Things You Need to Know about Network Security

Things You Need to Know about Network Security

Network security is one of the most important things that a lot of organizations should consider in order to ensure the safety of the data being transmitted in and out of the organization's network.

There are several medias on where data can be transmitted on and the most common if LAN cables. LAN cables are basically copper wires wherein data are being transmitted through electrical signals. This is the most common because it is the most affordable media.

Another is fiber optic cabling wherein the data are transmitted as light pulses. This way they may be able to reach the destination faster than any other type of cabling.

The next media is one of the most vulnerable ones and it is through a wireless network. If the people who have set the organization's wireless network are not that very particular with the security then they are risking the organization's data and information.

It is like they are sharing the company's sensitive information to anyone who can access the wireless network.

Internet is also another way to communicate data from one office to another. Internet serves as the companies' platform in their exchange of information. Internet is also being used to send and receive an email which is very common especially to large companies.

One of the basic things that the company can do in order to secure their network is by implementing a password. This way, only the authorized persons will be able to gain access to the network itself.

With the today's technology, hackers are becoming more and more powerful especially when they use sophisticated gadgets and software in hacking.

That is why it is very important that whenever you establish a network you take into consideration its security and make sure that no one else has access to it except only the authorized people.

 

3g Network Camera Into The Core Of Family Security

3g Network Camera Into The Core Of Family Security
3G network camera (3G Camera) using the latest 3G mobile communication technology, for home, small business or industry-specific needs of the user monitoring application designed and implemented a simple installation, flexible operation, cost-effective mobile video surveillance equipment. 3G 3G network camera wireless Internet access through 3G networks, 3G wireless Internet access is divided into two forms of external and internal, external 3G Modem with USB port to connect to the camera, according to the local 3G network standard, flexible replacement, while the built-in 3G Modem is more stable and reliable 3G network camera simply insert the SIM card can be used on.

3G network cameras different from traditional IP cameras, which not only provides Internet access through the way of more creative channels to provide a 3G video phone monitoring methods. This way, you use an ordinary 3G phone, without having to install software, just make a video phone, video camera in real-time surveillance video showed immediately in front, so that monitoring becomes very simple. The biggest advantage of 3G network camera is the user is always online, if there is police intelligence, the camera will automatically set back the 3G mobile phone number, you answer by pressing a button, panoramic view of any situation. Audio channels using the video phone, 3G network cameras can also monitor the function of site, monitor the site easier for you to understand the situation.
In addition, the camera pan and tilt control, four zoom control, remote video, mobile video record of a visit, maximum security and disarm mobile phone, mobile phone number filtering, access password protection, external sensors and other features that make 3G network camera into the core of surveillance equipment.
Video, wireless accessories trigger the alarm, the alarm can be reversed to produce 3G mobile phone number has been preset, allowing users to immediately see the scene monitoring the situation, the user can at any time through the 3G mobile phone maximum security and disarm
System function

Characteristics of 3G Network Camera: Zero-configuration; Fully mobilesurveillance; High qualitypictures; Secure access
Security Alarm: Video of wireless accessories alarm can be reversed to produce the alarm has been the default number of 3G mobile phones, allowing users to immediately see the scene monitoring the situation, the user can at any time through the 3G mobile phone maximum security and disarm
3G mobile video phone monitoring: with traditional remote video surveillance system with different IP, 3G network cameras will monitor the video via 3G video telephony channels (rather than data channel) to a 3G phone, any of a 3G mobile phone, without having to install software, you can connected via 3G video telephony features real-time surveillance video.
Internet IP Monitoring: G dial-up Internet, and use DDNS technology, users can easily access the 3G network over the Internet camera

Top 5 Secrets to Secure Wireless Computer Network

Top 5 Secrets to Secure Wireless Computer Network

Communication is the vital art which humanity has developed in the course of evolution and ‘computer and networking has brought precision, consistence and seamlessness’ in this art, and there is no exaggeration in saying so. On broad context you often use the term ‘Information technology’ to encompass all software and hardware ensembles, and it has become supportive for all work domains transcending performance and output for a better and smarter planet. Advent of remote sensing is a milestone which accentuated the mode of sharing and communication. Nowadays, you can create a wireless home network to share PCs, printer, Internet access and other resources in a hassle-free manner. But before you make it live don’t forget to secure it against any unauthorized access.

You can avail Computer Support from equipment manufacturers as well as from third-party vendors to setup, install, configure and secure your wireless connection.

