Chapter 22: Securing Your Network

Overview

Before you had a network, computer security was easy. You simply locked your door when you left work for the day. You could rest easy, secure in the knowledge that the bad guys would have to break down the door to get to your computer.

The network changes all that. Now, anyone with access to any computer on the network can break into the network and steal your files. Not only do you have to lock your door, but you have to make sure that other people lock their doors, too.

Fortunately, network operating systems have built-in provisions for network security. This situation makes it difficult for someone to steal your files, even if they do break down the door. All modern network operating systems have security features that are more than adequate for all but the most paranoid users.

Tip 

When I say more than adequate, I mean it. Most networks have security features that would make even Maxwell Smart happy. Using all these security features is kind of like Smart insisting that the Chief lower the "Cone of Silence." The Cone of Silence worked so well that Max and the Chief couldn't hear each other! Don't make your system so secure that even the good guys can't get their work done.

Warning 

If any of the computers on your network are connected to the Internet, you must harden your network against intrusion via the Internet. For more information, see Chapter 23. Also, if your network supports wireless devices, you have wireless security issues. For information about security for wireless networks, see Chapter 9.