Information Security - Research Paper Example

The progress in the field of information technology has been favorable because it has brought various benefits for the users all around the world. However, along with many significant benefits, the advancement in information technology has also created various issues related to the security of computer networks. These network-related issues need to be tackled properly in order to make the internet world safe and secure. Literature Review regarding Current State of Network Security Kaminsky (2010) asserts, “Network security comprises the measures a company takes to protect its computer system”.

It is evident from the above statement that network security deals with the protection of information stored in the computer systems. There are various issues associated with the current state of the network security. Douligeris and Serpanos (2007, p.94) show their concern about network security by saying that current mechanisms of network security do not handle the threat of worm attacks properly. Leynes (2010) states, “Worm is a malicious code or software that spreads from one computer to another using the network highway”. . Maiwald (2004) state that current state of network security cannot be called purely safe from all sorts of threats.

Although virus and worm attacks have decreased considerably, yet the companies need to address information theft issue, which is the top network security concern these days (Batten, 2008, p.24). Network administrators also hold the responsibility to create new mechanisms for the security of networks. McFarlane (2010) asserts, “There is no doubt that network administrators are today dealing with much more sophisticated network and computer security threats than they did a few years ago”. Network administrators still need to do more in the field of network security.

Laet and Schauwers (2005, p.3) state, “Currently, network administrators often spend more effort protecting their networks than they spend on the actual setup”. Reaves (2010) in an article states, “Steps need to be taken to ensure that user access to the network cannot compromise the entire network”. Lynn (2009) asserts, “In today's threat landscape, the most secure network infrastructures implement not a single network security technology, but a multilayered comprehensive security strategy”.

Fundamental Issues and Concerns for Network Security There exist many fundamental issues related to network security, which are of significant importance for the successful advancement in the field of network security. Some of the core fundamental issues include authentication, access types, and authorization. Let us discuss these issues in some detail. Authentication Authentication of the user logging onto a network is one of the fundamental issues related to network security. Biometrics and passwords are generally used to