Assessing the Value of Network Security Technologies

Proper configuration of security technologies is critical to balance the access and protection requirements of information. The common practice of using a layered security architecture that has multiple technologies amplifies the need for proper configuration because the configuration decision about one security technology has ramifications for the configuration decisions about others. We study the impact of configuration on the value obtained from a firewall and an Intrusion Detection System (IDS). We also study how a firewall and an IDS interact with each other in terms of value contribution. We show that the firm may be worse off when it deploys a technology if the technology (either the firewall or the IDS) is improperly configured. A more serious consequence for the firm is that even if each of these (improperly configured) technologies offers a positive value when deployed alone, deploying both may be detrimental to the firm. Configuring the IDS and the firewall optimally eliminates the conflict between them, resulting in a non-negative value to the firm. When optimally configured, we find that these technologies may complement or substitute each other. Further, we find that while the optimal configuration of an IDS is the same whether it is deployed alone or together with a firewall, the optimal configuration of a firewall has a lower detection rate (i.e., allow more access) when it is deployed with an IDS than when deployed alone. Our results highlight the complex interactions between firewall and IDS technologies when they are used together in a security architecture, and, hence, the need for proper configuration in order to benefit from these technologies

Final technical report / rapport technique final annex 12a - updated protocol and technical guidelines for fish hatcheries

The development of a network of private sector fish hatcheries at the local level is important to support the growth of household level aquaculture production. The ten hatcheries supported by the project are functioning well and have been successful in ensuring a local supply of fingerlings in target provinces (Prey Veng, Kampong Cham and Kampot, Cambodia). Establishing fish hatcheries through a cost-share model proved to be a successful component of the project, as they became profitable within the program period. This report provides details of the project including design drawings of hatcheries, components of construction, fingerling production and nursing

Too little and too much : water and development in a Himalayan watershed

Contains 1 CD- ROM in the back pocke