Most of the time the support is available over the phone or through the secure Internet connection, and experts can remotely do all settings and troubleshooting on demand. Knowledgebase and user-manual of manufacturer can be of great help in accomplishing all such tasks. Lets’ see how to secure a wireless computer network:

1. Install a firewall

A firewall as you know isolates your network from outside world while permitting you smooth access to data, resources and network stuffs. It comes built-in with security software or with the hardware appliances, and sometimes can be a blend.

It either denies or allows outgoing traffic known as egress filtering or incoming traffic known as ingress filtering.

2. Change default administrator passwords and usernames

The network or router password /username should be changed after the setup and installation, as bad-guys can easily unveil those default settings via the Internet, and may get unwanted access.

3. Turn on compatible encryption Latest wireless routers come with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption technology, and you can choose the desired level of encryption to secure electronic communication.

4. Change the default network name

Manufacturer of wireless router offers Service Set Identifier (SSID), a name by which different network components communicate with each other. You must change this information after the network setup to shield it against any unauthorized access.

5. Activate address filtering

A wireless router is designed to communicate with those network components whose Media Access Control (MAC) addresses are in sync with the input information, thereby making the network secure from any unidentified devices. You should keep the feature enabled. Also, disable the SSID feature as its make your system vulnerable and anyone with your PC's Network Administrator credential can get the access to your shared data. Hopefully, the enunciated information will help you to secure your wireless network connection. Being a novice, navigating to online computer support service is a good idea. Experts will make sure that every setting is done as per the standard and specification of your router device.

They can also help you to equip your computer or server with a desired Internet security software and configure the firewall feature of your system software. However, if you experience any virus and spyware related issues with your system or network, online computer helpservice can scan, diagnose and remove culprit entity in a quick and easy way to secure your digital world.

Make Your Internet World Safe with Network Security Firewalls

Make Your Internet World Safe with Network Security Firewalls

With the increase of internet usage the whole world is now connected in a single node. This has brought the whole world closer, and the modes of communication have become much easier. While internet makes life fast and easy, it also brings great panic among users worldwide because of the danger of virus and hackers attacks that always interrupts our online world; and with this, we have to face a lot of difficulties.

However, with the help of network security tools, a user can easily find many ways to stay protected while extracting their online functions. You must have come across the term, “firewalls.” But do you know what a firewall is and how it is helpful in providing the best internet security? Let us learn something about the functionalities of firewalls and their various roles in providing cyber security:

A firewall is an essential part of your system that is designed to block unauthorized access and permitting only the authorized one so that your information should remain confined to limited persons only.

It is usually an in-built window which is made more efficient and effective with the help of network security tools.

A firewall is a network management software that inspects the types of incoming and outgoing traffic passing through your server. The cyber security tools acts as a bridge for the firewalls so that it can communicate with the internal and external traffic and allow only authorized traffic to settle in. You must know the configuration of the firewalls since there are many duplicate internet security tools available in the website which can make the firewalls of your computer weak and vulnerable. You must also keep in mind that your hardware too is very sensitive and so should not download such tools that will adversely affect your hard drives.

The basic functionality of the firewall is the prevention of the unauthorized from accessing your private information especially through intranet, which are internet protocols where the employees are restricted to some site that are related to organization information. Apart from that, it has the capacity to run a performance test to find any bugs or errors and alert you to find the solution. Also, if you go through any attachments and the firewall and find the spam in it, it will directly notify you and will restrict the same.

Now, let us go through the different techniques to provide network security firewalls:

1- Packet Filter- It checks each packet passing through the network and accepts or declines it according to user-defined rules. It is very effective and transparent but not is applicable to IP spoofing.

2- Application gateway- It applies security guidelines for specific applications, most common being FTP and Telnet server and is effective only for some applications.

3- Proxy Server- By checking all incoming and outgoing mails in the network, it acts as a barrier between the internal and external traffic and restricts unauthorized users.

Therefore, with the help of network security firewalls, you can stay away from security threats and make your networks more secured. It is a very effective software if installed and used perfectly.

BEL Network Integration & Support is a Leading Network Consulting and Network Security Practice and Services Company

BEL Network Integration & Support is a Leading Network Consulting and Network Security Practice and Services Company

Network security starts from authenticating the user, commonly with a username and a password. Since this requires just one thing besides the user name, i.e. the password which is something you ‘know’, this is sometimes termed one factor authentication. With two factor authentication something you ‘have’ is also used (e.g. a security token or ‘dongle’, an ATM card, or your mobile phone), or with three factor authentication something you ‘are’ is also used (e.g. a fingerprint or retinal scan).

