Columns

The Zen of Password Cracking

July 25, 2008 | Password cracking is an integral part of a security audit -- and can be a lot of fun. Cisco's Jimmy Ray Purser has four methods to accomplish this and the tools IT administrators can use to do it on their own.
By Jimmy Ray Purser

When Speed Just Isn't Enough: A Network Quality Check

July 11, 2008 | As your smaller business' network traffic grows, getting faster switches isn't your only option. Jimmy Ray Purser says that paying attention to a network's quality of service -- by classifying packets as they enter your network -- can be just as important
By Jimmy Ray Purser

How to Build Your Very Own Hack Lab -- on the Cheap!

June 20, 2008 | Truly understanding network security only comes with hands-on experience. Building your own hack lab can give you the skills you need to become a network security expert. Jimmy Ray Purser takes you step-by-step through that process
By Jimmy Ray Purser

How I Hack Your Layer 2 Network

June 13, 2008 | Many smaller businesses think they have to put up with lower end security because they cannot afford more expensive enterprise gear. Jimmy Ray says that's not true -- and he wants to show smaller business how to keep their networks secure, on a budget
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Security 101: Layer 1 Is the Loneliest Number

May 23, 2008 | Network security is complex, but it starts at two simple places: the hardware and human levels. Jimmy Ray explains how USB ports, keyboard loggers, Bluetooth, and more can make your smaller business vulnerable -- and how to protect it
By Jimmy Ray Purser

To Catch a (Hacking) Intruder

May 9, 2008 | Securing your smaller business' data is critical to its survival. But how do you secure your network if it's been hacked? More important, how can you tell if you've been hacked? Jimmy Ray has all the answers
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Web 2 ... Oh ... Security?

April 25, 2008 | Web 2.0 is here to stay and while it's cool, its security is tricky -- but not to worry. Jimmy Ray Purser will show you how to let your smaller business take advantage of the latest technology and stay safe
By Jimmy Ray Purser

The World's Biggest Security Risk: Management

April 11, 2008 | Your management needs to understand the very real security issues facing your company's network. But how does an IT guy explain these very serious, but frequently very intangible, security threats? Jimmy Ray shows you how
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Router Security in Four Easy Steps

March 28, 2008 | Your router is the gateway to your network which makes it a target for hackers. In just 15 minutes and four easy steps, Jimmy Ray Purser shows you how to significantly increase the security on your router, and keep your company's network safe
By Jimmy Ray Purser

I Thought Wiki Was a Don Ho Song

March 7, 2008 | Wikis can help your smaller business do things like share best practices, show development, and mitigate information overload. At least that's what Jimmy Ray Purser wanted his to do. Find out what he learned about wikis and building an online community
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Switch Hunting for Smaller Businesses

February 29, 2008 | For small and midsize businesses, purchasing the right-sized Ethernet switch is crucial. Jimmy Ray Purser has all the facts you need to make sure you get the switch you deserve
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Here Comes the Sun: Ideas for Powering Your Data Center

February 22, 2008 | Solar powering your data center is good for the environment, but Jimmy Ray Purser has an even more compelling reason to do it: It'll save your smaller business money -- no matter where it is located
By Jimmy Ray Purser

So, You Want to Be a Hacker

February 15, 2008 | Maintaining secure systems in your company is a journey that never ends, but for every business, the trip has to begin somewhere. Jimmy Ray Purser has five steps that will get your small or midsize company started on the road to security
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Merging Two Businesses: The IT Approach

January 25, 2008 | When two businesses come together, integrating IT teams and systems is the trickiest part. What you need is a plan
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Understanding the Dark Side of Network Bots

December 14, 2007 | To protect your small or midsize company's network against bots, you've first got to understand what bots do and how they do it. Cisco's Jimmy Ray Purser unveils the dark side of network bots
By Jimmy Ray Purser

How Much Network Security Is Enough?

November 28, 2007 | How much network security does a small or midsize business need? To find out, IT managers must measure their companies' tolerance for risk and make a business case for pursuing a network security system that fits
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Battle of the SSH Protocols: SSHv1 v SSHv2

November 19, 2007 | Telnet has been eclipsed by two feature-laden Secure Shell protocols. But which one is best?
By Jimmy Ray Purser

5 Easy, Cheap Ways to Green Your Data Center

October 24, 2007 | Whether your 'data center' is a single server or a roomful of racks, these expert tips can make it more energy efficient. And it doesn't have to cost a lot -- in fact, it can save a bundle
By Jimmy Ray Purser

How to Stop Snarfing and Other Common Switch Hacks

October 11, 2007 | ARP poisoning, SNMP snarfing, and "fuzzing" are common hacks perpetrated on Ethernet switch gear. Cisco networking expert Jimmy Ray Purser explains how to guard against these hacks.
By Jimmy Ray Purser

Expert Solutions to Common Wireless Problems

October 4, 2007 | Multipathing, hidden nodes, data collisions, near/far errors and other common wireless problems can be easily ID'd and resolved. A Cisco networking expert explains how
By Jimmy Ray Purser