School networks require protection of hardware, data, and humans. To protect hardware, network managers recommend locking server rooms and wiring closets, using cable locks on machines, only using equipment in supervised areas, using video monitoring, tagging all inventory, and limiting access to equipment. Firewalls are used to protect data from outside hackers by monitoring traffic and denying unauthorized access. While filters can block undesirable material, a better approach is educating users on network ethics and etiquette.

1. Network Security
By: Juan Camilo Londoño
Teacher: Nancy Paola
ICT Class

2. Most important things that we
need to protect in a network
• Hardware: from theft, damage, etc.
• Data: from prying eyes and data loss.
• Humans: from violation of rights; exposure
to unsuitable material; abuse; or scams.

3. Tips to protect a school network
Building a network requires a large capital outlay in equipment. For many
schools computer hardware is second only to building cost in terms of
capital expenditure. Experienced school network managers recommend the
following:
• Lock your server rooms and wiring closets and limit access to a few
individuals.
• Lock down machines with commercially available computer cable locks.
• Use equipment in supervised areas.
• Use video monitoring as needed.
• Tag and track all hardware inventory.
• Limit people authorized to open or service equipment.
• Establish rules that prohibit food and drink near equipment.
• Put all critical network equipment on an uninterruptible power supply
(UPS).
• Buy power (surge) protection for all sensitive hardware and phone lines.

4. Some loss will be unavoidable, but common-
sense practices can dramatically reduce
hardware loss costs. Be aware that computer
service agreements rarely cover damaged
equipment. Be sure to budget for failure,
damage, and loss in support budgets.

5. Data security
For protection from outside hackers, special
computers, known as firewalls, are set up as security
guards. These computers run software that monitor all
traffic between your network and the world. Any
unauthorized users are denied access. The software
may be configured to severely restrict access in either
direction.

6. User Access and Protection
Access to undesirable material is a critical issue. New
software technology can block or filter access, but
ultimately these filters are clumsy and often limit the
useful work that students can do. A better approach is
to educate and provide guidance for users, especially
students, to help them understand and qualify
information they find on the Net. Teaching users
proper network ethics and etiquette will pay off in the
long run, both for the school and the community.