Basic configurations on Cisco ASA Firewall - Part 1 (thenetworkdna)

 

The article “Basic Configurations on Cisco ASA Firewall – Part 1” provides a practical introduction to the essential commands needed to set up a Cisco ASA firewall in a real network environment. It focuses on the initial configuration tasks that network administrators commonly perform when deploying an ASA device, including interface setup, security levels, IP addressing, and basic management access. The goal is to help beginners understand the foundational configuration steps before moving on to more advanced firewall features. Source article

A major portion of the article explains how to configure the ASA interfaces for inside and outside networks. It demonstrates assigning IP addresses, naming interfaces, and setting security levels that determine the trust relationship between network segments. The inside interface is typically given a higher security level, while the outside interface is assigned a lower level to represent the untrusted internet. These settings form the basis for how traffic is permitted or restricted through the firewall. Source article

The article also covers management access using HTTPS. It shows how to enable the ASA’s HTTP server and allow secure web-based administration from hosts on the inside network. This section highlights the importance of restricting management access to trusted networks only, which is a common security best practice. By enabling HTTPS management, administrators can use the ASDM graphical interface to configure and monitor the firewall more easily. Source article

Overall, the guide serves as a concise hands-on reference for anyone learning Cisco ASA firewalls. It introduces the core concepts of interface configuration, security zoning, IP addressing, and secure administrative access in a straightforward command-by-command format. The article is especially useful for CCNA and security students, junior network engineers, and IT professionals who want a quick refresher on the basic ASA setup process before implementing routing, NAT, VPNs, or other advanced security features. Source article

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Network Troubleshooting: Finding Cabling Problems, Old Hubs, and 100 Mbps Connections

What would my Sunday be without a last-minute call?

A local business that I help out, called me and explains that they've had internet performance issues since day one.

They upgraded their internet service to fibre, then their local computer guy blamed the WIFI, so they put in a new WIFI mesh solution, now the same computer guy is blaming their switch. My friend is getting suspicious and asked if I had a few minutes to come by and check things out and give a second opinion.

Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch User Management

I think its important to document or learn how to administer your equipment using the GUI and the CLI.

In this example, I use both methods to add and delete a user on a Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch.

Two Factors Adversely Affecting U.S. Software and Infrastructure Security – Part 1

 

There has been attention, maybe even intense attention, paid to the security of United States civilian and government computer hardware systems over the last several years. I’m referring to the various discussions about foreign “white box” technology, the Huawei controversy, etc. But what about software security? There’s been lots of talk about hackers, malware, and state-sponsored hacking groups. However, the software powering these systems presents an equally pressing, yet often overlooked, concern.

Network Testing Tip

 

If as I mentioned in the video some of you may find this helpful.

Whenever we test, and more commonly, ping, I find that people can lose focus of the big picture.

Any type of response time tool should be used with a reference point to compare it to.

In this example I show you a simple ping tests where we get a spike. If I did not have a local machine as a reference point, I would’ve thought the spike was due to the Internet or the server.

That’s it folks, I will keep it short and sweet.

Have a great day.