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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SECURE NETWORKING?
Secure networking is a strategy, not a product. There is no single device or solution that can protect networks against and ever-changing variety of security threats. Rather, it is a process of developing a policy, securing the network, monitoring network activities, testing for vulnerabilities, and making improvements as needed. When properly implemented, these five elements of a successful network security strategy create a single, integrated solution.
- Developing a secure networking policy: Since many network vulnerabilities can be traced to human error, ignorance, or indifference, developing a clear, consistent set of policy guidelines is at the core of a network security strategy. Applying an effective security policy requires a balance between protecting the network without interfering with the ability of users to carry out tasks. Developing a security policy should involve establishing passwords and determining which users have what authorisation.
- Securing the network: After a security policy is in place, the next step is to implement barriers around the network that serve as both physical and virtual protections against possible threats. Security barriers include firewalls, authentication products, access-control products, and tunnelling and encryption techniques that support VPN connections for remote network users.
- Monitoring and responding: When network security has been established, the next step is to deploy products that enable continuous monitoring of the activities within the network. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) scan the network and sound the alarm upon discovery of potential policy violations. For example, the system might detect a potential intruder who has made several failed password attempts.
- Testing the system: Routinely testing network security systems is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of overall protections and to identify new vulnerabilities. Testing provides an opportunity to experiment with the strategies that attackers use and to see the potential impact of such attacks. There are two primary methods for testing network security systems: using software to scan for vulnerabilities and using consultants to stage intrusions that identify security holes.
- Analyzing and improving: In addition to analyzing test results and log reports that devices within a network generate, information that has been obtained from actual attacks should be routinely examined to determine ways to improve network protections. Possible improvements that result from analysis include new countermeasures, updated training, or refinements to existing security policies.
WHAT SECURE NETWORKING SERVICES DOES PROGRESSIVE NETWORKS OFFER?
Progressive Networks offers three basic categories of security which can operate independently to resolve specific security issues, or in conjunction to form an integrated security system.
- Exterior Security: Virtual Private Network (VPN) services to ensure secure transport of data across numerous network environments for remote access and site-to-site users.
- Perimeter Security: Check Point Firewalls and Cisco PIX firewalls to prevent unauthorised access to a network; and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to contain threats and minimise impact.
- Interior Security: Identity and trust management - Authentication, Authorisation and Accounting (AAA) technology to identify, control and monitor users access to a network.
Progressive Networks also offers the following advanced security services:
For more information, contact us by calling our team on 0800 169 41 31, requesting a call back or emailing us at info@progressive-networks.net.
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