The History Of Network Security

In the past, mainframe computers and minicomputers came with many in-built security features which were not really protective. However, since the number of authorised users were strictly restricted, that generation was not in need of strong security system as it is needed in this generation. In 1960’s, network only existed in the sense of huge mainframe and multiple networked terminals. Hundreds of thousands of dumb terminals were connected through hubs and concentrators to the huge central processing unit (CPU). Without the presence of client/ server network models, time sharing/multi-server, multi-tasking processors in network security was not yet a real issue.

At those times, the network of computers simply consisted of the military ARPANET and university computers connected to each other through it. As the time passed, this framework evolved into the Internet in 1960’s and opened a vast range of opportunities for individuals and institutions to interact online. The development of these early networks saw the emergence of threats to them and the need to protect valuable data (ecpi university, n.d.).

So, Network Security first realized its importance as a result of a white-collar crime performed by a programmer for the financial division of a large cooperation. The programmer was able to embezzle money from an account that rounded their financial statements (Projecthub, n.d.). Hence, the environment for network security started evolving in late 1960’s.

Moreover, during the 1980’s and 1990’s, hackers began to emerge as a serious threat to network security. Computer attacks were aimed at government, military, and commercial networks. This increased danger gave rise to the first Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to address the issue and educate computer users about security issues (ecpi university, n.d.).

With the 1990’s came the Internet explosion and a whole new level of threats to networks and personal information. In response to these risks, network security experts developed better encryption methods, Internet protocols, and secure socket layer technologies to protect against malware, hacking and identity theft.

Nowadays, with the rapidly development of IT industry, global information has become the major tendency of the development of human society. Information industry has become the pillar industry in the human society and network application is omnipresent. Because of the diversity of the connected types, the uneven distribution of the terminal, as well as the nature of openness and connectivity, the network is easily to be attacked by hacker, viruses, worms, malicious software and other malicious attacks (Kamal, Ali, Alani & Abdulmajed, 2018).