Posts Tagged computer networking

Computer Networking – Higher Education Programs Online

Computer networking has become an integral part of everyday life. Networks are used by multitudes of people from the businessmen that share information with each other to the teenager uploading photos to a social networking site. The role of online education in computer networking is to teach students to keep networks working and usable. Education is obtainable from numerous online universities that offer several concentrations.

The connection between computers that share information defines the industry of computer networking. This is a complex system that needs the constant work of specialists. Online training encompasses many aspects of the field, which includes network design, troubleshooting, maintenance, and information protection. Based on career trends, having an education is quickly becoming a standard due to continually advancing technology. Students learn how to be specialists that provide daily support, train individuals to use a system, and develop a network for a company. These are only a few areas that are covered through courses in a program. Education is available through concentrations that include:

Computer Network Engineering
Computer Network Management
Network Support
Network Systems

Each available training option provides students with the knowledge needed to carry out specific functions. Online colleges give students the ability to work through programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree level. Graduate level training at the master’s degree is not a career requirement but students will fare better in their career with the advanced knowledge gained. Earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is the educational standard for the industry’s professionals.

Problem solving is one of the main roles of a computer networking professional. Students that participate in an online program in network support will gain the necessary skills for this function. Specific coursework explores how to create, design, install, manage, and fix a network when it stops working or needs updated software. Online courses help students develop their computer, technology, and management skills. Subjects on computer programming, data security, and software integration are a few topics discussed inside a program.

Computer network management programs are another area available that teaches students a core role of the industry. Students learn the process of configuring, establishing, and managing a system of networks. The software and hardware of the industry is evaluated from a management standpoint. Students learn to oversee and maintain local area networks and wide area networks. Online courses in information security, remote access, data communication, and computer architecture are some training areas students can expect to complete as a regular part of education.

The available programs prepare students to enter a career as a computer networking specialist. An accredited online education in each concentration area gives students a foundational knowledge of the field while building a particular set of skills. Full accreditation is provided by agencies like the Accreditation Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSC) to programs that meet certain criteria and offer a quality education. Students can utilize the accessibility of the Internet to research available degree programs and online computer networking schools that will help them reach their objectives.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Technologies Used To Secure Data And Network In The Organization

In this document I have discussed various technologies which can be used for improving security in the organization.
They are
1.Window AD Authentication
2.DLP Solution
3.File/HDD Encryption
4.Antivirus
5.Token/Biometric Access System
6.VPN/IPSEC
7.NAC
8.CSA

DLP Solution-
DLP is Data Loss Prevention. The DLP comprises of identifying, monitoring and protecting the data. The data can be in use (e.g. endpoint), in motion (e.g. network) and
Can be at rest (e.g. SAN-Storage Area Network).The DLP can find out the sensitive data through deep content inspection, contextual security analysis of transaction (attributes of originator, data object, medium, timing, recipient/destination, etc.). The DLP systems are designed to detect and prevent the unauthorized use and transmission of confidential (sensitive) information.

a.Network DLP
These are the systems usually installed near to the Internet connection of the organizations network and analyze network traffic for sensitive information transmission. That includes email, Chat, FTP,IM, HTTP, HTTPS. These can also work as a Storage DLP systems

b.Host DLP
These systems run on end user workstations and servers in the organization. They can be used to control the information flow between groups or types of users. They can also be used to control email and other forms of communication. Host systems have the advantage that they can monitor and control access to physical devices (such as mobile devices with data storage capabilities e.g. pendrives) and in some cases can access information before it has been encrypted.
[removed]// [removed]
[removed]
[removed]
[removed][removed]
[removed][removed]
[removed]// [removed]
Windows AD environment
All the hosts connected will have a domain environment which gives flexibility, scalability, security to the network and to the users. Windows uses robust Kerberos based authentication which is difficult to break. The network gives manageability as the rights management becomes easy. The rights can be assigned to individual users or group of users. Also severalauthentication methods like biometric or token based systems can be directly integrated with the AD system.