Once authenticated, a firewall enforces access policies such as what services are allowed to be accessed by the network users. Though effective to prevent unauthorized access, this component may fail to check potentially harmful content such as computer worms or Trojans being transmitted over the network. Anti-virus software or an intrusion prevention system (IPS) helps detect and inhibit the action of such malware. An anomaly-based intrusion detection system may also monitor the network and traffic for unexpected (i.e. suspicious) content or behavior and other anomalies to protect resources, e.g. from denial of service attacks or an employee accessing files at strange times. Individual events occurring on the network may be logged for audit purposes and for later high level analysis. Communication between two hosts using a network could be encrypted to maintain privacy.

Honeypots, essentially decoy network-accessible resources, could be deployed in a network as surveillance and early-warning tools as the honeypot will not normally be accessed. Techniques used by the attackers that attempt to compromise these decoy resources are studied during and after an attack to keep an eye on new exploitation techniques.

Such analysis could be used to further tighten security of the actual network being protected by the honeypot.

Network Integration and Network Integration Services

Security Management for networks is different for all kinds of situations. A small home or an office would only require basic security while large businesses will require high maintenance and advanced software and hardware to prevent malicious attacks from hacking and spamming.

Server Data Backup procedure

Professional help should be sought because the data within computers is not always stored in files that are visible or locations that are known. For example, Microsoft Outlook and Outlook express store data of received, sent and deleted emails in databases and the layman would usually not know the location of these databases. Similarly other software that you might be using could also have their own databases that are stored in specific locations. When you call in your IT and Computer Network Specialist, they will make a short study of how data in your organization is accumulated, frequency of addition of new data or change of data, what kind of data is accumulated, what software is being used and where and how the data is stored. With these details, they can create and implement a data backup plan.

Mock Drills

If a data backup plan has been implemented, it is a good idea to create a mock data recovery drill once every six months or so. The importance of having a mock drill is to find out the effectiveness of the data backup plan. At the end of the drill, you should have been able to recover at least 85% to 90% of the data that was supposed to have been destroyed. Additionally, after the drill, the effected computer(s) should be 100% operational.

You might wonder why 85 to 90% data recovery and not 100%. Unless disaster struck your computer or computer network immediately after the last data backup,  there will always a time lag between the last windows server backup, Computer Disaster Recovery and the computer or computer network failing. During this time lag, data might have been added or changed. It is this data that might be lost. Again, there are ways and means of recovering even this lost data – but leave that to your IT and Networking Support company because it takes special tools and know-how to recover this lost data.

For more information, please call BEL Network Integration & Support, LLC (BELNIS) a Networking Support Company and Backup Storage Solutions Company at (804) 796-2631. BELNIS has a 21-year track record for providing quality solutions to business establishments and government offices throughout Richmond & Tri-Cities area in the State of Virginia, USA.

Click For: Computer Network Support and Computer Support Richmond

Network Camera ? A New Age Security Product

Network Camera ? A New Age Security Product
A Network Camera is also known as an IP Camera that helps to stream and capture live video images over an IP system directly. Each of then have their own IP address and other features that are built-in within a web server. The primary advantage of network camera is that they allow remote recording, viewing and video handling from almost anywhere. You just need video management software tools or a web server. For instance, this technology allows us to scan through a particular camera set up in New York, through a computer with internet access situated at UK. The name i.e. Network Camera is derived from the fact that the images recorded in the camera can be viewed over an IP network.

The IP network is one of the most frequent used networks for data transmission and communication. We use them regularly from our residences or offices, by receiving and sending mails and browsing the internet. The presence of an IP network in most homes and corporate complexes makes the installation of network cameras cost-effective and easy. Any location is good enough for its installation as long as its signals can be traced and well navigated well.

Owing to the threats of security that may result from unforeseen human attacks, social unrest, infrastructural malfunctioning it has become imperative to invest in a network camera in today’s IT driven era. Network cameras have gained prominence over the past few years owing to its numerous benefits. Some of them are as follows:-

There is a possibility to access numerous remote locations being seated a central area. This makes the system cost-effective.
There is remote access to recorded and live images from any location you want and at any time
The cameras have in built advanced features that enables in efficient security operations to be carried on
The installation cost is less because it utilizes the communication networks that are already in use. Hence, this also leads to less cable requirements
The video systems within the camera have high-end features that minimize the resources and time required for organizing, maintaining and monitoring a video system.

