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Different types of Network Security

Different types of Network Security

Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA)

WPA encrypts information, and checks to make sure that the network security key has not been modified.

WPA also authenticates users to help ensure that only authorized people can access the network.

There are two types of WPA authentication: WPA and WPA2.

WPA is designed to work with all wireless network adapters, but it might not work with older routers or access points.

WPA2 is more secure than WPA, but it will not work with some older network adapters.
WPA is designed to be used with an 802.1X authentication server, which distributes different keys to each user. This is referred to as WPA-Enterprise or WPA2-Enterprise.

It can also be used in a pre-shared key (PSK) mode, where every user is given the same password. This is referred to as WPA-Personal or WPA2-Personal.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

WEP is an older network security method that is still available to support older devices, but it is no longer recommended.

When you enable WEP, you set up a network security key. This key encrypts the information that one computer sends to another computer across your network. However, WEP security is relatively easy to crack.

802.1X authentication

802.1X authentication can help enhance security for 802.11 wireless networks and wired Ethernet networks. 802.1X uses an authentication server to validate users and provide network access. On wireless networks, 802.1X can work with WEP or WPA keys. This type of authentication is typically used when connecting to a workplace network.

MAC Adress

A Media Access Control address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. Can be described as Ethernet hardware address (EHA), hardware address or physical address. It is assigned by the manufacturer of a network interface card (NIC) and are stored in its hardware, the card's read-only memory, or some other firmware mechanism.

The advantage to MAC filtering is that there is no attachment cost to devices that connect to the network. The policy is set on a router or switch, and the equipment attached either is permitted or it is not. The person attaching the equipment has nothing to do.

The disadvantage to MAC filtering is that it is easy to spoof due to the broadcast nature of LAN and WLAN, an advisory can sit on the wire and just listen to traffic to and from permitted MAC addresses. Then, the advisory can change his MAC address to a permitted one, and in most cases obtain access to the network.

Authentication

One-factor authentication – this is “something a user knows.” The most recognized type of one-factor authentication method is the password.

Two-factor authentication – in addition to the first factor, the second factor is “something a user has.” Examples of something a user has are a device that generates a pre-determined code, a signed digital certificate or even a bio-metric such as a fingerprint.

Three-factor authentication – in addition to the previous two factors, the third factor is “something a user is.” Examples of a third factor are all bio-metric such as the user’s voice, hand configuration, a fingerprint, a retina scan or similar.

The advantage of using a 3 factor authentication is that it's made reassuringly sure that the person who is authenticating is the person who is authenticating through multiple layers of security.
The disadvantage is that there is a possibility that the person trying to authenticate loses first or the second authentication, the process can also take time.

Firewall
Its primary objective is to control the incoming and outgoing network traffic by analyzing the data packets and determining whether it should be allowed through or not, based on a predetermined rule set. It may be hardware or software.

The advantage of a firewall is that the user can monitor incoming and outgoing security alerts and the firewall company will record and track down an intrusion attempt depending on the severity. Some firewalls can detect viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or data collectors.

The disadvantage of firewalls is that they offer weak defense from viruses so antiviral software and an IDS (intrusion detection system) which protects against Trojans and port scans should also complement your firewall in the layering defense. A firewall protection is limited once you have an allowable connection open. This is where another program should be in place to catch Trojan horse viruses trying to enter your computer as unassuming normal traffic.

Physical Security
Something that is physically in the way of someone breaking into a system. E.g. a door, or walls, or security guards.

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