File/HDD encryption
Encryption is the process of transforming information (referred to as plaintext) using an algorithm (called cipher) to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key.
It can be mainly of two types
a. File Encryption
b. Disk Encryption

File Encryption- It is the process used to encrypt the files. The owner will encrypt the files and keep it in an encrypted form. If the data gets stolen or in the wrong hands the stealer will not be able to find out what the real content of the file is.

Disk Encryption-It’s also called as Volume Encryption. In this type of encryption the data on the whole disk is encrypted with a specific algorithm. The encryption will be transparent to the user i.e. the user will not be able to make out whether the data is getting encrypted or not. If the disk gets stolen the thief will not be able to get the contents as the whole disk will be encrypted.

Antivirus
Antivirus can be of two types a. Signature based Antivirus, b. Behavior based Antivirus

a. Signature based Antivirus- These AV’s detect the viruses based on the signatures given to them by the database system. These databases get updated but if any signature is missing then the virus/ worm will be active up to that time.
b. Behavior based Antivirus- These AV’s detect the behavior of the application and if it finds the behavior as suspicious then it marks it as a virus and takes appropriate action. These type of AV’s can be used to prevent zero day attacks for which the solution has not been released by the AV vendor yet.
[removed]// [removed]
[removed]
[removed]
[removed]// [removed]
Token/Biometric Based Authentication
Security tokens are used to prove one’s identity electronically. The token is used in addition to or in place of a password to prove that the customer is who they claim to be. The token acts like an electronic key to access something. It can be abiometric based token e.g. a token with fingerprints
There are four types of tokens:
1. Static Password.                                                                                                                 2. Synchronous Dynamic Password
3. Asynchronous Password
4. Challenge Response
In these Challenge Response and Synchronous Dynamic Password are bit difficult to hack.These are also called dual factor authentications as the user will have to give what he is having (a token) and what he knows ( a password). This type of security gives an edge over the other technologies.

IPSEC VPN
IPsec is a dual mode, end-to-end, security scheme operating at the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suite or OSI model Layer 3. IPsec can be used for protecting any application traffic across the Internet or any private network. Applications need not be specifically designed to use IPsec.
The IPsec suite is a framework of open standards. IPsec uses the following protocols to perform various functions:
a. A security association (SA) set up by Internet Key Exchange (IKE and IKEv2) or Kerberized Internet Negotiation of Keys (KINK) by handling negotiation of protocols and algorithms and to generate the encryption andauthentication keys to be used by IPsec.
b. Authentication Header (AH) to provide connectionless integrity and data origin authentication for IP datagrams and to provide protection against replay attacks.
c. Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) to provide confidentiality, data origin authentication, connectionless integrity, an anti-replay service (a form of partial sequence integrity), and limited traffic flow confidentiality.

NAC –Network Admission Control
Network Access Control (NAC) is a computer networking solution that uses a set of protocols to define and implement a policy that describes how to secure access to a network nodes by devices when they initially attempt to access the network. NAC might integrate the automatic remediation process (fixing non-compliant nodes before allowing access) into the network systems, allowing the network infrastructure such as routers, switches and firewalls to work together with back office servers and end user computing equipment to ensure the information system is operating securely before interoperability is allowed. It attempts to unify endpoint security technology (such as antivirus, host intrusion prevention, and vulnerability assessment), user or systemauthentication and network security enforcement so that the access to the network and other resources gets restricted from hackers.

Goals of NAC
Mitigation of zero-day attacks
The key value proposition of NAC solutions is the ability to prevent end-stations that lack antivirus, patches, or host intrusion prevention software from accessing the network and placing other computers at risk of cross-contamination of computer worms.

Policy enforcement
NAC solutions allow network operators to define policies, such as the types of computers or roles of users allowed to access areas of the network, and enforce them in switches, routers, and network middleboxes.

Identity and access management
Where conventional IP networks enforce access policies in terms of IP addresses, NAC environments attempt to do so based on authenticated user identities, at least for user end-stations such as laptops and desktop computers.

