Network Security

“If you spend more on coffee than on IT security, then you will be hacked. What's more, you deserve to be hacked.”

—Richard Clarke, Special Advisor to the President

Traditionally, only well-trained and experienced experts have been responsible for the security of computer networks. However, there is an increased need for people to understand the basics of security in networks.

To help ensure the network security of your home or business, take the necessary precautions outlined in the three guidelines below.

Internet Connection

If your business has a broadband Internet connection (T1, DSL, Cable), your network may be vulnerable to intrusion. (See the "Dangers and High Speed" section). This can be avoided by installing a firewall.

“There are two kinds of computer users: those who have lost data and those who will.”

—Dr. Roger C. Schlobin

E-mail System

Always make sure that you have the right address before clicking “send.” An incorrectly typed e-mail address can put your information in the wrong hands. Furthermore, encrypt confidential e-mail messages. Encrypted e-mails can be read only by people holding the code, usually only the sender and the recipient.

Website

The company that hosts your website has control over how secure it is. Before you hire an outside company to host your website, evaluate the safety of their server. Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to secure e-commerce data. Perform security audits regularly. Furthermore, a web hosting company should keep computer hardware physically locked up in order to prevent theft of the hardware itself.

Whatis.com has a series of quizzes on network security. They are definitely designed for the network expert, but anyone can learn a few things by taking them.