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Network security and robust software
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Organisations hold valuable data, so attackers target their networks. Finding weaknesses before attackers do is the key.
Why network security matters
To keep data confidential and accurate, keep systems running, obey data protection law and protect the organisation's reputation and money.
Finding vulnerabilities
Penetration testing: an authorised, simulated attack on a system to find weaknesses.
Ethical hacking: a hacker with permission tries to break in and reports the weaknesses so they can be fixed.
Code reviews: other programmers check code for mistakes and security holes.
Audit trails: records of who accessed what and when, which help spot and investigate attacks.
Ethical hacking: a hacker with permission tries to break in and reports the weaknesses so they can be fixed.
Code reviews: other programmers check code for mistakes and security holes.
Audit trails: records of who accessed what and when, which help spot and investigate attacks.
Protecting networks
Access control: user accounts, passwords and permissions so people only reach what they need.
Physical security: locks, key cards and CCTV to protect server rooms and devices.
Firewall: hardware or software that checks incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks anything that breaks its rules.
Writing robust software that handles bad input and is kept updated also removes weak points.
Physical security: locks, key cards and CCTV to protect server rooms and devices.
Firewall: hardware or software that checks incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks anything that breaks its rules.
Writing robust software that handles bad input and is kept updated also removes weak points.
A company is worried that staff can see salary files they do not need. Which method should it use?
- The problem is people accessing files they should not.
- Access control gives each user only the permissions they need.
Answer: Access control (permissions on user accounts)
Penetration testing and ethical hacking find weaknesses; code reviews and audit trails support robust software. Protect networks with access control, physical security and firewalls.
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