Malware can infect a computer if measures aren’t taken to keep its workstation updated. Without applying security updates to the workstation, there is no way in which the system will be able to protect itself from malicious software. The absence of an antivirus program can also cause a computer’s workstation to become infected with malware. Not only can malware affect a single computer but also can infect the whole network. If a computer does have an antivirus program, it must keep its definitions updated simply because new malware can come into existence. By having an antivirus program that is regularly updated can greatly decrease the likelihood of the workstation becoming infected with malware.
Inside the firewall is an area known as the LAN Domain. The LAN Domain can either consist of many computers connected together or a few computers connected together. If measures aren’t taken to protect the LAN Domain, attackers will easily gain access to the system. The computer systems are all connected by hubs, switches, and routers. Computer systems connected by hubs contribute to sniffing attacks. Switches that are used to connect systems together can reduce the likelihood of sniffing attacks.
The LAN Domain and the WAN Domain is connected by what is known as the LAN-to-WAN Domain. The LAN Domain is a trusted zone and the WAN Domain is an untrusted zone. Therefore, strict security is necessary to keep the system safe from attacks. If measures aren’t taken to reinforce high security, security breaches are bound to occur. High security prevents hackers from gaining access to sensitive data and information.
Remote Access can be gained through a VPN connection. Since VPN connections uses the Internet, Remote Access Domains are targets for attackers since the Internet consist of harmful attackers. As a result, Remote Access Domains are weakened by the susceptibility of the VPN connection. To prevent attackers from gaining access to the Remote Access Domain, data that is sent over the Internet must be protected. If the data is left unprotected, attackers will have the potential to attack the system.
The WAN instead of the LAN is used as the Internet for most businesses. Given this condition, it is very important for businesses to maintain security on all systems for two reasons. First, the WAN is an untrusted zone. Second, the Internet is also an untrusted zone that is composed of hackers. Therefore, it is highly recommended that businesses keep all systems heavily secured in order to prevent attackers from gaining access.
Last but not least, the System/Application Domain consists of servers that must be protected. Several steps must be taken to keep attackers from gaining access to the System/Application Domain. First, all services and protocols that are not used should be removed. Second, new passwords should be formed. Third, the server system should be updated. Last, all firewalls should be turned on.