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Some Historic developments in Network Security

In early 1990s, the method for enhancing network security was ACL (Access Control Lists) filters on routers and bridges. At that stage, regardless of the host security, access control was the only factor considered when measuring and implementing security. Meanwhile, the first network-spreading virus and major assaults to hosts started⁷ and the first virus scanners started to appear.

Figure 6:Network Security Model early 1990s

Figure 6 shows the typical network security model at this time. It relied on solely upon access control and there was no further protection inside the “security area”.

Through reviewing and assessing the security situation around 1995, along with the increase of network services, more attacks were identified. Enterprises began to deploy firewalls and to protect their internal network from intrusion. DMZ was setup to control risk and minimize losses to the business. Host security was still being compromised however. See figure 7.

Figure 7: Typical Network Security Model 1995

At this stage, a basic security measurement framework was applied to the network to evaluate the risks, and reporting began to be the reference point upon which further improvements to security were initiated. Certain factors became increasingly important—IT infrastructure design and implementation, firewall deployment, the design of security policies and network down time measurements and protection, among others. The concept of network security and the assessment criteria used for a secure network were beginning to evolve in an attempt match the rapid progress of networking techniques and the on-going requirements of network reliability and usability.

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Notes:

7 WIKIPEDIA. 2007 Computer virus [online]. [Accessed 8th August 2007]. Available from World Wide Web: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus

Xuhua Ji, September 2007

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