Unlike data communications of the past, today's networks consist of numerous devices that handle the data as it passes from the sender to the receiver. However, security concerns are frequently raised in circumstances where interconnected computers use a network not controlled by any one entity or organization. Introduction to Network Security exam

A hands-on, do-it-yourself guide to securing and auditing a network CNN is reporting that a vicious new virus is wreaking havoc on the world’s computer networks. Somebody’s hacked one of your favorite Web sites and stolen thousands of credit card numbers. The FBI just released a new report on computer crime that’s got you shaking in your boots. The experts will tell you that keeping your network safe from the cyber-wolves howling after your assets is complicated, expensive, and best left to them. But the truth is, anybody with a working knowledge of networks and computers can do just about everything necessary to defend their network against most security threats. Network Security For Dummies arms you with quick, easy, low-cost solutions to all your network security concerns. Whether your network consists of one computer with a high-speed Internet connection or hundreds of workstations distributed across dozens of locations, you’ll find what you need to confidently: Identify your network’s security weaknesses Install an intrusion detection system Use simple, economical techniques to secure your data Defend against viruses Keep hackers at bay Plug security holes in individual applications Build a secure network from scratch Leading national expert Chey Cobb fills you in on the basics of data security, and he explains more complex options you can use to keep your network safe as your grow your business. Among other things, you’ll explore: Developing risk assessments and security plans Choosing controls without breaking the bank Anti-virus software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and access controls Addressing Unix, Windows and Mac security issues Patching holes in email, databases, Windows Media Player, NetMeeting, AOL Instant Messenger, and other individual applications Securing a wireless network E-Commerce security Incident response and disaster recovery Whether you run a storefront tax preparing business or you’re the network administrator at a multinational accounting giant, your computer assets are your business. Let Network Security For Dummies provide you with proven strategies and techniques for keeping your precious assets safe.

Applied Network Security Monitoring is the essential guide to becoming an NSM analyst from the ground up. This book takes a fundamental approach to NSM, complete with dozens of real-world examples that teach you the key concepts of NSM. Network security monitoring is based on the principle that prevention eventually fails. In the current threat landscape, no matter how much you try, motivated attackers will eventually find their way into your network. At that point, it is your ability to detect and respond to that intrusion that can be the difference between a small incident and a major disaster. The book follows the three stages of the NSM cycle: collection, detection, and analysis. As you progress through each section, you will have access to insights from seasoned NSM professionals while being introduced to relevant, practical scenarios complete with sample data. If you've never performed NSM analysis, Applied Network Security Monitoring will give you an adequate grasp on the core concepts needed to become an effective analyst. If you are already a practicing analyst, this book will allow you to grow your analytic technique to make you more effective at your job. Discusses the proper methods for data collection, and teaches you how to become a skilled NSM analyst Provides thorough hands-on coverage of Snort, Suricata, Bro-IDS, SiLK, and Argus Loaded with practical examples containing real PCAP files you can replay, and uses Security Onion for all its lab examples Companion website includes up-to-date blogs from the authors about the latest developments in NSM

Traditional intrusion detection and logfile analysis are no longer enough to protect today’s complex networks. In this practical guide, security researcher Michael Collins shows you several techniques and tools for collecting and analyzing network traffic datasets. You’ll understand how your network is used, and what actions are necessary to protect and improve it. Divided into three sections, this book examines the process of collecting and organizing data, various tools for analysis, and several different analytic scenarios and techniques. It’s ideal for network administrators and operational security analysts familiar with scripting. Explore network, host, and service sensors for capturing security data Store data traffic with relational databases, graph databases, Redis, and Hadoop Use SiLK, the R language, and other tools for analysis and visualization Detect unusual phenomena through Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) Identify significant structures in networks with graph analysis Determine the traffic that’s crossing service ports in a network Examine traffic volume and behavior to spot DDoS and database raids Get a step-by-step process for network mapping and inventory

Network security is not simply about building impenetrable walls—determined attackers will eventually overcome traditional defenses. The most effective computer security strategies integrate network security monitoring (NSM): the collection and analysis of data to help you detect and respond to intrusions. In The Practice of Network Security Monitoring, Mandiant CSO Richard Bejtlich shows you how to use NSM to add a robust layer of protection around your networks—no prior experience required. To help you avoid costly and inflexible solutions, he teaches you how to deploy, build, and run an NSM operation using open source software and vendor-neutral tools. You'll learn how to: –Determine where to deploy NSM platforms, and size them for the monitored networks –Deploy stand-alone or distributed NSM installations –Use command line and graphical packet analysis tools, and NSM consoles –Interpret network evidence from server-side and client-side intrusions –Integrate threat intelligence into NSM software to identify sophisticated adversaries There’s no foolproof way to keep attackers out of your network. But when they get in, you’ll be prepared. The Practice of Network Security Monitoring will show you how to build a security net to detect, contain, and control them. Attacks are inevitable, but losing sensitive data shouldn't be.

The world of IT is always evolving, but in every area there are stable, core concepts that anyone just setting out needed to know last year, needs to know this year, and will still need to know next year. The purpose of the Foundations series is to identify these concepts and present them in a way that gives you the strongest possible starting point, no matter what your endeavor. Network Security Foundations provides essential knowledge about the principles and techniques used to protect computers and networks from hackers, viruses, and other threats. What you learn here will benefit you in the short term, as you acquire and practice your skills, and in the long term, as you use them. Topics covered include: Why and how hackers do what they do How encryption and authentication work How firewalls work Understanding Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) Risks posed by remote access Setting up protection against viruses, worms, and spyware Securing Windows computers Securing UNIX and Linux computers Securing Web and email servers Detecting attempts by hackers

The ultimate hands-on guide to IT security and proactivedefense The Network Security Test Lab is a hands-on, step-by-stepguide to ultimate IT security implementation. Covering the fullcomplement of malware, viruses, and other attack technologies, thisessential guide walks you through the security assessment andpenetration testing process, and provides the set-up guidance youneed to build your own security-testing lab. You'll look inside theactual attacks to decode their methods, and learn how to runattacks in an isolated sandbox to better understand how attackerstarget systems, and how to build the defenses that stop them.You'll be introduced to tools like Wireshark, Networkminer, Nmap,Metasploit, and more as you discover techniques for defendingagainst network attacks, social networking bugs, malware, and themost prevalent malicious traffic. You also get access to opensource tools, demo software, and a bootable version of Linux tofacilitate hands-on learning and help you implement your newskills. Security technology continues to evolve, and yet not a week goesby without news of a new security breach or a new exploit beingreleased. The Network Security Test Lab is the ultimateguide when you are on the front lines of defense, providing themost up-to-date methods of thwarting would-be attackers. Get acquainted with your hardware, gear, and test platform Learn how attackers penetrate existing security systems Detect malicious activity and build effective defenses Investigate and analyze attacks to inform defense strategy The Network Security Test Lab is your complete, essentialguide.