Answer to Question #268831 in Computer Networks for Jennifer

Question

Identify any two tasks that can be performed on computer network give

Task description

Required network application/ software

Benefits

Concerns and / or risks of each task

Answer 1

Identify any two tasks that can be performed on computer network give

 

Task description

 

Required network application/ software

 

Benefits

 

Concerns and / or risks of each task

Answer:

                       Task and their description-

1.      Install windows updates

Windows Update is used to keep Microsoft Windows and several other Microsoft programs updated. 

Windows Update to download and install the latest Fixes, Updates and Patches (FUPs). These are changes to the operating system and should be installed with caution.  Many larger corporations will test the updates in their labs before they install them on their PCs. 

2.      Check the firewall logs and settings

A firewall is software or firmware that prevents unauthorized access If you have a firewall or cable/DSL router on your network, then it may keep a log of all activity. You should check this log once a month to ensure there is nothing suspicious or obvious going on.  If you are allowing access on a specific port number, then you want to make sure it is necessary for this port to be open

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The required network application/ software when installing windows updates are:-

 

·        The most recent security updates for your OS.

·        OS updates to improve performance and reliability.

·        Device drivers from both Microsoft and other companies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The required network application/ software when checking the firewall logs and settings are:-

 

·        SolarWinds Security Event Manager- is a security information and event management (SIEM) virtual appliance that adds value to existing security products and increases efficiencies in administering, managing, and monitoring security policies and safeguards on your network.

·        CrowdStrike Falcon Firewall Management

·        Zscaler Cloud Firewall. It enables fast and secure off-network connections and local internet breakouts for all your user traffic, without appliances.

·        Barracuda CloudGen Firewall. Barracuda CloudGen Firewall provides multiple layers of detection

·        GFI Languard Kerio Control.

·        Sophos XG Firewall is powerful that can extend protection on your network.

 

 

Benefits

1. Installing windows updates

·        For security updates: Security issues are the most serious errors - as they could be exploited by malware or hackers.

·        New features updates: there are some new features that need to be updated.to improve functionality.

·        Operating system updates this system needs to be updated to improve overall speed of the system.

·        Optional updates -some features are not a must to be updated.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Check the firewall logs and settings

 

·        To see if new firewall rules work well or to debug them if they do not work properly.

·        To discover if any malicious activity is occurring within your network. However, it doesn’t offer the information you need to isolate the source of the activity.

 

Risk of installing windows updates

It is not safe to install windows updates. In fact, Microsoft explicitly states this update is intended to act as a patch for bugs and glitches and is not a security fix. This means installing it is ultimately less important than installing a security patch.

         Risk of installing firewall logs

Even with monitoring, your computer network will eventually fall victim to one hack or another. If you do not monitor your firewall, you will have no idea when or where the virus or intrusion came from.