Categories Internet & Networks

Continued from Diagram: How Dial-Up Access Can Expose Your LAN

There are two issues MicroEmporium must address to rectify this security exposure. First, the IT staff needs to educate users about bringing unknown content into the network environment. Any executable, even one that passes a virus scan, may subtly modify users' machines. As an additional precautionary step, MicroEmporium might install software that removes potentially dangerous e-mail attachments.

Second, all network access should be limited to channels that are managed by the corporate security team. By limiting network connections to the firewall and authorized remote access, it will be easier for the MicroEmporium IT team to manage access to the corporate network. The unfortunate consequence of this approach is a less friendly environment in which users are restricted from certain potentially dangerous applications. But if security is essential to your organization, this is a policy you'll need to implement.

Next: Take a Top-Down Approach to Security

Published as Enterprise Computing in the 5/25/99 issue of PC Magazine.

Related Links
• Denial-of-Service Attacks -- PC Tech
• Internet Security Standards -- PC Tech
• Internet Security: Disarming the Net -- PC Labs Reviews
• Network Antivirus: Defend Your Network -- PC Labs Reviews
• Network Manager -- ZD Products
• Network Administrator Courses -- ZDU