C172 Network and Security – Foundations ITEC 2102

The C172 Network and Security – Foundations ITEC 2102 course is a fundamental course in the field of computer networks and security. This course provides students with a broad understanding of computer networks, their architecture, protocols, and the security risks associated with them. The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to design, configure, and secure a computer network.

In this article, we will discuss the key concepts covered in the C172 Network and Security – Foundations ITEC 2102 course. We will begin by discussing the basics of computer networks, including the different types of networks, their architectures, and protocols. We will then move on to discuss the security risks associated with computer networks, including cyber-attacks, malware, and phishing. Finally, we will discuss the best practices for securing computer networks and protecting them from cyber threats.

Basics of Computer Networks

A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers, printers, servers, and other devices, that can communicate with each other and share resources. There are different types of computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and metropolitan area networks (MANs).

A LAN is a network that is confined to a single building or location, such as a home or office. LANs are usually connected using Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, and they typically have a limited number of devices.

A WAN, on the other hand, is a network that spans across multiple locations and can connect devices across large distances. WANs are typically used by organizations to connect their branch offices, data centers, and remote workers. WANs can be connected using various technologies, including leased lines, satellite links, and VPNs.

A MAN is a network that spans across a metropolitan area, such as a city or town. MANs are used by organizations that require high-speed connectivity between their offices and data centers.

Network Architecture and Protocols

The architecture of a computer network refers to the way the devices are connected to each other and how data is transmitted across the network. There are different network architectures, including client-server architecture and peer-to-peer architecture.

In a client-server architecture, there is a central server that provides services to the client devices. The server can be a file server, a web server, or a database server. The clients access these services over the network, and the server is responsible for managing the resources and ensuring that they are available to the clients.

In a peer-to-peer architecture, there is no central server, and all devices on the network are equal. Each device can act as a client or a server, and they can share resources with each other.

Network protocols are the rules and standards that govern the way data is transmitted over a network. There are several network protocols, including TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and DNS.

TCP/IP is the most commonly used protocol on the internet. It is responsible for ensuring that data is transmitted across the network in a reliable and secure manner. HTTP is the protocol used by web browsers to access web pages, while FTP is used for file transfers. SMTP is used for email transmissions, and DNS is used for resolving domain names to IP addresses.

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Security Risks Associated with Computer Networks

Computer networks are vulnerable to various security risks, including cyber-attacks, malware, and phishing. Cyber-attacks are malicious attempts to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network. There are different types of cyber-attacks, including:

1. Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: These attacks are designed to overwhelm a computer system or network with traffic, making it impossible for legitimate users to access the resources.
2. Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks: These attacks involve intercepting the communication between two devices on a network, allowing the attacker to eavesdrop on the communication or manipulate the data being transmitted.

3. Phishing attacks: These attacks involve sending emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a social media website, in an attempt to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Malware is another common security risk associated with computer networks. Malware is a type of software that is designed to harm a computer system or network. There are different types of malware, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware. Viruses are programs that replicate themselves and infect other computers, while worms spread through networks and can cause damage to multiple devices. Trojan horses are programs that appear to be legitimate software but contain malicious code that can harm a computer system. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a computer system and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Best Practices for Securing Computer Networks

To protect computer networks from security risks, there are several best practices that organizations can follow:

1. Use strong passwords: Passwords should be complex and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Passwords should be changed regularly and should not be shared with others.
2. Use encryption: Data transmitted over the network should be encrypted to protect it from eavesdropping or interception. Encryption can be achieved using technologies such as SSL/TLS or VPNs.
3. Implement access control: Access to network resources should be restricted based on the user’s role and the level of access they require. Users should only be granted access to resources that they need to perform their job functions.
4. Keep software up-to-date: All software on the network should be updated regularly to ensure that security vulnerabilities are patched.
5. Implement firewalls: Firewalls can be used to block unauthorized access to the network and prevent malware from entering the network.
6. Educate users: Users should be educated about the risks associated with computer networks and trained on best practices for securing their devices and data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the C172 Network and Security – Foundations ITEC 2102 course is a fundamental course in the field of computer networks and security. This course provides students with a broad understanding of computer networks, their architecture, protocols, and the security risks associated with them. To protect computer networks from security risks, organizations should follow best practices such as using strong passwords, implementing access control, and educating users. By following these best practices, organizations can minimize the risk of cyber-attacks, malware, and other security threats, and ensure that their networks remain secure and reliable.