What are network security protocols? Network security is a term that applies to the protection of information from unauthorized access and misuse. A network security protocol is a set of rules used by network devices such as computers, printers, and routers to communicate with each other. The process of administering these protocols and rules is called security administration.
Network Security Protocols Application
The protocols and rules that apply to computer networks include the following:
Access Control Protocols. Access control protocols are the rules that specify which users are permitted access to specific devices and resources. In many cases, access control protocols are set up so that certain individuals can be granted access only by certain other individuals.
For example, a user might only be able to access a particular file on a server if the file’s owner grants permission for that access.
Storage Protocols. Storage protocols are the rules that determine how information is stored on devices such as hard drives.
Transport Protocols. Transport protocols are the rules that determine how information is sent from one device to another. For example, one device may request that another device send some information using a particular port. A transport protocol determines whether the information is sent as requested.
Process
The security administration process is the process of managing network security protocols and rules. The process includes the following:
Identifying assets
This step involves identifying devices on a network and evaluating their usefulness to the network’s users. For example, a printer that has been used to send out hundreds of confidential company documents over the years may be considered one of your company’s most important assets. On the other hand, a new printer that was recently installed in the mailroom may not be considered an asset at all.
Identifying threats
This step involves identifying potential threats to your network’s assets. For example, you might determine that someone on your network could copy confidential files from a server without permission and then pass them on to a competitor through email.
Designing countermeasures
Once you have identified your assets and threats, you can design countermeasures or strategies for dealing with those threats. For example, if you have determined that someone can copy files from your server to an external drive, you might implement password protection for that external drive so that only authorized users can access it. Implementing password protection for the external drive would be a countermeasure against the threat of unauthorized access to files from your server.
Executing countermeasures
Once you have designed your countermeasures, you can execute them by changing settings on devices such as routers or firewalls. You might also need to train employees in order for them to understand and use these countermeasures properly.
Maintaining countermeasures
Network security must be maintained over time in order to keep up with new threats and new technologies that may become available in the future. Therefore, it is important to review your security measures regularly and update them if necessary.
Conclusion
Network security is the art of keeping your network and all of its associated devices safe from attacks. Network security protocols are the rules that determine how your network devices communicate with each other, and security administration is the process of maintaining these protocols.
