Network Security Is Vital To Ensure Protection Against Vibrant Threats

By Author: Peter Martin
Total Articles: 211
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Vulnerabilities are the weakest link in the security of computer systems and networks. Security flaws are exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to files and folders stored on a computer system. Attackers may also gain remote control of the computers by executing malicious code or installing botnets. Network vulnerabilities have been the cause of discomfort for organizations over the last year. A recent report by security firm Secunia indicates that network vulnerabilities will continue to haunt users and network administrators. Secunia emphasizes on managing the prevalent vulnerabilities to reduce instances of security breach by criminals. Vulnerabilities also allow attackers to launch denial of service attacks. Therefore, organizations must place high emphasis on network security.

Often, management team is not fully conscious of types of threats prevalent in the Internet environment resulting in inadequate budgetary provisions for IT security. Another cause for vulnerabilities is the assumption that network security is a one-time activity. However, constant threats in the IT environment make it inevitable ...
... for organizations to treat network security as a continuous process. Computer security professionals must conduct periodical review of the network security infrastructure to identify threat vectors and their remediation. E-learning modules and online training programs may enable employees to comprehend the different types of security threats and take preventive measures.

The tendency among enterprises to consider network security as only a compliance activity also results in inadequate attention to security flaws in the network infrastructure. Organizations must have robust security management policy in place to safeguard their networks and systems from security breaches. They must also have an incident response team in place to deal with any security threat. Employees must be made aware of the first response procedures in case of a data breach or system compromise. Appropriate incident response is crucial to save volatile evidence contained in the compromised computers. Computer forensics experts may help organizations to trace the crime trail.

Organizations must adhere to the latest security advisories and apply appropriate security patches to mitigate vulnerabilities. Appropriate and timely patch management is crucial to safeguard computers and networks from proactive attacks by criminals.

As all major tasks in organizations now require use of computers and the Internet, organizations must conduct IT training sessions and workshops to educate non-technical staff on safe computing practices, reporting unusual system activity, data protection techniques, use of anti-virus solutions and installing software upgrades.
Organizations must place high emphasis on network security to reduce vulnerabilities and safeguard systems and networks from malicious attacks.