Networking

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the collection of Internet-connected gadgets such as cameras, refrigerators, and smart speakers. What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? Internet of Things (IoT) is a catchall phrase for all the various Internet-connected devices that are not traditional computers. This includes everything from fitness trackers and smartwatches to smart refrigerators, … Read more

Single sign-on (SSO) is a vital cloud security technology that reduces all user application logins to one login for greater security and convenience. What is single sign-on (SSO)? Single sign-on (SSO) is a technology that combines several different application login screens into one. With SSO, users only have to enter their login credentials (username, password, … Read more

The DNS A record points to the IP address for a given domain name. What is a DNS A record? The “A” stands for “address,” and this is the most fundamental type of DNS record: it indicates the IP address of a given domain. For example, if you pull the DNS records of cloudflare.com, the … Read more

Round-robin DNS is a load-balancing technique that uses several different IP addresses for a single domain name. What is round-robin DNS? Round-robin DNS is a load-balancing technique where a type of DNS server does the balancing called an authoritative nameserver rather than using a dedicated piece of load-balancing hardware. Round-robin DNS can be used when … Read more

Load balancing distributes traffic among multiple servers to improve a service or application’s performance and reliability. Load balancing is the practice of distributing computational workloads between two or more computers. Load balancing is often employed on the Internet to divide network traffic among several servers. This reduces the strain on each server and makes the … Read more

What Does Bandwidth Mean? Bandwidth is the bit-rate measure of the transmission capacity over a network communication system. Bandwidth is also described as the carrying capacity of a channel or the data transfer speed of that channel. However, broadly defined, bandwidth is the capacity of a network. Bandwidth exists in physical or wireless communication networks. … Read more

A brief description of how DNS works Understanding Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) helps to understand the Domain Name System (DNS). The proper functioning of the Internet is critically dependent on the DNS. Every web page visited, every email sent, every picture retrieved from social media: all those interactions use the DNS to translate … Read more

A firewall sits between a network and the Internet, controlling data flow in and out of the network to stop potential security threats. What is a firewall? A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls network traffic based on security rules. Firewalls usually sit between a trusted network and an untrusted network; frequently, … Read more

What is the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)? The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol, or technical standard, for using a desktop computer remotely. Remote desktop software can use several protocols, including RDP, Independent Computing Architecture (ICA), and virtual network computing (VNC), but RDP is the most commonly used protocol. Microsoft initially released RDP, which is … Read more

TLS 1.3 improves over previous versions of the TLS (SSL) protocol in several essential ways. What is the difference between TLS 1.3 and TLS 1.2? TLS 1.3 is the latest version of the TLS protocol. TLS, which is used by HTTPS and other network protocols for encryption, is the modern version of SSL. TLS 1.3 dropped support for older, less … Read more

Ports are virtual places within an operating system where network connections start and end. They help computers sort the network traffic they receive. A port is a virtual point where network connections start and end. Ports are software-based and managed by a computer’s operating system. Each port is associated with a specific process or service. … Read more

What Does Data Packet Mean? A packet is a data unit made into a single package traveling along a network path. Data packets are used in Internet Protocol (IP) transmissions for data that navigate the Web and other networks. Data Packet Explanation A data packet has other parts besides the raw data it contains – … Read more

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol that provides privacy, authentication, and integrity to Internet communications. SSL eventually evolved into Transport Layer Security (TLS). SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is an encryption-based Internet security protocol. Netscape was first developed in 1995 to ensure privacy, authentication, and data integrity in Internet communications. SSL is the predecessor to … Read more

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol loads pages on the Internet using hyperlinks invoking http:// over port 80 typically. What is HTTP? The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the foundation of the World Wide Web and is used to load webpages using hypertext links. HTTP is an application layer protocol designed to transfer information between networked devices and runs … Read more

TLS is a security protocol that provides privacy and data integrity for Internet communications. Implementing TLS is standard practice for building secure web apps. What is Transport Layer Security (TLS)? Transport Layer Security, or TLS, is a widely adopted security protocol designed to facilitate privacy and data security for communications over the Internet. A primary use case … Read more

