L2 (Layer 2) security features refer to security measures implemented at the data link layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model.
L2 (Layer 2) security features refer to security measures implemented at the data link layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. The data link layer is responsible for creating a link between network devices and for providing a reliable connection for data transmission. Some common L2 security features include:
Access control lists (ACLs): These are used to control which devices are allowed to access the network and which are not. ACLs can be used to restrict access based on MAC addresses or other identifiers.
Port security: This feature allows administrators to specify which devices are allowed to connect to a specific port on a switch. This can help prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.
VLAN (Virtual LAN) segmentation: This feature allows administrators to segment a network into smaller, logically separate networks. This can help to isolate different parts of the network and improve security.
DHCP snooping: This feature helps to prevent rogue DHCP servers from being connected to the network. It does this by verifying DHCP requests against a database of authorized DHCP servers.
802.1x: This is a standard for port-based network access control. It requires devices to authenticate before they are allowed to connect to the network.
Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) Attack Prevention: STP is a protocol that helps to prevent network loops by selecting a "root bridge" and blocking certain ports. Attackers can use this protocol to launch an attack by sending malicious BPDUs, which can cause the network to malfunction.
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Spoofing Prevention: ARP is a protocol that helps devices to find the MAC address of another device on the same network. ARP spoofing occurs when an attacker sends fake ARP messages to map their own IP address to the MAC address of another device on the network.
These are just a few examples of L2 security features. It's important to note that L2 security alone is not enough, organizations should implement a combination of security measures at different layers of the OSI model to ensure a strong security posture.