Network Security: Opening to the World - Essay Example

Network Security: Opening to the World Network Security: Opening to the World Web conferencing The main element that has been discussed when it comes to network security is whether the Internet-based conferencing is as safe as face-to-face meetings. Web conferencing involves the conducting of meetings and presentations live through the internet. They are able to see each other, talk to each other and transfer documents to each other while online. There are three types of web conferencing: Webinar: This is a type of web conferencing that allows for the conducting of seminars online.

It was created to allow a question and answer type of communication. It has more communication features that the webcast type. Webcast: This media connects participants through an online broadcast. It is commonly used for presentations done online. This type of web conferencing can allow for hundreds of participant at a single time though it has limited interaction with the audience. Web meeting: This is the most advanced type and is most preferred by international businesses as it allows individuals to work from home even on a rudimentary system (Toxen, 2002).

Internet-based conferencing pros Web conferencing often involves the transfer of secret documentation that the company would not want to share with individuals outside the conference room or competitors thus every service provider takes the customer’s privacy needs very seriously. There are a number of systems that can be used to assure the safety of the web conferencing services. These are introduced in order to lock out online eavesdroppers, spies and hackers. These measures include: The implementation of a Secure Sockets Layer: This is a tool that is intended to provide a secure connection the initiator and the rest of the audience in the online meeting by encrypting the data that is transferred through the internet.

This information then cannot be copied or altered by thieves. Creation of a password to allow one into a web conference: Passwords are often created for each conference and sent as emails to individuals who will be taking part in these talks. The individual heading this online meeting has the authority to allocate every individual attending this meeting an access code that will act as a verification of their identity. Recent advancement in technology has ensured that web conferences have been made safer through the implementation of hacker detection elements in to the conferencing media.

This has led to the creation of a safer communication media where individuals can engage in conversations that are free from hacking. Internet-based conferencing cons Because of the relative insecurity involved in this form of communication, there is always some form of security risk when people communicate online. The first suspects are usually the hackers who use their computer expertise to hack into other people’s conversations. This can be just for kicks, or for reasons known to them. The second security breach is the fact that there will always be the risk of not knowing who else may be listening to the conversation as there is limited control on people in the conference.

Each and every web conferencing company has put in place security measures to lock out the threat of hackers, but these measures are often challenged by experienced hackers. There is little that one can do in order to completely control the individuals who will listen into a conference call. If the information being passed on from one party to another requires maximum confidentiality, then web conferencing may not be the most appropriate form of communication (Kaufman Perlman & Speciner, 2002).

When it comes to technical difficulties, the requirements engaged in web conferencing can come up as a disadvantage if the correct setup is not put in place. Most web conferencing services have been made to be all encompassing and require the user to only have a computer, login information and an internet connection. While setting up a platform for web conferencing, it is vital the people attending this conference have every item that they may require to participate in this web conference. Before one chooses a web conference hosting company, it is important to try out their services in order to choose whether or not the services they propose are best suited for one’s needs.

There is always the challenge of having users who are not skilled with technology thus leading to difficulties in communication. The platform’s compatibility should also be checked against a variety of browsers to aloe accessibility (Thomas & Stoddard, 2012). Communicating through the web conferencing services can easily be interrupted when there is a power outage during the conference. Power outages may affect the hosting of this type of communication. A power outage will result in the shutting down of the computers being used to relay the conversation if the company does not have appropriate power backup generators.

The power outage can also lead to malfunctioning of the internet connection thus causing a collapse in communication among the hosted parties. These problems often happen randomly in the most unexpected times thus are beyond the control of human beings. Conclusion Web conferencing saves people much time and money due to the absence of travel fees and the long hours spent travelling to attend a single meeting. This is an advantage, but when it comes to safety, a fact to face meeting is considered safer that an online web conference.

References Kaufman, C., Perlman, R., & Speciner, M. (2002). Network security: Private communication in a public world. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall PTR. Thomas, T. M., & Stoddard, D. (2012). Network security first-step. Indianapolis, IN: Cisco Press. Toxen, B. (2002). Real world Linux security: Intrusion, prevention, detection and recovery. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall PTR.