CLIENT/SERVER COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT SECURITY ISSUES IN CLIENT/SERVER COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT FengChen Aug.31,2000
Reliability and security is a concern for any computer system Reliability and security is a concern for any computer system. These issues require special attention when considering a change from mainframe to client/server technologies. Since mainframes are very secure because they are generally placed in 'glass rooms' with hardened infrastructure and controlled access, while client/server systems are distributed and therefore more difficult to secure.
Confidentiality Integrity Availability Basic Components of Security Management Confidentiality Integrity Availability
Software-Threats--Trojan Horse Data-Driven Attacks Denial of Service Possible Threats & Types of Attacks Impersonation Sniffing Software-Threats--Trojan Horse Data-Driven Attacks Denial of Service
Physical Security Software security Security Solutions locks and keys security guards Software security Authentication Encryption Kerberos Others
Password Retinal Image Username & Password Finger Print Security Token Authentication Be performed to ensure a user or program has specific access to resource or data Network Authentication BASIC Password Retinal Image Finger Print Algorithm in “Smart” Card Physical Location (IP Address) Username & Password Security Token
Shared Key Encryption: One key both encrypts and decrypts Public/Private Key Encryption Public/Private Key Encryption Signature: One key encrypts, another different but related key for decrypts A combination of these two methods allows for mutual authentication.
Kerberos Kerberos is an authentication and session encryption system. How it Works? A separate ticket granting server gives a ticket to a user or application. This ticket can then be used for any number of resources on the network . If a client wants to talk to a server, both the client and the server will talk to the authentication server to establish that the client is authorized.
The security is only as strong as its weakest link General Security Issues The security is only as strong as its weakest link A flawed security is worse than no security at all It is always better to use several security systems together than only one Security by obscurity doesn’t work
Client/Server THE FUTURE
As computing becomes more ubiquitous and more pervasive, client/server computing will become the dominant implementation strategy. Convergence of standards will result in better applications integration and interoperability. Authentication and security issues will be resolved sooner rather than later: the enormous interest in exploiting the commercial potential of the Internet will propel this process.