When a group of people needs to communicate securely over a computer network, they use a secure console server. In simple terms, this is a point of access that keeps all of the network running smoothly and anyone who is not authorized out of the network. The level of security would vary by the type of information transferred. Most companies try to keep their communications and files safe from viruses and hackers by using a secure network, and they hire a professional to administer the server.
The secure console server will use certain protocols to encrypt data, making it inaccessible or unreadable to those outside the network. This same protocol will decrypt the same information for those who are authorized to read it. A common protocol is SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer. SSL was developed for Internet security by Netscape, and most other browsers still use it. This protocol uses two encryptions for security. One is known by all users, and the other one is only known to the person who receives the message. This is how many online retailers protect private information and credit card numbers to keep customers safe from cyber-theft.
There are other security protocols that can be used with the secure console server. S-HTTP is specifically designed for sending secure messages. S-HTTP can be used in conjunction with SSL as an added security measure, but not all networks and servers are able to decrypt it yet. Ipsec is a newer protocol used mostly within Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs. Both the message sender and receiver must have this protocol for it to work because both must enter a key to send and receive messages. Military units and other groups with sensitive information use this protocol.
There are many types of servers, and the secure console server refers to one that is housed in a unit with a monitor. It looks like any other computer but the software that runs on it is different from the other PCs. There may be several units connected together as well, depending on the size of the network and the amount of files kept on it. A company might need a large room devoted to the server equipment while a home server would likely be one PC in the corner of a room. People often use an old computer to create a home server after they upgrade to a newer model, but a company will buy server consoles specifically for this use.
Regardless of size, the server must be run by a platform or operating system, just like any other computer. There are many types of software available for different server types. Linux distributions like Apache are very popular for web servers because they are open source, which means they do not cost anything that can be customized by the programmer. They are also less vulnerable to malware. All of the other major platforms, such as Windows or Apple, also make server software, but most are not free. For database servers, the standard platforms are MySQL and Oracle, and for mail servers the common ones are Mercury Mail and Eudora.
Regardless of the information transferred through a network, there is a secure console server somewhere that manages the security of that network. This is an essential hub for all of the operations within it. The security levels must be set in accordance with the information transmitted. Even home networks require some level of security to keep intruders and malicious logic out. This is why it is important to understand the functions of servers and security protocols.
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