Title: Module 3 Introduction
Course: CET 2660 Network Security Fundamentals > Section: Module Three - Network Security and Its Elements

Introduction

Security researchers have been warning about mobile malware for at least the past two years, but we have yet to see any significant attacks on smartphones. Why should enterprises expect any different in 2012? Rik Ferguson, director of security research at Trend Micro, believes 2012 could be the year of mobile attacks because of the increasing number of people using smartphones for financial transactions.

Some students are trying to conceal what they are doing through the school networks by using private proxy. Private proxy is a software usually installed on the student’s home computer. Using proxies bypasses their schools’ restrictions but also potentially exposes user’s computers to threats. With file-sharing applications, great amount of data can be transferred which will expose the servers to another security breach.

Although cloud computing can offer small businesses significant cost-saving benefits namely, pay-as-you-go access to sophisticated software and powerful hardware—the service does come with certain security risks. When evaluating potential providers of cloud-based services, you should keep these top five security concerns in mind, secure data transfer, secure software interface, secured data storage, user access control, and data separation.

Three of the most important elements to secure in any information technology (IT) setting are the HOST, the APPLICATIONS, and the DATA. Network security is vital for information secure. Not all applications are designed and written with security and reliability in mind. Building a secure network through network devices, network technologies, and by the design of the network are import steps for keeping information secure. In this module, we will look at security as it applies to the host, application and data itself. Therefore, we will look at how to build a secure network through network devices and network technologies. And lastly, we look at administering a secure network by studying protocols and look at securing three of the newer types of network applications: network virtualization, IP telephony, and cloud computing.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

List the steps for securing a host computer
Define application security
Explain how to secure data using data loss prevention

List the different types of network security devices and explain how they can be used
Define network address translation and network access control
Explain how to enhance security through network design

List and describe the functions of common network protocols
Explain how network administration principles can be applied
Define the new types of network applications and how they can be secured

Readings & Resources

Chapter 5: Host, Application, and Data Security p. 162-186
Chapter 6: Network Security p. 206-232
Chapter 7: Administering a Secure Network p. 250-275