Chapter 8, Problem 4RQ

Explanation of Solution

Tools and technologies for safeguarding information resources:

Three authentication methods:

• Passwords:
  • Sensitive information is present in every system or network and it requires authentication to open. The authorization is provided by entering the password, identification number, and so on. Password or ID can be a string of character or number and can use the physical feature such as fingerprint. Password protects the system from the access of the unauthorized person.
• Smart card:  
  • That is a combination of magnetic strip embedded with a memory chip. Even though it is more secure than the first method, it is complex because it is not easy while administering the data.
• Biometrics:
  • Biometrics in which user can be identified through fingerprint, retina pattern, or voice pattern. It is the most expensive method of the three, and it also has some problems such as false rejection and false acceptance.

Firewalls:

Firewall is a program which is used to let files to enter into the network based on the privacy.

• Firewall governs and checks all the packets in the network. The common types of firewall are packet filter, proxy server, and application layer.
• The main responsibility of firewall is to guard illegal access from the private network and protect the resource form the malicious attack.

Intrusion detection system:

Intrusion detection is a form of surveillance.

• It monitors the flow of information and request that is received by the system electronically. It also examines all the requests and it takes the essential actions once strange activities are found.
• If an abnormal activity is going to happen then the system sends the alert to the administrator.

Antivirus software:

The antivirus is a one type of utility program, and is used to detect the viruses, which infect the computer’s memory, disks, and operating system.

• The new viruses continuously appeared all the time.
• It is important to update the antivirus frequently.
• The user can download the new updates from the antivirus software company website with free of cost.
• There is no necessity to purchase new software; only if major revision happens in the software then it is necessary to purchase new version.

Encryption:

Encryption technique is a process of converting the plain text into cipher text.

• It encodes the message that does not allow the unauthorized person to read.
• It uses an encryption algorithm in order to the convert the plain text into cipher text...