Network Security .... An Open Door?

Businesses spend considerable resources in safeguarding their physical 
assets and intellectual property. Confidential documents are locked away,
unwanted papers are shredded, buildings are secured by sophisticated
entry systems and burglar alarms etc.

In comparison to this many of the corporate computer networks are like 
offices with open doors where a knowledgeable intruder can not only take
off with the confidential data but can also go on hacking spree using 
these computers for which the corporation may be held liable. All this is
accomplished by a hacker who could be thousands of miles away or a
disgruntled ex-employee with access to the network from his house.
They all are a few mouse clicks away.

Network security encompasses many facets starting with administration 
policies for user passwords to securing sensitive and proprietary data
within the network ( intranet) to the installation and monitoring of
perimeter security devices for intrusion detection. All this has to be
accomplished with minimal access restrictions for authorized users.
Technologies like Firewalls , Virtual Private Networks and Intrusion 
Detection Systems are key components for designing and implementing a
corporate wide network security policy.

Think of network security as a burglar alarm for your
network. Can you afford not to have one ?