NETWORK VULNERABILITY
Analysis
and Planning
Introduction
Networks are very important aspects of organizations
because they provide pathways for the movement of information as well as
communication. The security aspect of networks is also a primary concern for
organizations because it is associated with the risk of access to unauthorized
people to unauthorized information. Weaknesses within a network provide
pathways through which attackers may use to access, steal or destroy
information belonging to an organization. Attacks on networks have over the
years been on the rise and organizations are forced to use a lot of funds
because of the need to secure their networks from unauthorized access.
Vulnerability assessment is an important aspect that is aimed at going through
a system and finding all forms of weakness to rid them and protect an
organization’s information. Analysis and planning are paramount, and the first
step is understanding the requirements of the assessment. Assessment is
associated with the process of evaluation of the functions of a system to
identify possible vulnerabilities that exist within it (Rampat, 2017).
Requirements
There are very many ways through which networks can
breach. And some of them include the using of phishing techniques, use of
malicious software that can be slipped into the network through the use flash
drives and mobile devices such as smartphones and laptops. Another example is
through the use of Trojan humans who come into businesses in disguise as repair
people and get access to the network. Some of the other sources of
vulnerabilities include the lack of proper password management, high level of
access to information within the organization, lack of accountability through tracking
and also the lack of a proper system lock when not in use. These are very
important aspects that require monitoring and evaluation because they provide
access points to the system. Network security is very important, and one of the
requirement is understanding of how access points are risky. Access points from
vulnerabilities within the network, and therefore, it is important for an
organization to have knowledge of their existence to find out ways of managing
them. One of the biggest ways is through the use of a q system test that
operates as a typical hacking to find out the gateways that exist within the
system. This is by taking the perspective of a hacker and finding all possible
pathways of unauthorized access. It is an effective vulnerability assessment
that aims at identifying different ways that could be possibly used to access
the network. The first requirement is associated with having a team that is
capable of performing a hacking test. They ought to have a great background in
finding vulnerabilities within the system. Another important requirement is by
having vulnerability scanners that would work hand in hand with the team to
identify the vulnerabilities that exist in the system (Tsai, 2016).
Proposed Solution
Networks face the risk of unauthorized access that
can lead to theft of crucial organization information. Most attacker access a
network by use of tools that take advantage of weaknesses in the system.
Attackers also use scanning tools that search for vulnerabilities such as
missing patches, poor passwords, use of flash drives to access the mainframes
of the systems of an organization and weak firewalls. These are all important
pathways that attackers use to access a network and have control over the
information that operates within the system or even the certain aspects of the
operation of the system. With such access, attackers may steal company
information which they may sell to rival organizations, maliciously delete
crucial information or sabotage the system and network (Beaver, 2013). Proposed
solution include penetration testing and as explained above hacking the system
may be a valid option for identifying the weaknesses that it has. These are
tests that focus on hosts, systems, and devices used by the network to see
whether they are vulnerable to unauthorized access. These tests are important because they are
helpful in identifying the opportunities hackers would use and is a proactive
measure towards network security. It also helps in the assessment of the risks
involved, and this is important in addressing them and strengthening the
network's security. The other factor is associated with the use of
vulnerability scanners that work hand in hand with penetration testing. These
are software that is used for scanning for vulnerabilities. They are commercial
tools that are available in the market and choice would depend on the cost as
well as the needs of the specific network. An organization also needs to
develop security policies that address the rules as well as the requirements that
all individuals within the organization have to follow. They would ensure the
effective management of the system in a holistic manner that involves the
contribution of all administrators as well as the users of the network. Such
policies would also have to describe security principles that would have to be
followed and upheld within the organization. They would also help in the
specification of security management such as the prohibition of entry with
storage devices into the premises, management of passwords and prohibition of
access to information without any authority. These policies can also be
organized to be followed by those inside the organization as well as those
outside it. (Beaver, 2013).
The management of the risks associated with the
networks is a very important factor. It is associated with having a good
understanding of the threats that exist and finding effective ways of managing
them. In the world of technology, as technology advances so do attackers find
more ways of attacking networks and systems. The survival of businesses in the
world of today greatly relies on their effectiveness to manage network risk
because networks are associated with personal information belonging to customers,
and attacks result in the lack of trust and confidence which is very bad for
business. It is, therefore, a very important mandate for businesses to uphold
security through the management of networks to minimize threats and maximizes
the use of computer resources without the fear of attacks. Network management
has to be a continuous process that ensures threats are at a minimum. This is
important because it would ensure businesses run smoothly and the measures
prescribed and adopted are sustainable.
Weaknesses within network systems are very many.
They exist within different places such as the systems hardware, the operating
system, the applications used within the system and the data within it and a
penetration testing, as well as use of vulnerability scanners, are expected to
expose them. They help the users of the network understand the resources that
require defending. The two solutions
help uncover the vulnerabilities and help in decision making associated with the
best possible measure recurred to secure the network. Information from the
solutions is also important because it can be used to teach and train employees
about the possible vulnerabilities that they come across on their day to day
activities. Example include email with malicious software or access links from
the internet, give away passwords or write them down. Employees within the
organization play an important role in the security or the lack of security
within an organization's network system (Beaver, 2013). Knowledge is always
power, and penetration test provides information that teachers employees
important ways of upholding security within their organization. The information
also enables the organization to weigh the organization's level of risk against
the threats that are available and this important in making decisions on the
fate of the organization. Planning is, therefore, very important for
organizations when it comes to system vulnerabilities and assessment is
important for the planning process. It is a proactive approach can greatly help
in the identification of the problems early enough and helps in decision making
over the possible measures an organization needs to take. Network security
vulnerabilities are great problems for organizations, and they cost them a lot
of money especially when attacks take place (Tsai, 2016).
References
Beaver, K. (2013). Top
5 Common Network Security Vulnerabilities that Are Often Overlooked.
Retrieved from
https://www.acunetix.com/blog/articles/the-top-5-network-security-vulnerabilities/
Rampat, A.
(2017). Vulnerabilities in network systems. Retrieved from
http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/tip/Vulnerabilities-in-network-systems
Tsai, P. (n.d.). Spotting
Network Vulnerabilities Before Hackers Do. Retrieved from 2016: http://www.networkcomputing.com/network-security/spotting-network-vulnerabilities-hackers-do/149552485
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