CSA-Cisco Security Agent
CSA is an endpoint intrusion prevention system software which is rule-based and examines system activity and network traffic, determining which behaviors are normal and which may indicate an attack.
CSA uses a two or three-tier client-server architecture. The Management Center ‘MC’ (or Management Console) contains the program logic; an MS SQL database backend is used to store alerts and configuration information; the MC and SQL database may be co-resident on the same system. The Agent is installed on the desktops and/or servers to be protected. The Agent communicates with the Management Center, sending logged events to the Management Center and receiving updates in rules when they occur.

In this document I have discussed various technologies which can be used for improving security in the organization.
They are
1.Window AD Authentication
2.DLP Solution
3.File/HDD Encryption
4.Antivirus
5.Token/Biometric Access System
6.VPN/IPSEC
7.NAC
8.CSA

DLP Solution-
DLP is Data Loss Prevention. The DLP comprises of identifying, monitoring and protecting the data. The data can be in use (e.g. endpoint), in motion (e.g. network) and
Can be at rest (e.g. SAN-Storage Area Network).The DLP can find out the sensitive data through deep content inspection, contextual security analysis of transaction (attributes of originator, data object, medium, timing, recipient/destination, etc.). The DLP systems are designed to detect and prevent the unauthorized use and transmission of confidential (sensitive) information.

a.Network DLP
These are the systems usually installed near to the Internet connection of the organizations network and analyze network traffic for sensitive information transmission. That includes email, Chat, FTP,IM, HTTP, HTTPS. These can also work as a Storage DLP systems

b.Host DLP
These systems run on end user workstations and servers in the organization. They can be used to control the information flow between groups or types of users. They can also be used to control email and other forms of communication. Host systems have the advantage that they can monitor and control access to physical devices (such as mobile devices with data storage capabilities e.g. pendrives) and in some cases can access information before it has been encrypted.
[removed]// [removed]
[removed]
[removed]
[removed][removed]
[removed][removed]
[removed]// [removed]
Windows AD environment
All the hosts connected will have a domain environment which gives flexibility, scalability, security to the network and to the users. Windows uses robust Kerberos based authentication which is difficult to break. The network gives manageability as the rights management becomes easy. The rights can be assigned to individual users or group of users. Also severalauthentication methods like biometric or token based systems can be directly integrated with the AD system.

File/HDD encryption
Encryption is the process of transforming information (referred to as plaintext) using an algorithm (called cipher) to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key.
It can be mainly of two types
a. File Encryption
b. Disk Encryption

File Encryption- It is the process used to encrypt the files. The owner will encrypt the files and keep it in an encrypted form. If the data gets stolen or in the wrong hands the stealer will not be able to find out what the real content of the file is.

Disk Encryption-It’s also called as Volume Encryption. In this type of encryption the data on the whole disk is encrypted with a specific algorithm. The encryption will be transparent to the user i.e. the user will not be able to make out whether the data is getting encrypted or not. If the disk gets stolen the thief will not be able to get the contents as the whole disk will be encrypted.

Antivirus
Antivirus can be of two types a. Signature based Antivirus, b. Behavior based Antivirus

a. Signature based Antivirus- These AV’s detect the viruses based on the signatures given to them by the database system. These databases get updated but if any signature is missing then the virus/ worm will be active up to that time.
b. Behavior based Antivirus- These AV’s detect the behavior of the application and if it finds the behavior as suspicious then it marks it as a virus and takes appropriate action. These type of AV’s can be used to prevent zero day attacks for which the solution has not been released by the AV vendor yet.
[removed]// [removed]
[removed]
[removed]
[removed]// [removed]
Token/Biometric Based Authentication
Security tokens are used to prove one’s identity electronically. The token is used in addition to or in place of a password to prove that the customer is who they claim to be. The token acts like an electronic key to access something. It can be abiometric based token e.g. a token with fingerprints
There are four types of tokens:
 Static Password.
 Synchronous Dynamic Password
 Asynchronous Password
 Challenge Response
In these Challenge Response and Synchronous Dynamic Password are bit difficult to hack.These are also called dual factor authentications as the user will have to give what he is having (a token) and what he knows ( a password). This type of security gives an edge over the other technologies.

