A+, Network+, Security+ Exams in a Nutshell

Infrastructure Security

Designing, implementing, and maintaining a network infrastructure includes ensuring security for the network. It is not an easy task because there are several components of the network, such as network devices, media, server and workstation hardware, network operating systems, and applications. It is important that administrators take steps to ensure security for each of these components so that the entire network is safe from possible attacks by outsiders. This section covers the concepts and security aspects of network components that need proper configuration to provide a safe and secure working organization.

Device-based Security

Network devices should be selected wisely and installed with correct configurations to prevent security loopholes. It is important to know the potential security problems in network devices and how devices can be configured to prevent outsiders from unauthorized access of the network or any of its servers containing confidential data. There are several devices that make up a complete secure network and each are discussed in the following sections.

Firewalls

A firewall is a hardware device or a software application that sits between the internal network of the organization and external networks in order to protect the internal network from communicating with the outside networks. A properly configured firewall blocks all unauthorized access to the internal network and also prevents internal users from accessing potentially harmful ...