Presently, the new age service providers in network camera has come up with various product variants, such as the PoE cameras, Mega Pixel Cameras, Bullet Cameras, Dome Cameras, Outdoor/Indoor Cameras, PTZ cameras and many others.

Increase Network Security With Windows 2008 Server Hosting

Increase Network Security With Windows 2008 Server Hosting
As a direct result of internet and virtualization technologies, Windows 2008 server hosting is here to stay. As a entire, the server infrastructure is much more reliable than some Windows servers from the past. Businesses especially benefit from Windows 2008 server hosting because of the reality that they're saving both time and income. The server provides a platform which is dynamic and permits for optimization. Virtualization tools, advanced security attributes and enhanced internet resources are all built into the server. Web management tasks are far better controlled with Windows Server Manager technologies as well as the advanced security features add an additional layer of protection to data.

The virtualization tools on the server enable users to utilize and virtualize more than one operating system on a single server. Windows 2008 servers are fully capable of supporting and running operating systems including Windows, Unix, Linux and Fedora. This opens up the server to a broader marketplace and gives companies more room to grow. Licensing policies had been created far more flexible with this server giving users a lot of chance to take full advantage of the virtualization advantages and price savings. VPN is no longer needed as a way to disperse applications, adding to the servers convenience and security. Datacenters housed on the server might be stored, modified and increased with out interference. This is specifically welcoming to growing business.

A typical thread amongst all businesses will be the will need for security. The Windows 2008 server allows for possibly a number of the most secured hosting networks from Windows to date. The actual server comes equipped with Read-Only Domain Controller, Network Access Protection and Federal Rights Management. These applications assist to single handedly protect data stored on the server, the network and ultimately the company. The Network Access Protection alone adds an unprecedented level of security. Computers that do not comply with companies security policies are isolated. Compliance checking is continual. Network restriction and remediation is provided.

Several web resources are granted with Windows 2008 server hosting. The server uses IIS7 technology to simplify the management of the internet server. Management of the interface and cross website control is created simpler. By taking advantage of the offered internet resources, data might be shared quickly and far more securely.

Social networking sites 'a threat to home security'

Social networking sites 'a threat to home security'

The importance of having burglar alarms installed may be greater for people who are keen users of social networking sites, it has been suggested.

Writing in the Sun, reformed burglar Richard Taylor, who is now a church minister, said "canny" thieves check sites such as Facebook and Twitter when sizing up which properties to target.

The home security of those who announce they are heading away for a trip and leaving their residences unattended is therefore compromised.

He remarked: "People put all kinds of information on Facebook, including their address and mobile number. A burglar just has to call your mobile and if there's an international ring tone they know you are away."

The 35-year-old father of four added: "These days everyone is Twitter-mad, I use it myself. But putting information that anyone can see on the internet leaves you vulnerable to a break-in."

In addition to burglar alarms, there are a number of other home security measures that can be adopted, Mr Taylor pointed out.

According to the minister, purchasing a safe can be a good idea.

In addition, having dog is an effective deterrent.

He stated: "A dog is great for putting off burglars ... I never burgled a house with a dog in it because there's a fear of what it might do."

The former criminal also noted that it is pointless hiding valuables in places such as bedroom drawers as such areas will be raided during break-ins. The same goes for wardrobes, kitchen cupboards and even fridges, he claimed.

As a general rule, security experts advise consumers not to post important personal information such as addresses and phone numbers on social networking sites.

Also, it is also not recommended for people to announce they are going on holiday if this means they are leaving their properties unattended.

Fast And Secure Networks To Benefit Your Business

Fast And Secure Networks To Benefit Your Business
Nearly every business in the western world depends on information and communication technology in this modern age. Nearly every industry, from manufacturing to administration all depend somehow on computers. Any failure in a companies computer system can result in a considerable decrease in earnings. Hence, it is crucial that companies look after their equipment to a good standard but additionally make use of the very latest fast and secure network provisions. This should make sure the company can function without disruptions or loss of income.



A tremendous tool in acquiring a quick and secure network is a virtual private network using multiprotocol label switching or MPLS VPN . A virtual private network facilitates a business to establish a safe network that's only accessible by its employees within a public network for example the internet. Instead of a company being forced to develop its own costly network of telephone cables in an effort to share data between locations or employees, MPLS VPN facilitates businesses to use the internet in sharing the data but make sure that information is also secure. This is extremely useful for a business which runs a variety of regional offices as well as its head office or has staff in distant locations. The MPLS system also permits virtual links to be produced amongst nodes within a network. This lessens the amount and complexity of data traffic used, therefore lowering business expenses.



