ACLs define access permissions for users or groups to specific network resources through rules that are implemented on various network devices.
These rules specify conditions and actions to be taken. It involves implementing measures to secure both the physical and digital aspects of a network, including devices, software, data, and user access.
Network security refers to the protection of computer networks from unauthorized access, theft, damage or disruption.
Some key concepts related to network security include:
Authentication: Verifying the identity of users and devices accessing the network through passwords, biometrics, or other means.
Authorization:
Granting or denying users and devices access to network resources based on their authentication status and assigned permissions.
Encryption:
Transforming data into an unreadable form to prevent unauthorized access, with decryption keys only available to authorized users.
Firewall:
A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking potentially harmful traffic while allowing safe traffic to pass through.
Intrusion detection and prevention:
A set of technologies and practices used to detect and prevent unauthorized access to the network.
Virtual private network (VPN):
A secure way for remote users to access the network over an encrypted connection.
Patch management:
To prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited, one needs to actively keep software and hardware up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
Access control:
Limiting access to network resources based on roles, responsibilities, and permissions, and implementing measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Overall, network security is an ongoing process that requires a combination of hardware, software, and best practices to ensure the safety and integrity of the network and its data.
Explanation of access control lists (ACLs)
Computer networks use Access Control Lists (ACLs) as a security feature to control access to network resources, such as devices, services, or files.
Users or groups are granted access permissions to specific network resources through rules defined in ACLs, which are implemented on various network devices.
To control network access, rules are defined specifying the conditions and actions to be taken.
These statements may include source and destination addresses, protocols, ports, and other criteria.
ACLs are for a variety of purposes, including:
Restricting access to sensitive data:
To limit access to confidential files, databases, or applications, ACLs are used.
Using ACLs to protect against network threats and enforce network policies is essential. They can block traffic from malicious IP addresses and filter out unwanted traffic.
ACLs can also help enforce company policies and regulatory requirements.
There are different types of ACLs, including standard and extended, which can filter based on various criteria.
It’s important to plan and implement ACLs carefully to avoid unintended consequences like slowing down network performance.
Overview of firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
Computer networks use two types of security devices, firewalls and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), to actively protect against unauthorized access, attacks, and threats.
Firewalls are network security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic based on a set of rules or policies.
Network engineers are deployed at different levels in a network architecture, including at the edge of a network, between different network segments, or on individual devices.
Firewalls can be either software or hardware-based and use a variety of techniques to inspect network traffic. Including packet filtering, stateful inspection, and application-level filtering.
Firewalls actively prevent unauthorized access to a network and block traffic that security protocols identify as unsafe or suspicious.
Also enforce network policies, such as blocking certain types of traffic or preventing users from accessing certain websites.
IPS combines firewall with advanced threat detection and prevention to block known and unknown threats by analyzing network traffic in real-time.
IPS can use a variety of detection techniques, including signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and anomaly detection.
When IPS detects a threat, it takes action to prevent it, such as blocking traffic or quarantining infected devices.
Overall, firewalls and IPS are critical components of a comprehensive network security strategy. They can help to prevent unauthorized access, protect against attacks and threats, and enforce network policies.
Planning and configuration are crucial for effective devices without unintended consequences.
In the present era of Artificial Intelligence, network security has become more critical than ever before.
An overview of network security concepts must include an understanding of how business intelligence can be leveraged to enhance security measures.
This involves utilizing AI-based tools and techniques to analyze network traffic and detect anomalous behavior in real time.
By integrating business intelligence with network security, organizations can gain valuable insights.
It enables them to proactively identify and mitigate security risks before they can cause harm.