Security is important in business, or any other sort of endeavor that involves a networked computer. So how do you protect your precious data and keep those with ill intentions from stealing the information and using it for their own devices? The answer is security, but what kind of security? Is a firewall enough? Some would say yes, but then others would say that you should take it one step further. Maybe you need a router!

Routers are great at diverting traffic away from your main server. Essentially they take the place of your server on the network so that when people try to gain access. It also permits other computers to use the network and access the internet at the same time, therefore security is very important.

Some will say however that this security measure simply is not enough. Alternatively, others might suggest that you need to employ the services of an NAS or Network Access Server. This is a specially designed server that analyses incoming network traffic. It is placed in front of the network and checks the credentials of the people coming in. Its sole purpose is to determine whether or not a person trying to gain access to the network is indeed allowed.

The NAS does not store any of the vital information, therefore if it is compromised the network's information will remain relatively safe. This type of server can either be in a conventional computer case, or it can be installed in a rack mounted server. This is completely up to you, though if you do decide to install it in an array of rack mounted machines, try to remember where you put it, because after a while they all start to look the same. Sooner or later you'll say to yourself "I know I installed our security system somewhere, but I don't know the IP address or for that matter where the physical box is."

You can purchase NAS hardware from many different vendors. Who you get it from is your business but make sure that you get it from a reputable source. They range in efficiency however, so one low end server might get you a maximum of 100 users, and a higher end one may get you as many as 500. It really depends on the vendor and how much you are willing to pay.

It's likely going to run pretty high, but when you think about it, it's probably worth every penny. Consider that you are protecting your precious information and everything that is important to either you or your company. If you believe your company is important, then it would be incredibly wise to set one of these up.
We live in a world where it is unfortunately necessary to protect ourselves at every turn. It is sad but true, so make sure you take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your company safe. Though this may not be enough, it's a very good measure to take.

By Derek Rogers



Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Network Security, he recommends Prodec Networks, a leading provider of Access Servers: http://www.prodec.co.uk/networks/access-servers/