Another useful tool in company communications is UK voice over IP or VOIP UK which allows voice communications over the internet as an alternative to using traditional landlines. The benefits of the VOIP UK system are significant. For starters, costs are substantially decreased by using broadband for voice calls as opposed to needing an independent land line for voice calls. The VOIP UK system provides a substantially higher level of security than that provided by landlines. This system can be implemented both over a local network with the company property and over the wider internet. Voice calls using a computer system give a new dimension of stability and security for any business communications and can greatly lessen expenses and complications.



The majority of businesses would be not able to operate should their information and communication systems crash. Networks are some of the most crucial systems that businesses operate today, both internal and external to the business. MPLS VPN allows efficient and secure networks to be run outside the companys own internal network using the pre-existing infrastructure. A VOIP UK system also permits businesses to communicate vocally, in a safe manner, within distinct locations. The two networks combined offer a business an extremely sophisticated level of dependability and safety whilst simultaneously lowering company costs.

How to Secure Your Bluetooth Networks and Devices

How to Secure Your Bluetooth Networks and Devices

Bluetooth is a wireless technology which enable devices between short distances to share files. These devices include mobile phones, computers and earphones. This wireless technology provides many advantages such as its ability to transfer files up to 1 megabit per second (the second version can transfer files as fast as 3 megabits per second) and it is also inexpensive making it a viable solution to anyone who needs to transfer files quickly without the need of cables. So how do you keep your network secure? Here are some tips to help you out.

1. Configure your device so that you have to approve any user connection requests. Changing the settings will vary from device to device but most devices with a GUI should have a settings page which will enable you to change the security level of your network.

2. Always turn your Bluetooth network OFF whenever its not in use.

3.

If possible, install antivirus or antispyware software on your device to minimize the chances of infection on your device.

4. Know your enemy. How do people access your networks without your consent? Some extreme programs enables the perpetrator to view your files, text messages and even control your phone when they have gained access through bluetooth. Always look around to make sure there is no one suspicious when you are transferring important files through any wireless networks.

5. Ensure a PIN is set up when you are transferring files with another person. Most devices in default mode will ask you to include a PIN when connecting with other bluetooth enabled devices.

Things To Think About When Choosing Network Security Software

Things To Think About When Choosing Network Security Software
Since the internet was discovered, a lot has changed including the way business is conducted. Generally, businesses are the biggest beneficiaries of this technology. Businesses are using this technology to reach millions of consumers situated in different parts of the world. The internet has made shopping online a preference for many since it's more convenient. Unfortunately, with the advent of the internet came a lot of criminal activities with criminals hacking other people's computer systems. Network security software therefore is very important.

Among the disadvantages of the internet is the possibility that ones system can be hacked into. It may not always be possible to know how these hackers have access into the system. It is also sometimes almost impossible to tell the original source. The good thing is that if a good application is installed, the system can be protected from harm. Experts recommend an application that can check for problems, as well as offer the relevant cure.

When purchasing the application, one should make sure that it has a simple installation capability. The application should be able to check for threats and eliminate them. Experts recommend the use of an application that can scan all types of files in the computer. The application should have the ability to assist in directory search of files. In addition, the application should have the capability to scan everything in the computer for all kinds of threats in ports, users and so on.

It is also advisable to use a standardized type of protection. This simply means that the protection application should work with any operating system. This also means that the protection should detect all kinds of threats in most of the operating systems that exist as well as provide viable solution. In addition, it should provide complete solutions without the need of installing additional protection. This application should offer complete protection at an affordable price.

When connecting several computers to a central server, the security of the computers should be enhanced. The computers should have some kind of protection before they are allowed to share network. Apart from ensuring that the computers are protected, the source of the system should also be protected. Protecting the server is quite beneficial in many ways. Having a centralized protection helps protect all computers at once.

The defence mechanism used for the whole system is much stronger than that which is used for one single computer. In case of any threats, the centralized defence system will fight them off. These threats will not get passage into any computer at all. Single user security system may not have the power to fight many threats at once.

There are two major benefits to installing the application on the server. One benefit is that this sure saves a lot since there will be no need of installing the application on each computer. The other benefit is that the main defence unit protects all computers from harm collectively.