IPSEC VPN
IPsec is a dual mode, end-to-end, security scheme operating at the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suite or OSI model Layer 3. IPsec can be used for protecting any application traffic across the Internet or any private network. Applications need not be specifically designed to use IPsec.
The IPsec suite is a framework of open standards. IPsec uses the following protocols to perform various functions:
a. A security association (SA) set up by Internet Key Exchange (IKE and IKEv2) or Kerberized Internet Negotiation of Keys (KINK) by handling negotiation of protocols and algorithms and to generate the encryption andauthentication keys to be used by IPsec.
b. Authentication Header (AH) to provide connectionless integrity and data origin authentication for IP datagrams and to provide protection against replay attacks.
c. Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) to provide confidentiality, data origin authentication, connectionless integrity, an anti-replay service (a form of partial sequence integrity), and limited traffic flow confidentiality.

NAC –Network Admission Control
Network Access Control (NAC) is a computer networking solution that uses a set of protocols to define and implement a policy that describes how to secure access to a network nodes by devices when they initially attempt to access the network. NAC might integrate the automatic remediation process (fixing non-compliant nodes before allowing access) into the network systems, allowing the network infrastructure such as routers, switches and firewalls to work together with back office servers and end user computing equipment to ensure the information system is operating securely before interoperability is allowed. It attempts to unify endpoint security technology (such as antivirus, host intrusion prevention, and vulnerability assessment), user or systemauthentication and network security enforcement so that the access to the network and other resources gets restricted from hackers.

Goals of NAC
Mitigation of zero-day attacks
The key value proposition of NAC solutions is the ability to prevent end-stations that lack antivirus, patches, or host intrusion prevention software from accessing the network and placing other computers at risk of cross-contamination of computer worms.

Policy enforcement
NAC solutions allow network operators to define policies, such as the types of computers or roles of users allowed to access areas of the network, and enforce them in switches, routers, and network middleboxes.

Identity and access management
Where conventional IP networks enforce access policies in terms of IP addresses, NAC environments attempt to do so based on authenticated user identities, at least for user end-stations such as laptops and desktop computers.

CSA-Cisco Security Agent
CSA is an endpoint intrusion prevention system software which is rule-based and examines system activity and network traffic, determining which behaviors are normal and which may indicate an attack.
CSA uses a two or three-tier client-server architecture. The Management Center ‘MC’ (or Management Console) contains the program logic; an MS SQL database backend is used to store alerts and configuration information; the MC and SQL database may be co-resident on the same system. The Agent is installed on the desktops and/or servers to be protected. The Agent communicates with the Management Center, sending logged events to the Management Center and receiving updates in rules when they occur.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Review About Computer Networking Firms

The most overlapping technology of all times and will surely remain as the most important in future as well is Computer. It is one of the best inventions of human being and no other invention can break down its importance. If we look a few decades before then we hardly know nominal information about peoples and countries, what happen in the other city, what is the culture of theirs but now if a small accident happen in the other corner of the world, you will surely come to know in a while. All is just because of this small computer machine.

 

Computer indulges into our life like a vaccine and now we got everything computerized, which not only lessen the human force but also enhance the capability of work with short time. Computers are good if they are used single handedly without the connection of the work but if they are in a Network Setup then it means you got the whole world in your computer. You can sale/purchase products, join communities, run your business etc.

 

Many IT agencies are providing their services for the setup of Computer Networking to business firms, so they can interact within the organization without any inconvenience of leaving their desk and the access of a single device and software from different computers. Computer networking is not only used for internal communication and alliance but it is used to safe guard the confidential documents and reports from outsiders ( hackers, viruses, Trojans and stuff ) and also to make sure that you are running a safe business as it matters when you are dealing with your clients.

 

You can own a staff of IT professionals for full time to assemble and look after for the proper working of the network, which might be not good for new and small business firms regarding the cost of these professionals. To escape from the extra cost of in-house staff you can go for off-shore company to assist you in building your computer network setup and to provide you remote monitoring and going for off-shore companies is quite cheap as compare to in-house staff. You can easily find out sourcing companies on search engines and referral sites.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Learning About Web Collaboration And Computer Networking

Computer networking plays a very important role in business processes today. With the increased use of the internet, businesses can stay connected with employees in satellite offices around the world, increasing productivity and workflow. Using a process called web collaboration helps to ensure that each person is in communication and has the most current information in order to work efficiently.

