Encryption is also now being applied extensively in offices so if ever information does get out and falls into the wrong hands it is rendered useless without the proper cipher key. The use of military-grade encryption has random generators and multi level encryption technologies which were previously available only to the military forces. Hardware based encryption is also another developing technology where hardware components such as hard disks, network cards and other such peripherals are embedded with encryption technology on a chip thus preventing unauthorized data being useable that is transmitted or contained within them. All these technologies along with promising technologies in development such as faster multi-processors allow higher encryption levels without sacrificing performance as today�s technologies are limited to (the faster the processor, the faster the coding/decoding of information that would become almost unperceivable with future computers).

Previously we discussed the importance of having an intrusion detection system to handle the growing number of attacks on corporate networks with Intrusion Detection Systems. A better solution would be to give some form of control to the detection system giving it teeth to execute actions that would prevent intrusion such as denying access or deleting errant file attachments. This comes in the form of Intrusion Prevention Systems which have the ability to detect, analyze and take appropriate action as programmed to do so by the systems administrators who then gets a detailed report on what was done. This allows them to review and take further action if the file was simply quarantined and not deleted by the system. They can then be submitted to the software vendor so they can analyze and formulate a solution to the threat providing feedback to prevent further infections.

Network Intrusion Detection Systems have a sole purpose which is to analyze data packets entering a network while looking for signatures of known malware. These signatures are constantly updated as new threats are detected so they are always on the lookout for a growing number of threats that keep on getting better and better at what they do. A detection system checks for any suspicious activity and then notifies the right people who then do the desired actions that have been laid out. Much like a citizen who calls the cops to report a criminal, it works the same way with the system being the caller and the dispatcher in detection side, and the cops on the System Administration side who takes action and apprehends the suspected criminal. They are however quite dependent on the ability of their handlers (System Administrator’s) to handle the threat as it should be. Miscalculations or lack of action can render it useless defeating its purpose. A better solution will be discussed in the next post that is more pro-active in the quest to protect the corporate network.