DNS was not designed with security in mind, and many types of attacks were created to exploit vulnerabilities in the DNS system. What is DNS security? DNS security protects DNS infrastructure from cyber attacks to keep it performing quickly and reliably. An effective DNS security strategy incorporates several overlapping defenses, including establishing redundant DNS servers, applying security … Read more

Hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, the primary protocol used to send data between a web browser and a website. HTTPS is encrypted to increase the security of data transfer. This is particularly important when users transmit sensitive data by logging into a bank account, email service, or health insurance provider. … Read more

A domain name registrar is a business that handles the reservation of domain names and the assignment of IP addresses for those domain names. Domain names are alphanumeric aliases used to access websites. For example, The IP address would be something like 192.0.2.1 (just an example). Domain names make it easier to access websites without memorizing and entering … Read more

A domain name is a unique, easy-to-remember address used to access websites such as ‘google.com’, and ‘facebook.com’. Users can connect to websites using domain names thanks to the DNS system. A domain name is a string of text that maps to an alphanumeric IP address, used to access a website from client software. In plain English, … Read more

‘IP’ stands for Internet Protocol, the set of rules that allows devices to communicate over the Internet. With billions of people accessing the Internet daily, unique identifiers are necessary to track who is doing what. The Internet Protocol solves this by assigning IP numbers to every Internet device. A computer’s IP address is like the physical address … Read more

The Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of requirements for addressing and routing data on the Internet. IP can be used with several transport protocols, including TCP and UDP. The Internet Protocol (IP) is a protocol, or set of rules, for routing and addressing packets of data so that they can travel across networks and … Read more

A LAN, or local area network, is a group of connected computing devices within a localized area that usually share a centralized Internet connection. A local area network (LAN) is contained within a small geographic area, usually within the same building. Home WiFi networks and small business networks are typical examples of LANs. LANs can … Read more

In networking, a protocol is a standardized set of rules for formatting and processing data. Protocols enable computers to communicate with one another. In networking, a protocol is a set of rules for formatting and processing data. Network protocols are like a common language for computers. The computers within a network may use vastly different … Read more

A virtual private network (VPN) lets a user remotely access a private network for privacy and security. A virtual private network (VPN) is an Internet security service that allows users to access the Internet as though they were connected to a private network. This encrypts Internet communications as well as providing a substantial degree of … Read more

IP addresses are unique identifiers that determine who is who on the Internet. IP addresses can be formatted differently depending on whether they use IPv4 or IPv6 protocol. What is an IP address, and why does it matter? ‘IP’ stands for Internet Protocol, the set of rules that allows devices to communicate over the Internet. With billions … Read more

An Internet exchange point (IXP) is a physical location through which Internet infrastructure companies such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and CDNs use to connect. An Internet exchange point (IXP) is a physical location through which Internet infrastructure companies such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and CDNs connect. These locations exist on the “edge” of different networks … Read more

Latency measured is the time it takes for data to travel. Lowering latency is an essential part of building a good user experience. Latency is the time it takes for data to pass from one point on a network to another. Suppose Server A in New York sends a data packet to Server B in London. Server … Read more

Caches store copies of files to deliver websites robustly to deliver at fast speeds where they are needed for various demands. Caching stores copies of files or data in a cache, or temporary storage location, to be accessed more quickly. Technically, a cache is any temporary storage location for copies of files or data, but … Read more

Host command is a minimal and easy-to-use the command line interface, or CLI utility for performing DNS lookups which translate domain names to IP addresses and vice versa. It can also be used to list and verify various types of DNS records such as NS and MX, test and validate ISP DNS server and Internet … Read more

nslookup is a command-line administrative tool for testing and troubleshooting DNS servers (Domain Name Server). It is used to query specific DNS resource records (RR) as well. Most operating systems come with a built-in nslookup feature. This article demonstrates the widely used nslookup command in detail. Nslookup can be run in two modes: Interactive and … Read more

LoRa (short for long range) is a spread spectrum modulation technique derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology. LoRa is a long range, low power wireless platform that has become the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). LoRa devices and networks such as the LoRaWAN® enable smart IoT applications that solve some … Read more

Zero Trust is a security model based on maintaining strict access controls and not trusting anyone by default, even those already inside the network perimeter. What is Zero Trust security? Zero Trust security is an IT security model that requires strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access resources on a private … Read more

Domain Name System (DNS) Hierarchy. Caches, Resolvers, Root, TLD, and Authoritative Name Servers explained for DNS requests.

