SECURING FIBRE CHANNEL FABRICS - Brocade

Types of ThreatsTypes of ThreatsA threat is anything that can cause harm. An IT security threat is anythingthat can cause harm to IT assets. Threats against IT assetsspecifically can be classified into three basic categories.• Disasters• Technology• HumanOf course, technology threats and sometimes disasters are createdand executed by humans, so arguably there are only two categories.Threats from DisastersDisasters are unique threats; they are not generally aimed at a specifictarget but can indiscriminately wipe out an entire data center and itspersonnel. Disasters usually cause the most amount of damage, havethe greatest impact on a company's operation, and take the longest torecover from. One of the greatest impacts of a disaster is the impacton the personnel. Technology can be replaced relatively easily, but personnelmay need to be reassigned to a temporary facility, or in theworst case scenario, be replaced.Disasters can occur from natural or man-made causes, including:• Earthquake • Flood• Hurricane • Landslide• Thunderstorm • Tornado• Tsunami and tidal wave • Volcano• Wildfire • Winter and ice stormsMan-made disasters include:• Terrorism • War• Fire • Chemical emergency• Dam failure • Hazardous material spill or leak• Nuclear plant emergency (could also be technology)Protecting against disasters that impact IT assets and businessrequirements can be accomplished in many ways. The key to successfullyprotecting against disasters is proper planning, implementation ofplans, and dry runs.Securing Fibre Channel Fabrics 51