Encryption

is the conversion of data into a form, called a ciphertext, that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood.

Access control 

is a system that enables an authority to control access to areas and resources in a given physical facility or computer-based information system. An access control system, within the field of physical security, is generally seen as the second layer in the security of a physical structure.

Access control is, in reality, an everyday phenomenon. A lock on a car door is essentially a form of access control. A PIN on an ATM system at a bank is another means of access control. The possession of access control is of prime importance when persons seek to secure important, confidential, or sensitive information and equipment.

BIOMETRICS

is one of knowledge or technology used to analyze a person’s biological data. This technology uses multiple characteristics of someone’s body parts such as fingerprints, retina, DNA, or voice to achieve authentication. Biometricstechnology is widely used to identify a person’s biological data of some data in order to avoid false. Some people might be able to create artificial fingerprints using the rubber. On the use of previous technologies, it could be detected as the correct fingerprint.

Technological developments also brought many changes and development in biometric. This can be evidenced by a scanner that works very accurately. Such a device will deny access if someone misplaced the biometric position on the machine. This is to avoid false data that is used some people who are not responsible for personal gain.

ADVANTAGES OF BIOMETRICS

*  Unequivocally link an individual to a transaction or event.

*  Offer significant cost savings or increasing ROI in areas such as Loss Prevention or Time & Attendance. 

*  Integrate a wide range of biometric solutions and technologies, customer applications and databases into a robust and     scalable control solution for facility and network access 


* Eliminate problems caused by lost IDs or forgotten passwords by using physiological attributes. For e.g. Prevent     unauthorised use of lost, stolen or "borrowed" ID cards. 




DISADVANTAGES OF BIOMETRICS


*For people affected with diabetes, the eyes get 


 *Biometrics is an expensive security solution.
   
*The finger print of those people working in Chemical   industries are often     


affected. 

FIREWALL

A firewall is a device or set of devices designed to permit or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and is frequently used to protect networks from unauthorized access while permitting legitimate communications to pass.

Many personal computer operating system include software-based firewalls to protect against threats from the public Internet. Many routers that pass data between networks contain firewall components and, conversely, many firewalls can perform basic routing functions.

Advantages of Hardware Firewalls

• Speed: Normally, the hardware firewalls are tailored for faster response times, and hence handle more traffic loads.
• Security: A firewall with its own operating system (proprietary) is less prone for attacks. This in turn reduces the security risk. In addition, hardware firewalls have enhanced security controls.
• No Interference: A box, that is separated from other network components can be managed better, and does not load or slowdown other applications. The box can be moved, shutdown, or reconfigured with minimal interference to the network.

   Disadvantage of hardware firewalls:

• Cost. Normally, a dedicated hardware firewall costs more than a software firewall.
• Difficult to install, and upgrade.
• Takes up physical space, and involves wiring.