Introduction
This paper is the first in a three-part series of white papers, each of which focuses on a functional area of
securing your network. The three papers work together to create a complete picture of how to configure your
network appliances for complete corporate security. It will discuss a starting point for network security, sug-
gested technology types, ideal points for securing your network using a layered approach, and secure ways to
manage your new or existing network.
This first paper in the series introduces concepts to get started on network security and begin the process of
securing your network at the switch level.
Security Policy: Start at the Beginning
Security is one of the fastest growing branches within the networking industry, and current trends point to a
steady increase in growth over the years to come. This is largely due to the integration of so many critical data
types over a single network and the increased realization by companies as to just how vulnerable their net-
works can be.With security becoming such a focal point of networks, it is increasingly important to understand
how to integrate security into a network.
As with any new project, you must start with some direction. I’m sure you have heard the adage, “If you fail to
plan, then you plan to fail.” This is never more true than when planning network security. Create your security
policy to serve as a starting point and future road map for securing your corporation.
A security policy, originally defined in request for comment (RFC) 2196 and now updated in RFC 3704, con-
tains the whys, whats, and hows of securing your corporate environment.
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