Active Network Security

Most discussions of network security focus on the tools and techniques used to fortify networks: firewalls, biometrics, access controls, encryption. This paper presents an outline of tools that assist an administrator in verifying and maintaining the security of a networked system – Active Security tools. It discusses why there is a need for such tools and how security mechanisms are attacked. The report also describes the main tools available in this field, with particular emphasis on Intrusion Detection tools – how they work, what is available, and how they are changing. Finally, it demonstrates some of the concepts in a practical firewall network simulation. There are a few people I'd like to thank, since I don't often get the chance. First, my parents – you more or less made me as I am (I just hope to be worthy of your efforts, someday). Next, my God – I have never been alone. Mr. Ray Hunt – who spared no effort to ensure that I had everything I needed (and then some). Finally, all the others who gave their time and energy – properly thanking them would shift the size of this document well into triple digit page counts.