Summary

This module introduced the needs, trends, and goals of network security. The exponential growth of networking has lead to increased security risks. Many of these risks are due to hacking, device vulnerabilities, as well as improper uses of network resources. Awareness of the various weaknesses and vulnerabilities is critical to the success of modern networks. Security professionals who can deploy secure networks are in high demand.

The four primary threats to network security include unstructured threats, structured threats, external threats, and internal threats. In order to defend against threats, an understanding of the common methods of attack must be established, including reconnaissance, access, denial of service, and malicious code.

Responses to security issues range from ignoring the problem to excessive spending on security devices and solutions. Neither approach will be successful without a good, sound policy and highly skilled security professionals.