Are your servers and network

Are your servers and network, amateur proof? By Doug Chick

Despite what all of these so-called security experts have to say, the only way that you are going to keep me out of your system, is to turn off your computer. If you don't want to shutdown your computer, then you are going to have to disconnect it from the network and lock it in a vault. Because that's what it is going to take to keep a professional Network Administrator or Engineer out of your system.

The word hacker is typically identified with some geeky looking kid in the movies that pushes a button on a Mac, a box pops up and says: "Now Hacking into System!" A Mac might have been used to create the pop up box picture, but it is an unlikely computer for the job. (Now, now little brothers…this isn't an invitation. I look at everything coming across the plate. And I will come after you. That's my way.)

The fact of the matter is it would be tough for a security company to sell their wares on the basis that they can only help you keep out the amateurs. Real Hackers, are professionals that are paid to break into a system and retrieve confidential information. What product out there will guard against someone professionally determined? There isn't anything. Anyways, these people are most likely not a treat to the network that you manage. What is a concern is having to explain why little Bobby want-to-be hacked your mail server and sent the president of your company a nasty e-mail. And I'll bet your job that there are thousands out there in waiting.

There are more networks out there with a single network administrator that have to be the mail admin, database admin, security admin and network admin all in one. And because your company will never understand why you can't do everything all at once, all the time, (mainly because they're idiots.) and still fix a printer that is always broken. (out of paper) You better at least have all the service packs and go to a few sites like www.cert.org and see what the latest treats are. Because is where the little want-to-be's go.

So is your Network Interesting enough for Apple to pay for to show their computer hacking into something? Probably not. Would a professional hacker even look at your system? I doubt it. What is likely is that your network is needs to be amateur proof.

If you want to see a sample of what you are up against look here; Hacking Categories, but before you look--don't let all of that scare you. Remember if it were easy Teletubby's would be Network Administrators.

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