IT Infrastructure Security
IT security is a multi-discipline subject requiring a number of different skills sets and knowledge areas. A key area of knowledge which is vital for any security specialist is a clear understanding of IT infrastructure and how it relates to the creation of a comprehensive security strategy.
In this chapter of Security+ Essentials we will look at the various components that comprise the IT infrastructure of an organization. Some of these components are specifically designed to provide security (such as firewalls), whilst others a simply necessary to meet the needs of an IT operation (such as routers and switches).
Understanding Firewalls
Much like a firewall in real life protects parts of a buildings from a spreading fire, an IT firewall protects computer systems from the dangers posed by an internet connection. A firewall is essentially a component located between a computer or a network of computers and the internet. The specific purpose of a firewall is to prevent unauthorized access to the computer systems it is configured to protect. Firewalls take the form of software, hardware or a combination of both and are not limited to use by large companies. Any one who owns a computer (including home users) that is connected to the internet for even short periods of time should have a firewall configured.
A good security strategy should consist of multiple layers of protection and in such a scenario, the firewall is typically the first line of defense.
Firewalls fall into three main categories - Packet-filtering, Proxy-service and Stateful-inspection firewalls, each of which will be covered in detail here.
Packet-Filtering Firewalls
Packet-filtering firewalls operate at the Network layer (layer 3) of OSI model are the most basic of firewall types. The concept of packet filtering involves defining which data packets are permitted to pass through the firewall based on a number of criteria. Essentially, filtering can be specified based IP addresses, ports and protocols. It is possible, for example to block any packets originating from a particular IP address (or IP address range), or to block all traffic attempting to enter on port 23 (the Telnet port).
Packet-filtering firewalls are typically built into routers and provide either a command-line to graphical interface for specifying the filtering rules. The defenses provided by such firewalls are considered to be weak since they can only block what IP addresses that an administrator knows in advance are likely to be malicious. They are, however, extremely fast and easy to configure, and provide good first line of defense.