Data loss prevention (DLP) is a set of tools and processes used to ensure that sensitive data is not lost, misused, or unauthorized access. DLP software classifies regulated, confidential, and business-critical data. It identifies violations of policies defined by organizations or within a predefined policy pack, typically driven by regulatory compliance such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, … Read more

URL filtering enables companies to block individual web pages and files to restrict what content their employees can access over company networks. URL filtering restricts what web content users can access. It does this by blocking specific URLs from loading. Corporations implement URL filtering to prevent the use of company resources, devices, network bandwidth, etc. , … Read more

DNS filtering defined DNS filtering (or DNS block) describes a cybersecurity measure used to stop internet users from accessing unapproved websites on a server. Organizations use DNS blocking to secure their environment against phishing attacks and other cyber threats. Through DNS filtering services, businesses assign control over what users can access, limit access to websites potentially posing malware … Read more

Back in the day, people would gather to play networked games and “Geek Out.” This might also resemble some offices in the early days. It reminds me of “the old days.” Plenty of soda for caffeine, pizza, or a stack of double cheeseburgers. Command and Conquer, Diablo, and more. Comment below if you have ever … Read more

A secure web gateway (SWG) blocks or filters out harmful content and prevents data leakage. All employee Internet traffic passes through the SWG. What is a secure web gateway (SWG)? A secure web gateway (SWG) is a cyber security product that protects company data and enforces security policies. SWGs operate between company employees and the … Read more

DNS amplification is a DDoS attack that leverages DNS resolvers to overwhelm a victim with traffic. What is a DNS amplification attack? This DDoS attack is a reflection-based volumetric distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack in which an attacker leverages the functionality of open DNS resolvers to overwhelm a target server or network with an amplified amount of traffic, rendering the … Read more

What is time-to-live (TTL) in networking? Time to live (TTL) refers to the amount of time or “hops” that a packet is set to exist inside a network before being discarded by a router. TTL is also used in other contexts, including CDN caching and DNS caching. How does TTL work? When a packet of information is … Read more

What is the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)? The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is a network layer protocol used by network devices to diagnose network communication issues. ICMP is used primarily to determine whether or not data is reaching its intended destination promptly. Commonly, the ICMP protocol is used on network devices, such as routers. ICMP is crucial for … Read more

DNS lets users connect to websites using domain names instead of IP addresses. Learn how DNS works. What is DNS? The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the Internet. Humans access information online through domain names like nytimes.com or espn.com. Web browsers interact through Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can … Read more

A transport layer communication protocol, UDP is a very common protocol for voice and video traffic. What is the User Datagram Protocol (UDP/IP)? The User Datagram Protocol, or UDP, is a communication protocol used across the Internet for especially time-sensitive transmissions such as video playback or DNS lookups. It speeds up communications by not formally establishing a connection before … Read more

An SYN flood exploits a TCP/IP handshake vulnerability in an attempt to disrupt a web service. What is an SYN flood attack? An SYN flood (half-open attack) is a denial-of-service (DDoS) attack aiming to make a server unavailable to legitimate traffic by consuming all available server resources. By repeatedly sending initial connection request (SYN) packets, … Read more

The Internet Protocol (IP) is the address system of the Internet and has the core function of delivering packets of information from a source device to a target device. IP is the primary way in which network connections are made, and it establishes the basis of the Internet. IP does not handle packet ordering or error checking. Such functionality … Read more

Telecommunication transmits information through various types of technologies over the wire, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems. It originates in the desire of humans for communication over a distance greater than that feasible with the human voice but with a similar scale of expediency; thus, slow systems (such as postal mail) are excluded from the field. The transmission media in telecommunication have evolved through numerous … Read more

Wireshark Wireshark is a popular network sniffing tool that provides GUI to decode many protocols and filters. Wireshark is a network traffic monitoring tool that runs on a network interface. It is now the most commonly used network management application. Device operators, network engineers, network security experts, and black hat hackers use Wireshark. Tcpdump Tcpdump … Read more

Functionality Wireshark is very similar to tcpdump, but has a graphical front-end and integrated sorting and filtering options. Wireshark lets the user put network interface controllers into promiscuous mode (if supported by the network interface controller), so they can see all the traffic visible on that interface, including unicast traffic not sent to that network interface controller’s MAC address. However, when capturing with a packet analyzer in … Read more

