- Introduction
- The Basics of a Network
- Basic Network Utilities
- The OSI Model
- What Does This Mean for Security?
- Assessing Likely Threats to the Network
- Classifications of Threats
- Likely Attacks
- Threat Assessment
- Understanding Security Terminology
- Choosing a Network Security Approach
- Network Security and the Law
- Using Security Resources
- Summary
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
What Does This Mean for Security?
This book covers security from numerous angles, but ultimately only three venues exist for attack, and thus three venues for security (note this is not about attack vectors, of which there are many):
The data itself: After data leaves your network, the packets are vulnerable for interception and even alteration. Later in this book, during the discussion of encryption and virtual private networks, you will learn how to secure this data. Data can also be attacked at rest, when stored on a computer.
The network connection points: Whether it is the routers or the firewall, any place where one computer connects to another is a place that can be attacked, and one that must be defended. When looking at a system’s security, you should first look at the connectivity points.
The people: People always pose a security risk. Either through ignorance, malicious intent, or simple error, people on a system can compromise the system’s security.
As you proceed through this book, don’t lose sight of the basic purpose, which is to secure networks and the data they store and transmit.
