Computer Security Authentication

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Computer security authentication means verifying the identity of a user logging onto a network. Passwords, digital certificates, smart cards and biometrics can be used to prove the identity of the user to the network. Computer security authentication includes verifying message integrity, e-mail authentication and MAC (Message Authentication Code), checking the integrity of a transmitted message. There are human authentication, challenge-response authentication, password, digital signature, IP spoofing and biometrics.
Human authentication is the verification that a person initiated the transaction, not the computer. Challenge-response authentication is an authentication method used to prove the identity of a user logging onto the network. When a user logs on, the network access server (NAS), wireless access point or authentication server creates a challenge, typically a random number sent to the client machine. The client software uses its password to encrypt the challenge through an encryption algorithm or a one-way hash function and sends the result back to the network. This is the response.
Two- factor authentication requires two independent ways to establish identity and privileges. The method of using more than one factor of authentication is also called strong authentication. This contrasts with traditional password authentication, requiring only one factor in order to gain access to a system. Password is a secret word or code used to serve as a security measure against unauthorized access to data. It is normally managed by the operating system or DBMS. However, a computer can only verify the legality of the password, not the legality of the user.
The two major applications of digital signatures are for setting up a secure connection to a website and verifying the integrity of files transmitted. IP spoofing refers to inserting the IP address of an authorized user into the transmission of an unauthorized user in order to gain illegal access to a computer system.
Biometrics is a more secure form of authentication than typing passwords or even using smart cards that can be stolen. However, some ways have relatively high failure rates. For example, fingerprints can be captured from a water glass and fool scanners.

Computer Security provides detailed information on Computer Security, Computer Security Systems, Computer Network Securities, Computer Security Software and more. Computer Security is affiliated with Information Security Systems [http://www.e-InformationSecurity.com].

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Network Security - Why You Should Get a Server

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If you're concerned that the growing number of computers in your company has been creating problems with data management and security, you can invest in a server which can offer the best solutions and more. With a server, you are able to handle your workstations more effectively while protecting each one from intruders. The device allows you to manage data more effectively across the different computers. Combining these two, your company can benefit greatly in terms of increased security and efficiency among employees.
Some businessmen rely on a PC that is merely configured to function as a server but it will never function like a server when it comes to the more important tasks. Definitely, this device may cost you some, but the rewards are definitely worth it.
A major advantage of a server is the availability of security features which allow each user to keep and protect his data in a virtual storage area of his own. This means one employee's files may not be made accessible to another employee. This feature is specially significant when one department wants to keep its files from the view of another department. Another security feature allowed by a server is the automatic backup of all files. This means there is no need to rely on employees to manually do the rounds. This significantly saves time for the completion of other tasks.
With a server's redundant disk drives, all ongoing transactions on a computer can be saved during hardware or power failures. A server's hot-swappable components also allow a technician to work on a defective hardware without shutting down the computer. Again, this works by maintaining productivity by allowing the computer to run while repairs are done.
Computers run on a server are also kept safe significantly from online contaminants such as viruses, worms and the like. When a network is controlled by a PC functioning as a server, contaminants infecting one workstation are bound infect other workstations as well. But with a server, infection can be isolated to the computer that made contact with the contaminant. With a server, infection diagnosis and removal could be easier and faster. That's because this device will have a feature that allows it to scan and fix each workstation individually.
Certainly, there is no question about the data management benefits a server can provide. It allows employees to become more productive doing other things instead of being confined to the normally tedious task of fixing a computer and having users to wait. However, when it comes to Internet security, the server can use some help from other protective utilities.
An IP changer is one such protective measure a network administrator can take. This is actually a software that allows computers to connect to the Internet unidentified because their IP addresses will be hidden. That means considerable security from hackers who may be on the lookout for victims roaming around unsecured on the web.

With an IP changing software, the hacker will be misled by a fake IP supplied by the software to each workstation. Thus, users can surf anonymously and the threat of hacking is greatly reduced.

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