You don’t remember individual mobile numbers. Instead, you go to your contacts app and call it by their names. The contacts app allows people to input everyday words without having to keep track of the individual mole number. This is the exact same thing DNS does for the internet. Domain Name System Computers address each … Read more

Does your house have a smart thermostat? Or do you wear a fitness tracker to help you stay physically active? If you do, you are part of the Internet of Things, or IoT. It’s become embedded in our lives, as well as in the way organizations operate. IoT uses a variety of technologies to connect … Read more

Recent reports indicate that Cisco’s corporate network was infected with ransomware from the Yanluowang group in late May.  Under the threat of leaking stolen files to the online world, the threat actor attempted to intimidate the victims into making a financial sacrifice: ransom. An employee’s Box folder linked to a compromised account was only accessible … Read more

7 – Application: Interface to end user. Interaction directly with the software applications. 6 – Presentation: Formats Data to be “presented” between application-layer entities. 5 – Session: Manages connections between local and remote applications. 4 – Transport: Ensures integrity of the data transmission. 3 – Network: Determines how data gets from one host to another. … Read more

Generally, a Layer 2 switch is one of the essential equipment used to connect all network and client devices. But for now, layer 3 switch is thriving in data centers, complicated enterprise networks, and commercial applications with the growing diversity of network applications and converged network implementations. The question arises: layer 2 vs. layer 3 switch; … Read more

Twisted pair copper cabling is the most ubiquitous for Ethernet network and telephone installations. But how much do you know about twisted pair cable? What makes it different from other cables, and how many types of twisted cables are there? Here in this article, you can find all the answers you are looking for. Please keep … Read more

ping (Packet Internet Gropper) The Ping command allows a user to ping another network IP address. Ping command sends ICMP ECHO_REQUEST packets to other hosts, and this command can help determine the connectivity to the remote host. This is similar to playing “Marco Polo” in a body of water. Simple ping command syntax is ping … Read more

I’ll compare the Norton 360 Deluxe plan, their second most expensive, to Bitdefender’s most expensive Total Security plan. Why do you ask? Because they both claim to offer the same level of protection and supplemental features, by and large, they’re almost identical packages…or so I thought… 🔥 Bitdefender vs. Norton: Malware protection: 🔥 Now, starting … Read more

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack can be easily engineered anywhere. Learn more about what it is and how it works. A “denial of service” or DoS attack ties up a website’s resources so that users who need to access the site cannot do so. The attacks have hit many significant companies. And the bad news? Because … Read more

IPv6 has been being developed since 1998 to address the dwindling supply of IPv4 addresses available, despite its efficiency and security redesigns, enterprise acceptance and implementation is slow. For the most part, the dire warnings about running out of internet addresses have ceased because, slowly but surely, migration from the world of Internet Protocol Version … Read more

What is data in motion? Data in motion, also referred to as data in transit or in flight, is a process in which digital information is transported between locations within or between computer systems. The term can also describe data within a computer’s RAM ready to be read, accessed, updated, or processed. Data in motion is one … Read more

The Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) is a conceptual model that characterizes and standardizes the communication functions of a telecommunication or computing system without regard to its underlying internal structure and technology. Its goal is the interoperability of diverse communication systems with standard protocols. The model partitions a communication system into abstraction layers. The original version of the … Read more

Proxy chains are open source software for Linux systems and come pre-installed with Kali Linux, the tool redirects TCP connections through proxies like TOR, SOCKS, and HTTP (S), allowing us to chain proxy servers. With proxy chains, we can hide the IP address of the source traffic and evade IDS and firewalls. We can use … Read more

SSH is the most secure means of connecting to Linux servers remotely. And one of the common errors encountered while using SSH is the “ssh: connect to host port 22: No route to host”. In this short article, we will show how to troubleshoot and fix this error. Here is a screenshot of the error we … Read more

What if you had to memorize the IP address of every website that you wanted to visit? I bet you’d go crazy in no time! This is where DNS jumps into the scene. The Domain Name System has revolutionized the Internet. In this article, I’m going to discuss what a DNS actually is and how it works. … Read more