What security measures do you think should be considered for computer networks?

Question

more logical like what is a fire wall

Answer 1

Do you mean physical security or logical security?

Physical security would ensure only authorised staff can access the infrastructure hardware (servers, cabling etc.)

Logical security would be a good password policy, use of firewalls, anit-virus software, appropriate use of permission levels to access data

Answer 2

A few decent answers already, but your question is far too ambiguous. There is a world of difference between a home user with maybe a computer and a laptop and say a school or business of any size. Without knowing that any answer will either be to simple, or to complex.

Assuming a home user or small business with a cable/ADSL connection, your minimum should include:

A router with hardware firewall. (I like Netgear myself).
An Internet security suite (software firewall and anti virus) on every computer - updated at least once a day.
An antispyware package like Lavasoft's Ad-Aware - run regularly
If you use wireless connections then these need encrypting too. Can't emphasise the last one enough.

For software, just use legitimate version from reliable dealers. "This copy off my mate" just doesn't cover it...

For email, use a Spam filter, preferably one that look at it on the mail server, not one that waits until you download the junk.

Not easy for everyone, but I recommend a policy of never accepting email with attachments - or at the very least moving them to a separate folder for checking or deleting unopened.

While on the Internet, never trust anyone or anything, ever! OK, if you manually type in an address to say Microsoft, Adobe, Paypal or similar and you know where you are and what you are getting, fine. Anything and everything else can and must be considered a threat.

OK, I'm paranoid, but I am wary with good reason. This isn't scaremongering, it is a fact of life - and the above is just the basic's for home users!

If you are moving up the scale to offices and such it just gets complex...

~ Paul

Answer 3

Some measures are:
# Define your security: identifying the security requirements for the system, and then begin a process of reworking its security architecture accordingly.
# Training personel: ensure that system and network administrators are trained and capable. Competent system administration may be the most important security measure an organization can employ, this personel needs the required skill level to perform system administration and security correctly.
# Security Policy: define your security priority and implement them. Ensure that security policy accurately reflects the organization’s need
# Operating system: Ensure that yout network operating system are kept up-to-date with patches and update
# Antivirus: Install virus-protection software and keep it updated.
# Firewall: A firewall is a barrier between your network and the Internet that will enhance antivirus protection and prevent "hackers" from attacking your network.They set the rules for what can and cannot travel on your network. It could be stand alone or integrated with the router.
# Protect your wireless lan: For the time being, there's not a whole lot you can do to protect yourself, in the meantime, it's a good idea to turn off wireless when you are not actually using it.
# Intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS): allows monitoring of the network against attacks and can respond to those attacks dynamically
# Virtual Private Network (VPN): This allows you and your business partners to use the Internet as an economical means of transmitting data from almost anywhere in the world over a secure encrypted tunnel.
# Backup: make backup of your sensitive data
# Stay informed: Keep up with the latest news about viruses, spams, spyware, malware, etc.
# Routine security testing Make network security testing a routine and integral part of the system and network operations and administration. You should conduct routine tests of systems and verify that systems have been configured correctly with the appropriate security mechanisms and policy.

Basic recommendations to maintain network security:
# Do not give your password to anyone and do not write down your passwords.
# Turn off your computer every night when you leave. If you are not in the building, your computer should always be turned off
# Turn off your wireless card when you aren't using the network.
# Log off of your computer every time you leave your computer unattended
# Do not open any e-mail attachment unless you are expecting the file. Even if it comes from someone you know, you need to realize that viruses can "spoof" or fake where the message came from.

Hope this help

Answer 4

Hi
What is computer security?
Computer security is the process of preventing and detecting unauthorized use of your computer. Prevention measures help you to stop unauthorized users (also known as "intruders") from accessing any part of your computer system. Detection helps you to determine whether or not someone attempted to break into your system, if they were successful, and what they may have done.


Actions home users can take to protect their computer systems

Consult your system support personnel if you work from home
Use virus protection software
Use a firewall
Don’t open unknown email attachments
Don’t run programs of unknown origin
Disable hidden filename extensions
Keep all applications (including your operating system) patched
Turn off your computer or disconnect from the network when not in use
Disable Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX if possible
Disable scripting features in email programs
Make regular backups of critical data
Make a boot disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised