Detailed Answer

• Data Link layer (DLL)
• Network layer
• Transport layer
• Session layer
• Presentation layer
• Application layer

Detailed Answer

a) The essential technologies for establishing a VPN include:

• VPN tunnelling server
• VPN-compatible router and firewall
• Encryption protocols (e.g., IPSec, SSL, TSL)
• VPN client software installed on the user's computer

b) Factors that can affect data transmission speed are:

• Physical distance or the number of network devices the data must pass through
• Performance characteristics of the network devices (e.g., slow processors)
• Quality and type of network equipment (e.g., routers, transmission media such as cables, fibre, or wireless)
• Current load and demand on the network by other users

Additional factors may include encryption strength, server bandwidth, or the size and type of the transmitted data.

c) Data compression is used because:

• It reduces the size of files or data and the number of packets needed
• This reduction minimizes transmission time and bandwidth usage
• It can lead to significant cost savings by optimizing network resources

d) Encryption helps protect sensitive online data by:

• Scrambling readable text so only authorized users with the decryption key can understand it
• Transforming plain text into ciphertext, which can only be read in its original form if decrypted with the correct key

e) A firewall plays a crucial role in network security by:

• Monitoring both incoming and outgoing network traffic
• Deciding whether to allow or block specific traffic based on pre-defined security rules
• Restricting access to network segments and preventing unauthorized access to confidential information

Firewalls can be either software-based (installed on individual computers) or hardware-based (installed between the network and gateway).

Detailed Answer

(a) Two benefits of using a dedicated VPN server for the company’s network are:

• Enhanced Security: A dedicated VPN server provides a secure, encrypted connection that isolates the company's network from potential external threats.
• Improved Performance: Dedicated servers can offer better performance and reliability, as they are not shared with other users, leading to more consistent network speeds.

(b) Two measures to mitigate the risk of data breaches are:

• Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.
• Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data both at rest and in transit to ensure that even if data is accessed by unauthorized parties, it remains unreadable without the decryption key.

(c) A strong password policy helps in securing user accounts by:

• Preventing Unauthorized Access: Enforcing complex passwords that are difficult to guess or crack, thus reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.
• Encouraging Regular Updates: Requiring regular password changes to minimize the risk of old, potentially compromised passwords being used to gain access.

(d) One challenge associated with maintaining data backups is:

• Storage Management: Ensuring that backups are stored securely and efficiently, which can be challenging due to the large volume of data and the need to regularly update and manage backup files.

Detailed Answer

(a) Two methods to manage access to sensitive data are:

• Assigning specific access rights based on roles within the organization, such as differentiating access for managers, employees, and clients to ensure each has access only to the data necessary for their role.
• Protecting sensitive data with passwords and encryption to prevent unauthorized access. This includes ensuring that only those with the appropriate credentials can view or modify the data.
• Maintaining logs of user access, including login details and the duration of access, to monitor and deter unauthorized activity.
• Encrypting file systems to secure data both in transit and at rest, making it unreadable to anyone without the decryption key.

(b) Two approaches to improve network security include:

• Implementing strict access controls, such as requiring unique user IDs and strong passwords, and using two-factor authentication to provide an extra layer of security.
• Regularly updating and patching network hardware and software to protect against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Ensuring that unattended computers are locked and routers are configured to accept only authorized MAC addresses also enhances security.

(c) Data recovery from corrupted files can be achieved through:

• Restoring data from recent backups to recover the most recent version of the files and minimize loss.
• Using a parallel or failover system that can be activated if the main system fails, allowing for continued operation and data recovery.
• Employing data recovery software to attempt to repair or retrieve corrupted files, which can help restore access to damaged data.

(d) One advantage of implementing a VPN for the company is:

• Enhanced data security by encrypting data traffic and creating a secure tunnel for remote communications, which helps protect sensitive information from interception.
• Increased flexibility, allowing employees to work remotely without being restricted to a specific location or network, and facilitating access from various devices.
• Ability to bypass geographical restrictions and access resources that may be blocked in certain regions, ensuring that employees can connect to necessary databases or services regardless of their location.
• Potential reduction in infrastructure costs by supporting Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, which allows employees to use their own devices, thereby cutting down on company-provided hardware expenses.

Detailed Answer

• WAN covers larger geographic areas and often uses public connections; LAN covers smaller areas and uses private infrastructure.
• LANs typically offer higher bandwidth and lower costs compared to WANs, which often have slower speeds due to greater distances.

Detailed Answer

Standards ensure compatibility between different network devices and technologies, facilitating effective communication and integration.

Detailed Answer

(a)

• Use access rights
• Sensitive data can be protected by locking it with a password
• File systems should be encrypted
• Each computer should have access rights depending on its location

(b)

• Implement strong passwords
• Install security patches regularly
• Two-factor authentication for remote users and administrators could be required

(c)

• Restore files from backups
• Use data recovery software
• Implement a failover system which would be switched to if the live one is corrupt

(d)

• A VPN improves data security
• It enables remote access to the company's network
• A VPN helps to unblock geographically restricted contents

Detailed Answer

• Server
• Firewall
• Router
• DNS server
• Email server

Detailed Answer

• Fibre optics allow faster transmission speeds
• Fibre optics allow greater bandwidth
• Fibre optic cables allow transmission over longer distances
• Fibre optic cables are more secure

Detailed Answer

A message is divided into multiple packets, which are sent independently, taking the most efficient route for each one. Upon reaching the destination, the packets are reassembled. Each packet includes the IP addresses of both the sender and the recipient.

Detailed Answer

• It controls the flow of data in the network
• It securely transmits data packets
• It inspects address of data packets

Detailed Answer

• Accessibility: Cloud storage allows users to access their data from any device with an internet connection, providing greater flexibility and convenience.
• Scalability: Cloud storage services can easily scale up or down based on user needs, accommodating varying amounts of data without requiring physical hardware upgrades.

Detailed Answer

• It encrypts the data transmitted between the remote worker and the company’s network, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties.
• It creates a secure tunnel for the data to travel through, protecting it from potential interception during transmission.