Network Security Hacks, 2nd Edition

Chapter 6. Network Security

As we come to rely more and more on massively interconnected networks, the stability and security of those networks becomes more vital than ever. The world of business has adopted information technology to help streamline processes, increase productivity, and cut costs. As such, a company’s IT infrastructure is often a core asset, and many businesses would cease to function if disaster (whether natural or digital) were to significantly disrupt their network operations. At the same time, the widespread adoption of the Internet as a global communications medium has also brought computer networks out of the business and academic world and into our personal lives. That largest of networks is now used not only for information and entertainment, but also as a means to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones.

Although this book as a whole is meant to address network security, the information it contains extends into many other areas. After all, a network is simply a means to connect machines and services so that they can communicate. This chapter, however, deals primarily with the security and integrity of the network itself. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to detect and prevent certain types of spoofing attacks that can be used to compromise the core integrity of a TCP/IP Ethernet network at its lowest level. You’ll also see how to protect against brute-force attacks against SSH, how to keep track of vulnerabilities, and how to scan for viruses ...