A brief overview of network and server room security

1. Network Security
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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2. Why Network Security?
We need our networks secured because there are a lot of threats to networks
from hackers and software’s. Our networks hold a lot of data some of which is
confidential and could lead industry sabotage and espionage and so it must be
protected.
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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3. Common Security Threats
There are several threats to computer networks some of the most common being;
 Viruses Worms and Trojans
 Spyware and Adware
 Hacker Attacks
 Denial of Service Attacks
 Data interception and theft
 Identity Theft
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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4. Securing the Network
There are several ways in which we can ensure that our networks stay secure like;
 Authentication: All users of the network must enter some credentials to prove
that they have authority to access what’s on the network
 Firewalls: Once a user logs on a firewall can ascertain what rights the user has
on the network and what resources are available to that user.
 Antivirus and Antispyware: Also essential for the network security as this will
be able to block any malicious software that tries to run on your machine
 Password Policies: Users should be prompted to change their passwords at
least every other month.
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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5. Securing the Network continued
 Network Analyzer: This can be used to monitor who is logged onto the
network and what resources they are accessing
 Network Key: In the case of wireless networks it’s important that users must
enter a network key before being allowed on the network.
 Encryption: encryption software can be installed on the networks so that any
outsider accessing the information won’t be able to read it.
 Physical Access to data areas: All places with terminals on the network must
be secured so that no one can just access them
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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6. Servers
What is a Server?
 A server is a system either hardware or software that responds to requests
across a network to provide services
 Servers are central to a network as they hold all the data from user access data
to personal and the organizations data.
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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7. Server Room
What is a Server room?
 A server room is a room where the organizations servers are kept and as such
they need to be secured
 Server Rooms can also be used to keep backups as well as house switches and
routers
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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8. Securing the Server Room
Some ways to secure server rooms are;
 Isolation: It is important that the server room is isolated and kept away form
human traffic
 Physical Access: Users should authenticate themselves before entering the
server room. There are several ways to do this like keycards, Door access code
locks or biometrics like fingerprint.
 Monitoring: If possible have cameras in and around the server room so that
you can monitor who is accessing the room.
 Server Racks: Keep servers in racks as they are secure and can be locked that
way even if someone breaks into your server room they can’t access the
server.
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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9. Securing the Server Room Continued
 Smoke Detectors: In case of a fire the smoke detectors will go off and the fire
can be put off before any damage is done.
 Elevation: Make sure that the servers are all off the ground so that in the event
of flooding there is less likelihood of them getting affected.
 Air Conditioning: Servers like other computers produce heat and depending
on the traffic they get they can get really hot so it’s important that the server
room is air conditioned
 Windows: Ensure that there are no windows to the server room or if there are
they should be well secured
 Password Lockouts: It is advisable to set your servers so that they can lock
after a few failed log in attempts.
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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10. Summary
 We see that it is important to secure our networks for various reasons because
they are used to store sensitive and important data which we want to keep
secure as it might be used for malicious intent in the wrong hands.
10/30/2013
A presentation by Nkosinathi Lungu
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