Network Security

Security Management for networks is different for all kinds of situations. A small home or an office would only require basic security while large businesses will require high maintenance and advanced software and hardware to prevent malicious attacks from hacking and spamming.

Home or Small Business

• A basic firewall or a unified threat management system
• For Windows users, basic Antivirus software
• An anti-spyware program would also be a good idea
• When using a wireless connection, use a robust password.  Also try to use the strongest security supported by your wireless devices, such as WPA2 with AES encryption.
• If using Wireless: Change the default SSID network name, also disable SSID Broadcast; as this function is unnecessary for home use. (However, many security experts consider this to be relatively useless.
• Enable MAC Address filtering to keep track of all home network MAC devices connecting to your router.
• Assign STATIC IP addresses to network devices.
• Disable ICMP ping on router.
• Review router or firewall logs to help identify abnormal network connections or traffic to the Internet.
• Use passwords for all accounts.
• Have multiple accounts per family member, using non-administrative accounts for day-to-day activities. Disable the guest account (Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Computer Management> Users).
• Raise awareness about information security to children.

Medium Business

• A fairly strong firewall or Unified Threat Management System
• Strong Antivirus software and Internet Security Software.
• For authentication, use strong passwords and change it on a bi-weekly/monthly basis.
• When using a wireless connection, use a robust password.
• Raise awareness about physical security to employees.
• Use an optional network analyzer or network monitor.
• An enlightened administrator or manager.

Large Business

• A strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted people out.
• A strong Antivirus software package and Internet Security Software package.
• For authentication, use strong passwords and change it on a weekly/bi-weekly basis.
• When using a wireless connection, use a robust password.
• Exercise physical security precautions to employees.
• Prepare a network analyzer or network monitor and use it when needed.
• Implement physical security management like closed circuit television for entry areas and restricted zones.
• Security fencing to mark the company's perimeter.
• Fire extinguishers for fire-sensitive areas like server rooms and security rooms.
• Security guards can help to maximize security.

School

• An adjustable firewall and proxy to allow authorized users access from the outside and inside.
• Strong Antivirus software and Internet Security Software packages.
• Wireless connections that lead to firewalls.
• Children's Internet Protection Act compliance.
• Supervision of network to guarantee updates and changes based on popular site usage.
• Constant supervision by teachers, librarians, and administrators to guarantee protection against attacks by both internet and sneakernet sources.

Government

• A strong firewall and proxy to keep unwanted people out.
• Strong Antivirus software and Internet Security Software suites.
• Strong encryption.
• Whitelist authorized wireless connection, block all else.
• All network hardware is in secure zones.
• All host should be on a private network that is invisible from the outside.
• Put web servers in a DMZ, or a firewall from the outside and from the inside.
• Security fencing to mark perimeter and set wireless range to this.