Elements of Network Security

Elements of Network Security

Louis Kibby

Network / Datacom I TCM 537

Mr. Stuart Sandler

November 28, 2005

Elements of Network Security

Introduction

The primary objective of a network security system is to, in a cost effective manner, balance convenient access to legitimate users and inaccessibility to attackers. In a nutshell, the goal is to prevent connectivity to anyone intending to cause harm to the network. The harm to which this paper refers can come in the following forms:

1. Application-level security threats, such as e-mail viruses and attachments.

2. Threats to network infrastructure devices.

3. Theft of network connectivity services.

4. Unauthorized access from internal and external sources.

5. Denial of service attacks.

Using a proper network security strategy reduces and, in some cases, even avoids the listed harmful attacks from occurring on a network (Gary, T., et al, Mar. 2002). This paper will discuss such a strategy used by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), as well as the strategy’s three primary elements: prevention,