Wired networks & their security

Since the advent of telecommunication systems, wired networks have served as the backbone of communication technology. Despite the growing popularity of wireless networks, wired networks continue to play an important role in a number of industries and residential contexts. In this paper, we will examine the purpose, limitations, current state, vulnerabilities, and security measures of wired networks, shedding light on their function in the contemporary world.

Because of their dependability and stability, wired networks are widely utilised in both residential and commercial contexts. They provide high-speed Internet access and facilitate communication among networked devices. Ethernet cables support data transmission rates of up to 10 Gbps, making them ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing, online gaming, and multimedia streaming.

Typically, organisations use Ethernet networks for their on-premises infrastructure, which includes servers, switches, routers, and other networking hardware. In order to ensure high-speed and low-latency communication between servers and storage systems in data centres, wired networks are essential.

Despite their benefits, conventional networks have certain restrictions. The requirement for tangible cables and infrastructure, which can be cumbersome and expensive to install and maintain, is the most significant limitation. This also reduces flexibility, as reconfiguring or expanding the network without additional cabling is difficult.

In addition, wired networks are susceptible to physical injury or disconnection, both of which can result in network downtime. Lastly, wired networks may not be appropriate for certain environments or remote locations where placing cables would be impractical or prohibitively expensive.

Wired networks face several vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. These vulnerabilities can result from inadequate security measures, outdated hardware or software, or human error. Some of the most common vulnerabilities include:

1. Unauthorised access: Attackers can physically tap into the network by connecting to open network ports or intercepting data transmitted over unencrypted connections.

2. Eavesdropping: Cybercriminals can monitor network traffic and steal sensitive information by using packet sniffers or other network monitoring tools.

3. Man-in-the-middle attacks: Attackers can intercept and alter data transmitted between two devices, potentially leading to data theft or unauthorised access to systems.

4. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks: Attackers can overwhelm a network with excessive traffic, causing it to become unresponsive or crash.

Organisations must employ a stringent security strategy to protect wired networks from vulnerabilities and cyber threats. Among the essential security measures are:

1. Network segmentation: Divide the network into smaller segments, isolating critical systems and data from less secure areas to reduce the impact of a potential attack.

Access control: Implement strong access control policies, including the use of unique credentials, role-based access, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Encrypt data sent across the network to prevent surveillance and man-in-the-middle attacks.

4. Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS): Deploy IDPS to monitor network traffic for indications of malicious activity and to block or signal potential threats.

Regular updates and patches: Keep all hardware, software, and firmware up-to-date in order to defend against exploits and known vulnerabilities.

Security awareness training: Educate employees on the significance of network security and best practises for preventing human errors that can result in security incidents.

Wire-based networks continue to be an integral component of the modern communication infrastructure, providing dependable and swift connections for a variety of applications. However, inherent limitations and vulnerabilities must be addressed to guarantee the security and integrity of the network. By implementing comprehensive security measures, businesses can substantially reduce risk.