Fortinet black logo

Handbook

Network defense

6.0.0
Copy Link
Copy Doc ID 4afb0436-a998-11e9-81a4-00505692583a:480108
Download PDF

Network defense

This section describes in general terms the means by which attackers can attempt to compromise your network using attacks at the network level rather than through application vulnerabilities, and steps you can take to protect it. The goal of an attack can be as complex as gaining access to your network and the privileged information it contains, or as simple as preventing customers from accessing your web server.

Because of popular media, many people are aware of viruses and other malware as a threat against their computers and data, but some of the most costly malicious attack in history have been against networks. A 2016 study found that a single DDoS attack could cast a company over $1.6 million. Depending on the size and type of company the areas of expense can be:

  • Changes in credit and insurance ratings
  • Overtime payment to employees
  • Hiring new employees in increase IT staff
  • PR expenses to restore a company's reputation
  • Upgrading infrastructure and software
  • Customer compensation

Network defense

This section describes in general terms the means by which attackers can attempt to compromise your network using attacks at the network level rather than through application vulnerabilities, and steps you can take to protect it. The goal of an attack can be as complex as gaining access to your network and the privileged information it contains, or as simple as preventing customers from accessing your web server.

Because of popular media, many people are aware of viruses and other malware as a threat against their computers and data, but some of the most costly malicious attack in history have been against networks. A 2016 study found that a single DDoS attack could cast a company over $1.6 million. Depending on the size and type of company the areas of expense can be:

  • Changes in credit and insurance ratings
  • Overtime payment to employees
  • Hiring new employees in increase IT staff
  • PR expenses to restore a company's reputation
  • Upgrading infrastructure and software
  • Customer compensation