Security Services

There are services that can be undertaken to prevent network attacks. These may not guarantee full protection, but still, it could do less harm than the actual damage that might occur. Some of the most common network security services are:

Using of Firewalls

A firewall is simply a group of components that collectively form a barrier between two networks.

Secure Modems; Dial-Back Systems

If modem access is to be provided, this should be guarded carefully. The terminal server , or network device that provides dial-up access to the network needs to be actively administered, and its logs should be examined for strange behavior. Also, its passwords need to be strong -- not ones that can be easily guessed. Accounts that are inactive should be disabled. In short, it's the easiest way to get into the network remotely, so guard it carefully.

Crypto-Capable Routers

This is a feature being built into some routers with the ability to use session encryption between specified routers. Because traffic traveling across the Internet can be seen by people in the middle who have the resources and time to snoop around, these are advantageous for providing connectivity between two sites, such that there can be secure routes.

Virtual Private Networks

Virtual Private Networks provide the ability for two offices to communicate with each other in a way that it looks like they're directly connected over a private leased line. The session between them, although going over the Internet, is private (because the link is encrypted), and the link is convenient, because each can see each others' internal resources without showing them off to the entire world.

Windows Updates

Check if the system is patched up. It's important to patch up these systems frequently, the ‘security’ hot fixes come out very often and are many times so important that if not installed, will leave the system or hundreds of systems, open to the latest and greatest piece of malware out there.

Antivirus Protection

Install the "strongest" antivirus software that is available on the market and make sure that the virus database is updated and the system is scheduled to have a regular full scan.