It242

What are some of the greatest security risks to a wide area network?

* Un-patched servers

* Un-patched client software

* Insecure peer to peer file sharing

* Insecure password

* Corporate owned laptops/employee owned laptops

* Dial-up connection

Provide an example of one risk and discuss the potential consequences and possible precautions?

* Insecure password

When possible, any resources shared on a network should be protected by allowing access only with a valid user name and password combination. Passwords should be difficult to guess, and not shared or left in plain sight (i.e. stuck to the monitor.)

A strong password policy allows access to resources to be restricted as needed, to working hours, and an individual’s access to confidential data can be disabled immediately upon termination.

* Insecure peer to peer file sharing

Individual user’s computers often have file and printer sharing turned on, allowing files to be copied directly between computers within an office. While this is very convenient and often essential to workgroup productivity, care must be taken when deciding what folders to share.

Workstation computer operating systems generally offer much less security than server operating systems. Network aware worms and viruses may take advantage of unprotected shared folders to spread from machine within a LAN. To prevent the possible spread of viruses between computers the root folder, program folders, and operating system folders should never be shared.

Only folders containing data files should be shared and confidential data that must be shared should be stored on a server where more security is available