Network Vulnerabilities: - Essay Example

NETWORK VULNERABILITIES Network Vulnerabilities Affiliation Introduction This paper presents an overview of some of the common network vulnerabilities. This research will summarize 10 common network vulnerabilities into a table. This table will be divided into three columns. First column represents name of vulnerability, second column offers the description of that vulnerability and last column outlines the solution for the issue.NoVulnerabilityDescriptionControl1USB thumb drivesUSB data travel drives are one of the main reasons of compromising the network security.

Most of people make use of them to copy their sensitive information from one system to another and use it in a wrong way.We can protect our system by changing the computers default setting for the auto-run system files policies.2Laptop and notebooksLaptops are portable, discreet comprise complete OS, and are able to operate by means of an internal battery and approach through a handy Ethernet port for tapping and intruding directly into a network.Here we can establish an encrypted file system for securing our sensitive computer data.

3Wireless access pointsWireless access points allow the users to get an instant connectivity by remaining inside the range of a network. In this scenario, Wireless attacks through war-drivers are widespread as well as are very harmful to the computers connected to the network.In order to deal with this situation we need to install system protection firewalls that can protect the system from outsiders’ attacks. In addition, we also need to apply an appropriate authentication system for system access.

4Miscellaneous USB devicesThese devices are not only used as data travel drives but they have also installed program that can access, copy and damage system data.In this scenario, we need to apply and enforce asset control policies around what devices are able to enter the environment as well as when they should be allowed.5Trojan humanSimilar to the Trojan horse attacks, the Trojan human approaches into a firm in form of some kind of disguise. He could be in company’s uniform or dressed similar to legitimate repairman.

The basic intention of these people is to get access to a number of pretty secure systems, networks and environments, and server rooms. They can copy and damage the business data.The company’s employees should be informed and reminded regarding approved 3rd parties. In addition, recognize the source by asking queries not formulating assumptions.6Optical mediaOptical media is also one of the basic reasons of creating security related problems. In this scenario people write or copy their data on some optical media like CD/DVD with un-authorized access to system.

This can create a lot of security related issues for the network.In order to deal with this situation, we can amend the system access policy by modifying the system optical media rights. In addition, we need to change the system’s default rights to stop un-authorized system access.7Hindsight is 20/20This type of attacks makes use of some advanced applications to constantly monitor network manager’s activities and working on the system. In this way they can note the keystrokes and other information on the system.

A network administrator should be aware and alert regarding this threat whenever working on personal and sensitive material. In addition, there is need to install some suitable anti-spy-ware application.8Smartphone and other digital devicesNowadays new technology based smart phones with 4G and WiFi technology can transfer and access system’s data and information.Here we need restrict the wireless media access and apply proper authentication system for the effective network management.9E-mail:Email is also one of the main security breaches that can be used for sending and receiving some illegal data files any time.

Hackers can use this technique to send a spyware program.In order to deal with this situation we need to be aware of unknown mails and do not open or download unknown attachments those can cause serious damage to system.10Switch FloodingIn this attack, an attacker is able to overflow switch’s address table by means of false media access control (MAC) addresses and make the switch similar to a hub, which can transmit packets to all the devices connected to a network.We can deal with this problem by implementing an authenticated access to system for protecting overall system working and operations.

BibliographyManky, D. (2010, November 08). Top 10 vulnerabilities inside the network . Retrieved July 06, 2011, from NetworkWorld.com: http://www.networkworld.com/news/tech/2010/110810-network-vulnerabilities.html?page=4RedSeal Systems, Inc. (2011). How to Identify Your Most Urgent Security Network Vulnerabilities and Move Beyond a Host Centric Approach to Remediation. Retrieved July 08, 2011, from http://www.infosecurityproductsguide.com/technology/2008/RedSeal.htmlShelly, Cashman, & Vermaat. (2005). Discovering Computers 2005.

Boston: Thomson Course Technology.SlideShare. (2010). Ch04 Network Vulnerabilities and Attacks. Retrieved July 07, 2011, from http://www.slideshare.net/itsec/ch04-network-vulnerabilities-and-attacks