Wireless Network Tutorial

With the inter-related connection of organizational information flows and the advent of the internet, maintaining network security and data integrity is a prime consideration for any organization. Network security threats have evolved as hackers and cyber criminals seek to exploit security vulnerabilities and the ignorance of organizational employees. This article discusses some important network security threats that individuals and companies need to be aware of and address.

Email Threats to network security: Bogus emails and phishing email threats remain a prime concern to internet network security. Virus laced emails come disguised with attachments, that when activated, spread through computer systems and create network security threats. In this day and age it is important not to open any email with an attachment that is not expected. Virus software can partially help screen for high risks emails but new techniques are constantly being deployed and need to be guarded against. Phishing emails expose an individual to potential identity theft. By directing the target to a third party site, under the false assumption that the reader is visiting the legitimate company site, important personal and account details are extracted that can be used to create personal and financial damage. Do not open any suspicious email or click on any links. Always access your accounts by directly accessing the web page of interest.

Packet Sniffers: A potential threat to network security Is a technique whereby computer software or hardware intercepts passing traffic over a digital network. When sensitive data such as usernames, passwords or credit card details are retained, this can result in proprietary data or financial details falling into unauthorized hands. Unsecured network connections such as wifi access points are used by hackers to setup packet sniffers to monitor all traffic that comes and goes to a network. It is important, therefore, that personnel are educated about using only secure network connections to avoid this potential network security risk. Public places such as cafes and airports that have free wifi access can be exposed to honeypots that hackers use for packet sniffing purposes.

Malicious Websites: A hidden threat to network security. With the internet playing such a large role in the day to day business and research activities undertaken by organizations, individuals are potentially exposed to websites that silently install Trojans, keyloggers, adware and spyware that can capture personal details such as passwords. It is important to purchase only from secure sites and to run regular virus and spyware computer scans. This will eliminate junk files and any data that is stored and potentially exposed to network security attacks.

Hardware Data Loss: Many organizations do not maintain adequate checks and controls on organizational hardware. This is particularly important for traveling executives and discarding old equipment. Securing data to prevent hardware mirroring in places such as airports and shredding files prior to hardware disposal is particularly important. Whilst the data may not directly pose a direct network security threat, password discovery can be used to compromise company internal systems.

Contact Us | Privacy Policy |