Installing an application on each computer is not advisable especially if there is a centralized system. The reason is that individual applications can slow down the processor of the system. Having centralized network security software not only protects all computers but also saves money.

Denver Network Security Are Hackers Putting Your Business In Danger?

Denver Network Security Are Hackers Putting Your Business In Danger?
With the Wiki Leaks drama as of late, it seems that there is a lot of speculation circulating as regard to who's at risk, what can be done, and who to turn to for support to prevent these kind of information disasters. That's where finding a reputable IT support company that provides excellent Denver network security services comes in! Most good IT support companies offer a variety of services to address information security that include disaster recovery, internet security, network security and other data protection services for the everyday small business.

With fear comes rash decisions however (exactly what hackers want). Look to avoid some of the many scares that are crippling businesses and causing them to over spend. For example, see this recent email I received from our tenant regarding just this issue, and QeH2 Partner Ian Holt's thoughts following...

WARNING: Internet usage and DoS attacks

With the arrest of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange the largest hacker group in the world right now (Known as "Anonymous") is doing major attacks on many financial institutions like Paypal and Mastercard and internet providers like Amazon. These attacks also known as DoS (Denial of Service) attacks are usually performed by sending out massive amounts of malware which hijacks people's machines and disseminates the attack from unknowing victims machines. Occasionally these malware include Trojans and worms which will damage your machine.

As an added precaution beyond normal virus and malware protection we want all of our customers to know about this and would ask that you limit internet usage over the next three days to curtail any hijacking of your equipment. By all means, do not stop using the internet altogether but please limit your usage as much as possible for the next three days. The government is fighting back against these hackers and the major companies are working on patches to block the malware dissemination but it will take time.

I sent this to my Partner and friend Ian, he replied with the following....

"This sounds like a hoax. It's not like there is a limited amount of internet to go around. If you try to access one of the websites they attack it will be slower, but your internet usage will not affect nor increase your ability to be attacked or hijacked.

The government does fight back against hackers, the FBI has 1 (that's ONE) cybercrime expert in the state of Colorado and he's woefully behind the times. Private companies being attacked will update their security policies and block offending traffic and may experience a few hours of downtime until they control their own sites.

Erroneous parts of this email include - The Paypal BLOG site was down, not paypal. Amazon is NOT an internet provider, they are an online retailer.

This whole thing reeks of cyberhoax."

Hopefully this proves as an example that you never know what to believe, especially given the various sources. Someone played a simple hoax here but the results can and will be lost productivity, etc. When a question comes up just contact your local Denver network security company or your IT support technician, that's what we're here for!

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Why Network Security Is Important For Your Business

Why Network Security Is Important For Your Business
With so much work being done and stored on computers, network security should be a priority for all businesses. Everything from customer information and corporate secrets to other important data are stored on and transmitted via computer networks, so it's no wonder that the temptation for criminals to break in to your network is great.

In reality, the threat of network intrusion is real, no matter what the size of your business. For example, smaller businesses, thinking that their networks may not pose as much of a temptation, may have less secure networks and thus leave them open to attack.

Imagine what your company would have to lose if a criminal were to breach your computer network. They may have access to your personnel files, your customer files, credit card numbers, and confidential financial information. The havoc a criminal could cause with just one of these pieces of information is almost unthinkable.

How to Secure Your Network

One part of securing a network is ensuring that the network is built to be secure. When building a business network, a network architect should determine how best to secure the network, whether that network is a small network for a small business or one that has to integrate into part of a huge global enterprise network. Building a secure network starts with choosing the network equipment, including firewalls, routers, and switches.

A much larger part of network security is creating policies that ensure your network is secure by allowing only certain people to use the network for prescribed purposes only. Only allowing authorized users access to a computer network by logging in keeps unknown people from getting in. Likewise, having password policies that require a strong password and teaching users of your network not to share those passwords with unauthorized users also helps to keep a network safe.

Additional tips include:

*Identify what could possibly tempt an attack. By taking inventory of what your company's data assets are and taking steps to protect those assets by securing your network, you help to ensure your company's data is safe.

*Institute policies that keep your computers safe while being used by authorized user, such as preventing or limiting downloads or unauthorized browsing.

*Keep users aware of the simple things they can do like changing their password regularly, not writing down their password, and not giving their password out to anyone.

Taking the steps above helps to protect your business not only from intrusion but also from downtime due to malware infections, which can adversely affect your company's bottom line.