Occasionally, network managers can look outside the realm of corporate software to find nifty solutions to difficult problems. One place to look is personal security software. Personal firewalls and desktop security software packages are improving in function and performance. One of the newest, Network Ice's BlackIce Defender 1.0, provides intrusion detection on a desktop level. Deploying BlackIce in a corporate setting may seem like overkill to some managers, but it's a critical step if network security is a primary concern.
Hackers know dedicated corporate networks are often well-protected.
But telecommuters or mobile users typically have little or no protection. Even so, these machines are often equipped with direct links back to the home network via remote messaging or even virtual private network connections. Taking control of a remote PC with one of these connections means a hacker can ride that train all the way into your server farm. Employees at greatest risk are those using constant-up connections, such as those available via cable or xDSL modems. Leaving these connections up and unattended is like leaving a side door to your home open all the time.