Although RADIUS was originally intended for dial-up access gear, today it's capable of supporting a variety of connection types and is no longer limited to human identities. For the most part, this evolution has mirrored the evolution of Internet access technologies.

Windows and the applications that run on it use the event log repository to record all kinds of significant system events. Unfortunately, trying to pull information out of multiple event logs in a way that is both timely and usable can be difficult and convoluted. There is a way to use SNMP technology already bundled into Windows to generate lightweight alerts against pre-selected events, however, thus providing the basis for a flexible and scalable notification system that can work with existing network management tools.

DDoS attacks have become so common that organizations need to be prepared for them in the same way that they would prepare for any other potential outage. As with other kinds of contingency planning, this means understanding your recovery options, choosing the appropriate path, and being prepared to execute your plan quickly when the time comes.

Sonic Systems specifically designed its Interpol firewall to address the needs of small networks, enabling smaller businesses to protect their networks from outside intruders without much cost or effort. Although the product lacks high-end functionality, its simplicity makes installation and management extraordinarily easy and solid.

The network administrator's job -- which is fundamentally to provide access to corporate network resources -- is confounded by Internet access tools. Although they want to provide their users with remote access over the Internet, they must also protect against intrusion from outsiders. i-Planet's RemotePassage access server solves this dilemma effectively and gracefully, using network-based authentication services to selectively enable network access.

Remote access can be a pain, especially when your site requires authentication and access control. Funk Software's Steel-Belted Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (Radius) 1.3 reduces that administration burden and makes life easier for users at the same time.

Seattle Software Labs' WatchGuard Security System 2.0 is an easy-to-configure, flexible firewall well-suited for midsize organizations and networks. Although not as functional as some other products, WatchGuard is priced right and offers a sufficient level of functionality, making it a good choice for a variety of network environments.

Many companies agree that the Internet is a decent, low-cost, dial-up solution for mobile and remote users. Rather than buying and managing dedicated modem pools and dial-up services for all these users, many companies would rather use the Internet as a 'free' connection--one that users can access from anywhere, saving in long-distance, equipment and personnel costs.

It seems as if everybody is worried about connecting their organizations to the Internet, with widespread reports of hackers breaking into everything from banks to warehouses. If you're leading an internal World Wide Web development project for your company, you've probably had to face your own security advocates who decry the end of pristine systems yet offer no assistance in researching or developing a mutually satisfactory solution. Here's your help.