Introduction to Network Security

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Firewall technologies
• Intrusion detection technologies
• Network-based attacks
• Virtual private network (VPN) technologies

The cost of reported computer and network security breaches at enterprises, schools, and government organizations has risen dramatically during the last couple of years. Hints and detailed instructions for creating exploits to break into networks and computer systems are becoming more easily available on the Internet, consequently requiring network security professionals to carefully analyze what techniques they deploy to mitigate these risks.

Security threats vary from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and theft of information. These threats can easily destroy or corrupt vital data, requiring difficult and expensive remediation tasks to restore business continuity.

This chapter introduces the essentials of network security technologies and provides the necessary foundation for technologies involved in the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances security features and solutions.