Small businesses can gain a competitive edge by using this process to bring their employees together. Many organizations ranging in size from small to large have employees scattered all over the country or even the world. Employing a workforce that spread out can in fact be more cost effective. For this reason there needs to be a way to bridge the gap for project meetings, manufacturing questions, and other things including resource sharing. By reducing the necessary building space and allowing employees to work remotely from home or other locations reduces operational expenses and overhead.

The sharing of work load and effort in groups can easily be accomplished using computer networking. Options are available for online voice and video conferencing as well as sharing of documents and resources. For many this means ease of use as well as convenience of not being required to travel for meetings and conferences. In addition, on site joining of resources can be utilized. There are many useful ways that web collaboration and computer networking can be implemented in a business environment.

To give a better understanding of how web collaboration works, let’s look at the way it functions. The process is done from site to site by using a series of access codes through the internet. The home site system must allow the outside sources access based on permissions and password protection. It is not a good idea to allow access without a password as this could potentially give hackers access to confidential data and customer information that you need to protect.

There are many sharing programs that are available to internet users today. These programs are not limited to business users. They can be used by individuals as tools to help in share family photos, notify friends of upcoming events, and communicate with people around the globe. In addition, the use of messaging and other types of online communication can be used to share any kind of data between sources.

The use of these processes has gradually become more effective and easy to use as technology has improved. It has never been easier to use these programs in the workplace to make it possible for video conferencing and file sharing. Using web collaboration greatly reduces business expenses and is a smart way for smaller organizations to stay competitive in an ever expanding global marketplace. Without this competitive edge, many businesses would not remain profitable, forcing them to close and many jobs would be lost. Using internet tools keeps costs as low as possible while providing the support needed to carry out the job at hand, whatever it may be.

Computer networking is quickly becoming a basic means of communication and file sharing across a work force that exists outside of the brick and mortar building. As more people are finding it easier and more effective to work from home, companies are using this option to accommodate their employees while making sure they stay in the loop on projects. As companies expand to include additional offices, warehouses, factories and other off site facilities, computer networking is increasingly integral to the success of their business.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Computer Networking Services in Chambersburg PA Hire an Expert Computer Vendor and Improve Business

If your organization is facing technical challenges in project management, or poor efficiency due to networking constraints, Internet connectivity, or problems in software or hardware implementation in Chambersburg PA, then you must find an expert, professional and certified computer vendor. Hiring a computer repair service firm that has employed certified technicians and network engineers will help you execute a technical plan tailored to your specific networking requirements and help fix your different types of technical and networking problems.

Online networking services have become the most reliable solution for organizational daily troubleshooting needs. With numerous networking service providers available in Chambersburg PA, it is crucial to analyze and evaluate their services prior to approaching them for your commercial networking needs. Chambersburg PC services include computer networking firms that provide technical productivity support, efficient computer services, data backups and recovery, security assistance, wireless network implementations, intrusion prevention and regulatory compliances. They offer networking solutions that are executed in a controlled, cost-effective manner. It is convenient to find a focused firm that is determined to offer hardware and software solutions, systems integration, workstation configuration, network security and compliance, configuration of security appliances as well as technical support throughout Chambersburg PA and surrounding areas. There are many dedicated business solutions providers that offer these services, along with sophisticated networking solutions to enhance business productivity.

Your company can also increase productivity by hiring firms that offer computer support, repair services and computer networking in Chambersburg PA. These networking firms have developed the expertise and specific skills to allow you to focus on running your business while they focus on your networking needs. They also guide you in wiring and help you correctly set up configuration for the network infrastructure, providing assistance in network design and implementation. They not only plan your network with attention to detail, but also make recommendations based on your organizational needs. At the same time they also offer quick and helpful insight and the experienced hands-on management that you need. It is preferable to choose a Chambersburg computer repair company that is professional and can help you solve networking complexities in an economical manner.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,