This Springer Brief examines the tools based on attack graphs that help reveal network hardening threats. Existing tools detail all possible attack paths leading to critical network resources. Though no current tool provides a direct solution to remove the threats, they are a more efficient means of network defense than relying solely on the experience and skills of a human analyst. Key background information on attack graphs and network hardening helps readers understand the complexities of these tools and techniques. A common network hardening technique generates hardening solutions comprised of initially satisfied conditions, thereby making the solution more enforceable. Following a discussion of the complexity issues in this technique, the authors provide an improved technique that considers the dependencies between hardening options and employs a near-optimal approximation algorithm to scale linearly with the size of the inputs. Also included are automated solutions for hardening a network against sophisticated multi-step intrusions. Network Hardening: An Automated Approach to Improving Network Security is a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in network security. It is also a useful tool for advanced-level students focused on security in computer science and electrical engineering.

Provides insights on maintaining security of computer networks, covering such topics as identity management systems, Web services, mobile devices, data encryption, and security patching.

This book's concise and consistent approach breaks down security into logical parts, giving actions to take immediately, information on hardening a system from the top down, and finally when to go back and make further upgrades.

This is the only computer book to focus completely on infrastucture security: network devices, protocols and architectures. It offers unique coverage of network design so administrators understand how they should design and protect their enterprises. Network security publishing has boomed in the last several years with a proliferation of materials that focus on various elements of the enterprise. * This is the only computer book to focus completely on infrastucture security: network devices, protocols and architectures * It offers unique coverage of network design so administrators understand how they should design and protect their enterprises * Helps provide real practical solutions and not just background theory

As a network administrator, auditor or architect, you know the importance of securing your network and finding security solutions you can implement quickly. This succinct book departs from other security literature by focusing exclusively on ways to secure Cisco routers, rather than the entire network. The rational is simple: If the router protecting a network is exposed to hackers, then so is the network behind it. Hardening Cisco Routers is a reference for protecting the protectors. Included are the following topics: The importance of router security and where routers fit into an overall security plan Different router configurations for various versions of Cisco?s IOS Standard ways to access a Cisco router and the security implications of each Password and privilege levels in Cisco routers Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) control Router warning banner use (as recommended by the FBI) Unnecessary protocols and services commonly run on Cisco routers SNMP security Anti-spoofing Protocol security for RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, NTP, and BGP Logging violations Incident response Physical security Written by Thomas Akin, an experienced Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Cisco Academic Instructor (CCAI), the book is well organized, emphasizing practicality and a hands-on approach. At the end of each chapter, Akin includes a Checklist that summarizes the hardening techniques discussed in the chapter. The Checklists help you double-check the configurations you have been instructed to make, and serve as quick references for future security procedures.Concise and to the point, Hardening Cisco Routers supplies you with all the tools necessary to turn a potential vulnerability into a strength. In an area that is otherwise poorly documented, this is the one book that will help you make your Cisco routers rock solid.

Provides insights on maintaining security of computer networks, covering such topics as identity management systems, Web services, mobile devices, data encryption, and security patching.

*Imparts good security doctrine, methodology, and strategies *Each application-focused chapter will be able to be used as a stand-alone HOW-TO for that particular application. *Offers users a selection of resources (websites, mailing lists, and books) to further their knowledge.