While this is not a definitive list the article is a good place to start your understanding of networks and the types of network, possible issues and countermeasures.
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
- Definition: A LAN represents a localized high-speed network topology designed to interconnect devices such as computers, printers, and servers within a confined geographic boundary—typically a residence, office, or academic institution. According to NIST and ISO standards, a LAN is defined as a network that provides high-speed interconnectivity within a limited area, often managed privately.
- Example: A corporate LAN linking workstations, shared printers, and centralized databases, thereby facilitating operational efficiency and collaboration.
- Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities: Insider Threats: Misuse of access rights by authorized personnel to compromise sensitive data. Malware Intrusion: Threat vectors introduced via phishing or removable media. Authentication Gaps: Inadequate password policies or poorly configured access controls. IoT Exploits: Vulnerabilities in connected devices like smart lighting or thermostats can provide attackers a foothold.
- Most Common Controls: Access control measures (NIST SP 800-53: AC-1 through AC-5). Use of firewalls and endpoint protection tools. Network segmentation and VLANs. Security awareness training for authorized personnel.
2. Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Definition: WANs interconnect multiple LANs across vast geographic regions, often leveraging public infrastructure or dedicated leased lines to ensure connectivity. NIST defines WANs as distributed networks enabling secure communication over extended distances, typically employing encryption and routing protocols to ensure data integrity.
- Example: The integration of a multinational corporation’s branches via a secure WAN to enable seamless data transfer and collaboration.
- Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities: Eavesdropping: Unsecured data transmissions are susceptible to interception. Protocol Manipulation: Exploitation of routing protocols such as BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) hijacking. DDoS Attacks: Network resources overwhelmed by maliciously high traffic volumes.
- Most Common Controls: Encryption for data in transit (NIST SP 800-52). Secure routing configurations and monitoring tools. Use of VPNs for external connectivity. Regular penetration testing and traffic analysis.
3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
- Definition: WLANs extend network connectivity wirelessly, often utilizing Wi-Fi standards to offer mobility and convenience within a specific range. According to ISO/IEC 27033-3, WLANs are defined as wireless extensions of LANs that must incorporate robust encryption and access control to mitigate risks.
- Example: A public WLAN in a library providing internet access or a home Wi-Fi network connecting personal devices.
- Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities: Passive Attacks: Eavesdropping on unencrypted transmissions. Rogue Access Points: Malicious entities deploying fraudulent hotspots. Encryption Flaws: Exploitation of deprecated encryption protocols, such as WEP.
- Most Common Controls: Use of WPA3 for encryption. Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS). Regular auditing and securing of access points. Strong SSID management and MAC address filtering.
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Definition: MANs span a broader geographic region than LANs, typically connecting multiple sites within a city or large campus. NIST defines a MAN as an intermediate-scale network that provides interconnectivity among dispersed LANs within a metropolitan area.
- Example: A city’s public transportation system using a MAN to manage and monitor services.
- Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities: Signal Interference: Physical or intentional disruptions. Data Exploitation: Insecure configurations exposing user or organizational data.
- Most Common Controls: Use of encryption protocols for transmitted data (NIST SP 800-57). Deployment of redundant links for availability. Network segmentation to isolate critical services. Routine assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
5. Personal Area Network (PAN)
- Definition: A PAN centers on an individual, enabling short-range connectivity between personal devices. ISO defines PANs as low-range networks focused on connecting devices such as smartphones and wearable technology for individual use.
- Example: A Bluetooth connection between a smartphone and a wireless earbud or smartwatch.
- Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities: Unauthorized Pairing: Exploits during device connection. Malware Dissemination: Compromised devices infecting others within the PAN.
- Most Common Controls: Secure pairing mechanisms and biometric authentication. Limiting device discoverability and disabling unused protocols. Regular updates for personal device software.
6. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Definition: VPNs provide secure, encrypted communication channels over public networks, ensuring privacy and data protection for remote users. As per NIST SP 800-77, VPNs employ cryptographic protocols to establish secure tunnels for data exchange.
- Example: A remote employee accessing a corporate intranet through a VPN tunnel.
- Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities: Weak Encryption: Exploits of outdated cryptographic protocols. Server Targeting: Compromise of VPN endpoints by attackers.
- Most Common Controls: Strong encryption standards (e.g., AES-256). Regular server patching and maintenance. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for VPN access. Monitoring of VPN usage logs for anomalies.
7. Storage Area Network (SAN)
Definition: SANs facilitate high-speed access to centralized storage resources, enhancing data retrieval and management for enterprise-level applications. ISO defines SANs as scalable, high-performance storage solutions requiring robust access control and encryption.
- Example: Cloud data centers employing SANs to manage and distribute virtualized workloads.
- Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities: Access Management Failures: Unauthorized tampering or theft of critical data. Protocol Exploits: Attacks targeting Fibre Channel or iSCSI mechanisms.
- Most Common Controls: Use of role-based access control (RBAC). Data encryption for sensitive storage. Regular backup and disaster recovery drills. Continuous monitoring for anomalous activities.
