Implementing Secure Network Protocols

November 28, 2022

One of the core areas of cybersecurity is network security, and protocols are critical to keeping the network safe. The computer network expands more quickly due to its high demands and the internet’s ongoing rapid evolution, and with it comes cybercrime in networks. Therefore, understanding the protocols that control data flow in a network is crucial. You will discover the most well-known network security protocols in this chapter and how they are used.

Routing protocols, mail transferring protocols, distant communication protocols, and many more fall under different protocols. One type of protocol that ensures the security and integrity of data are maintained across a network is a network security protocol. These protocols use a variety of approaches, strategies, and procedures to protect network data from any unauthorized attempts to inspect or extract the communication’s actual content.

You must be familiar with the following lists of well-known network security protocols to put them into practice when necessary:

The IETF IPSec Work Group categorizes the IPSec protocol as providing data integrity, privacy, and authentication between two organizations. An IETF-specific key managing mechanism called Internet Key Exchange handles cryptographic keys manually or dynamically (IKE).

Secure Sockets Layer, also known as SSL, is a widely used security method for maintaining a fast internet connection by protecting sensitive data sent and received between two systems. This method also aids in preventing cyber criminals from reading and changing personal data, packets, or information in the network.

A cryptographic network security protocol called Secure Shell (SSH) was created in 1995 to protect data transmission across networks. It enables remote access to the command line and remote execution of certain operations. SSH incorporates several FTP features.

A protected protocol called HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) protects data transmission between two or more systems. Secure Socket Lathe yer (SSL), now known as Transport Layer Security, established an encrypted connection (TLS). Since data sent through HTTPS is encrypted, it is prevented from being interpreted and altered by hackers as it travels from the browser to the web server. The data packets’ high encryption prevents thieves from being able to read them, even if they manage to intercept them.

With secret-key cryptography, Kerberos is another network validation protocol designed to provide robust client-server application authentication. It is more secure and accountable since all its services and workplaces conform to an insecure network according to the Kerberos network validation protocol.

Security experts must understand these protocols and their applications. When your corporate website opens without HTTPS or SSL, you should assume that either the link was clicked from a spam email or other illegal email or that someone is attempting to launch a phishing attack. There are situations when HTTPS degrades to HTTP (essentially known as a downgrading HTTP assault). Alternatively, someone may try to compromise the internal network via a weaker HTTP assault.

A CompTIA Security+ and CEH certification opens the door to a wide range of cybersecurity opportunities. Visit https://www.cybercert.ca for more information, or call 416 471 4545.

Sam Fareed

Lead Instructor qualified in CISSP, CCIE, and MCT with 25 years of training experience in Toronto.