Practical security issues with high‐speed networks[1]Presented at the 11th Annual Canadian Information Technology Security Symposium,10–14 May 1999,Ottawa,Canada.

Abstract

As corporate networks evolve in step with the Internet, an increasing number of networks are being connected through controlled access points. The deployment of end‐to‐end high‐speed connections in corporate LANs have resulted in as yet untamed security issues directly attributable to the increased throughput (100+ Mbits/s). This paper attempts to identify some of the potential issues and communicate these to those responsible for the administration and development of IT and security infrastructures. Limitations of Intrusion Detection Systems, information leakage of encrypted channels, reduced features of hardware in order to enable faster switching, have all contributed to effectively diminish overall security. Despite the endless need for faster networks engendered by streaming video and audio, 3D worlds, voice over data and video conferencing, we must pause and ask ourselves if we are prepared to trade security for speed.