[edit] Brief Description

[edit] Wiki description

Description

Most products in the security class focus on the same thing - end user security. Everything is aimed at keeping intruders at bay, using either a strong network Firewall or a small end user security tool. Another type of sorting the tools is from the way they work:

• Prevention
  
• Encryption
  
• Detection
  
• Security by Design
  

Brief history

Ever since the first computer appeared, security was of the essence. In general, the computer security industry grew along side with it’s nemesis – the exploiters of security flaws. Every once in a while, a major security break is found in any system, the Security industry works feverously to counter the outbreak.

What's important and what to look for

It is important to make sure that you know what your needs are regarding security. It may vary from complex “system administrator” needs, meaning a comprehensive firewall (for example Firewall Builder for all major Linux distributions)
or to end user security (for example BullGuard Internet Security – caption from the Firewall Advanced Rules).

When examining the needs, it is also good to have some information on the current industry trends. For example the environment has changed in recent years, with the software security reaching a relative high level, while the hacking industry is currently aiming at the user’s weaknesses.
For example if you are part of a large network, it is recommended that you provide your own means of security, since all the other computers pose a risk for your safety. Otherwise, if the network is designed by yourself, and it only contains 2-3 workstations plus a server, you may aim to keep a strong security on the server, in order for the rest of the network to be kept free from threats.

Usage in various fields – the constant struggle

Antivirus Security

The market’s current top 10 Antivirus software (not in actual order here) includes: Norton Antivirus, Mcafee VirusScan, Kaspersky, F-Secure Antivirus, BullGuard Internet Security, AVG Anti-Vir Pro, Nod32, BitDefender, Trend Micro Antivirus and Avira – it should also be noted that these are only for the Windows Platforms.

Network/Computer Security

For Linux, the current trend is aimed at keeping the system safe by preventing attacks and blocking them, and not quite by fixing the already existing problem (like a virus infection). That is why most Linux based systems will have a strong Firewall protection against the outside, with the possibility of light forensic analysis on the inside.

Encryption Tools

These tools will enable most users to encrypt data, while storing it either on the computer, or while sending it via the internet to another user. This will ensure a safe delivery, and hopefully protect the information from outside attacks.

Spamfilters

Anti-Spam, or Spam Filters will enable the end user to keep the inbox clean. The latest statistics show that the malicious attack are now aimed at the inbox of the user, with scams like “phishing”. Most viruses also spread through e-mails, which makes Anti-Spam tools a requirement even more.

Communities

Searching over the internet, you will find various communities, which will undoubtedly help you when it comes to fixing security flaws or issues on your computer or network. Amongst them, we can note the following:

• WindowSecurity.com Forum: http://www.security-forums.com/viewforum.php?f=2
• Nable.com Firewall Discussion Forum: http://www.nabble.com/Firewall-Discussions-f393.html
• Network Security Forum: http://www.networksecuritytech.com/
• BullGuard Antivirus Forum: http://www.bullguard.com/forum/
• Anti-Phishing discussions: http://www.antiphishing.org/