Network Security

Information and system security are important to individuals because so much personal and financial information resides on information systems that are inherently vulnerable to compromise. Information and system security are important to organizations for the same reason, but also important because the success of developed countries depends on the secure operation of systems that support utilities, finances, and government (Zwass, 2016, Information Systems Security). Countries depend on organizations, and organizations depend on individuals. All depend on information systems to manage and control activities in the modern economy.

Traveling Through a Network

A packet travels through a data network much like a physical package travels to a destination. A router uses the address of a packet to determine the best route to the next stop (another router). A shipping company uses the address of a physical package’s address to determine the best mode of transport, e.g., truck, ship, or plane. In both cases, there is always more than one path to a destination.