introduction In this paper I will discuss network security and I will give a detailed description of the area while discussing different technologies that are involved. There are many ways to provide network security and a lot of different aspects to keep in mind. There are a multitude of people who want to attack the internet and everything that it loves. Well luckily there are big security companies like Cisco and Symantec who are there for the user like Tron, and will constantly defend newly discovered loopholes and vulnerabilities. See what global implications network security has and what the future may hold as I discuss the cutting edge technology and applications that new companies are coming out with. What is Network Security? Network security is a terminology that is used to describe any and all actions that are taken to protect and defend a network. Any action that is driven towards network security should be taken to protect the safety, reliability, usability, and the integrity of the network and all of its data. In order to explain network security a little better, I want to define what a network is. A network is defined as a system or grouping of interconnected items or individuals, and as an arrangement of vertical or horizontal lines that...

Words: 3413 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Minr

...Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Administrator Guide, Release 3.1 Document Revised: Document Published: November 25, 2013 August 9, 2012 Cisco Systems, Inc. www.cisco.com Cisco has more than 200 offices worldwide. Addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers are listed on the Cisco website at www.cisco.com/go/offices. Text Part Number: THE SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRODUCTS IN THIS MANUAL ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL STATEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS MANUAL ARE BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE BUT ARE PRESENTED WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. USERS MUST TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR APPLICATION OF ANY PRODUCTS. THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AND LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT ARE SET FORTH IN THE INFORMATION PACKET THAT SHIPPED WITH THE PRODUCT AND ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SOFTWARE LICENSE OR LIMITED WARRANTY, CONTACT YOUR CISCO REPRESENTATIVE FOR A COPY. The Cisco implementation of TCP header compression is an adaptation of a program developed by the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) as part of UCB’s public domain version of the UNIX operating system. All rights reserved. Copyright © 1981, Regents of the University of California. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER WARRANTY HEREIN, ALL DOCUMENT FILES AND SOFTWARE OF THESE SUPPLIERS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITH ALL FAULTS. CISCO AND THE ABOVE-NAMED SUPPLIERS DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED...

Words: 126829 - Pages: 508

Free Essay

Firewall Security Project

...Bose Insurance Services Firewall Security Project Business Requirement and proposed Solution Report CIS 343 July 10, 2013 Dr. Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Introduction/Background and History 4 Issues faced and specific needs to be solved by installing upgrades 5 Projects Assumptions and Constraints 7 Business Requirement ….………………………..………………………………………..8 Definition of Terms ….……………………………..……………………………………..9 Project Scope...……………………………………..……………………………………10 References…………………………………………..……………………………………13 Executive Summary The objective of this paper is to educate both the senior management of Allen & Bose Insurance Inc. on the network security threats that exist with our current network design. The enclosed report presents an analysis on Allen & Bose Insurance Services current security posture and highlights the issues we have face over the past year as well as industry best practices and recommended updates we should make to our network security design that will protect the organization from the myriad of security threats that are out there. Introduction/Background and History Allen & Bose Insurance Services has become a dynamic and intricate player in the automotive and home insurance market. The company has grown from 25 employees in one office to over 225 employees in 3 offices. In the early days the computer systems that were used were on a close network of networked computing systems...

Words: 1848 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

11.2.2.6 Lab Cnaa

...Lab – Researching Network Security Threats Objectives Part 1: Explore the SANS Website Navigate to the SANS website and identify resources. Part 2: Identify Recent Network Security Threats Identify several recent network security threats using the SANS site. Identify sites beyond SANS that provide network security threat information. Part 3: Detail a Specific Network Security Threat Select and detail a specific recent network threat. Present information to the class. Background / Scenario To defend a network against attacks, an administrator must identify external threats that pose a danger to the network. Security websites can be used to identify emerging threats and provide mitigation options for defending a network. One of the most popular and trusted sites for defending against computer and network security threats is SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security (SANS). The SANS site provides multiple resources, including a list of the top 20 Critical Security Controls for Effective Cyber Defense and the weekly @Risk: The Consensus Security Alert newsletter. This newsletter details new network attacks and vulnerabilities. In this lab, you will navigate to and explore the SANS site, use the SANS site to identify recent network security threats, research other websites that identify threats, and research and present the details about a specific network attack. Required Resources Device with Internet access Presentation computer with PowerPoint or other presentation software...

Words: 593 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Rlot Task 2

...of service (DDoS) attacks. Typically DDoS attacks occur at the network layer by SYN flooding, ICMP flooding, and UDP flooding. Some times DDoS attacks fail at the network layer when this happens cybercriminals shift to application layer attacks. Application attacks occur by sending an overwhelming number of HTTP GET requests (HTTP flooding) or running a massive number of queries through the victim’s database query or search engine. This guide will address the information technology (IT) industry’s best practices to counter denial of service (DoS) and DDoS attacks. These countermeasures are patch management program, antivirus software, and host-based intrusion prevention systems. Patch Management Program One important aspect of security is patch management. Patching is software code that a vendor distributes to fix functionality problems or vulnerabilities for applications and network devices. Without a patch management program hackers could exploit vulnerabilities to gain access into the university’s information system, elevate privileges, and steal data. The amount of patches released can be overwhelming to the university’s network technicians. The patch management program will ensure that security risks are reduced to an acceptable level and reduce manpower requirements. The university will use an automated patch management system which will include the installation of a client agent. Each host on the network will be required to run the agent. According to Souppaya and Scarfone...

Words: 979 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Discuss the Roles and Motivations for Separately Filtering Ingress and Egress Traffic in the Enterprise Network. Describe Separate Conditions for Both Ingress and Egress Traffic as They Transit the Network. Discuss:

...enterprise network. Describe separate conditions for both ingress and egress traffic as they transit the network. Discuss: What roles do ingress and egress filtering play in protecting a network? How do protective isolations help to protect a network? Why do we need to separate and isolate the types of traffic? Ingress filtering is the filtering of any IP packets with untrusted source addresses before they have a chance to enter and affect your system or network. It can protect users from malicious attacks based on spoofing, where a hacker attempts to make a packet look like it originated from somewhere else. Internet service providers (ISPs) typically use ingress filtering to defend their customers and an individual home or office network can have additional safety measures in place. One major use for ingress filtering is to combat denial of service (DOS) attacks. These attacks rely on flooding networks with packets, many of which are spoofed to conceal their origins. The network can catch packets an ISP may not have identified as a problem, depending on the type of filtering used. This adds an extra layer of security for individual users, along with other safety measures like scanning incoming information for viruses and other malicious software that may pose a risk to the safety of computer systems or data on the network. It is also possible to compare the spoofing information against known databases to connect hacking attacks for the purpose of tracking infected computers and...

Words: 763 - Pages: 4