Network security

Question 1

Give some reasons as to why network security is necessary.

Answer 1

• Ensures only authorised users can access the network and its resources
• Ensures users can only access data relevant to them
• Prevents misuse, such as deleting information, installing software, copying and removing data
• Prevents damage to hardware

Question 2

Describe some factors that warrant the importance of network security.

Answer 2

• Business success - data on the network is vital for running an organisation, the business may fail if data is compromised
• Privacy - data stored on the network may be sensitive (e.g. medical records, must be stored securely to comply with the law)
• Financial - the data may be financially valuable (e.g. details of new products, marketing campaigns)

Question 3

Identify three methods of protection in network security.

Answer 3

• Physical security
• Access control
• Firewalls

Question 4

Describe some features of using physical security to protect a network.

Answer 4

• Access doors of building where network equipment is located should be kept locked, and should be fitted with security recognition measures (keypads)
• Biometric security recognition can be used on mobile devices to authenticate users / swipe cards containing users’ details can be used for entry to building
• Closed-circuit television can be used to monitor building’s interior and exterior
• RFID chips can be fitted to all equipment so that an alarm will sound if equipment is removed

Question 5

Describe some features of access control in protecting networks.

Answer 5

• Access control limits who can log into a network and what they are permitted to do
• Authentication is the process of determining whether a person attempting to gain access is who they claim to be
• Biometric authentication is gaining popularity because of the uniqueness and convenience

Question 6

Describe some features of the permissions that some people on a network may be given.

Answer 6

• Some users may not be able to view certain folders and files
• Users can be given ‘read-only’ access so that they can read files, or ‘read and write’ access so they can also modify them
• At a higher level, users can be given the right to delete files and also to set other users’ rights to particular files

Question 7

Describe some features of using firewalls to protect a network.

Answer 7

• They protect a network connected to a WAN such as the internet
• Firewalls can be configured to prevent communications from entering the network, and to prevent programs and users from accessing the internet from within the network