Security.

Security involves protecting the system hardware and software from both internal attack and from external attack [hackers]. An internal attack normally involves uneducated users causing damage, such as deleting important files, crashing systems. Another attack can come from internal fraud, where employees may intentionally attack a system for their own gain, or through some dislike for something within the organization. All these effect can be minimised if the system manager properly protects the system. I.e. limit files that certain users can access and also the actions they can perform on the system. [W. Buchanan]

Data protection.

Encrypt data with a secret electronic key, public key, and decrypt with a secret key; which is only known only by user

Software protection.

Protecting all the software packages from damage or from being misconfigured.

Physical system protection.

Protecting system from intruders who might physically attack the systems.

Transmission protection.

Tapping can be avoided by many methods, including using optical fibres, which are almost impossible to tap into. Underground cables can avoid total disconnection, or its damage can be reduced by having redundant paths. I.e. using different connection to the Internet.

Home Network Protection

If you have a fast Internet connection into your home (either a DSL connection or a cable modem), you may have found yourself hearing about firewalls for your home network as well. It turns out that a small home network has many of the same security issues that a large corporate network does. You can use a firewall to protect your home network and family from offensive Web sites and potential hackers.

Courtesy of howstuffswork.com Go to home network

Basically, a firewall is a barrier to keep destructive forces away from your property. In fact, that's why it’s called a firewall. Its job is similar to a physical firewall that keeps a fire from spreading from one area to the next.

A firewall is simply a program or hardware device that filters the information coming through the Internet connection into your private network or computer system. If an incoming packet of information is flagged by the filters, it is not allowed through

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