Cyber threats continue to evolve, and businesses must ensure that their networks are built with security at the core, rather than relying on ad hoc measures. This is where the concept of “Network Security by Design” comes in—a proactive approach to building and maintaining secure infrastructures that mitigate risks from the ground up. But what exactly does network security entail, and how can your business benefit from a security-first strategy?
Network security refers to the policies, practices, and technologies that organisations use to secure their network infrastructure from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. It encompasses a wide range of tools and tactics to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network resources. Effective network security requires an understanding of the vulnerabilities within the network, as well as a comprehensive strategy to protect the entire system, from endpoint devices to core servers.
To build a secure network by design, businesses need to combine various technologies and practices. Here are some key elements:
ZTNA reinforces security by continuously verifying users and devices, regardless of location. Gartner forecasts that by 2025, ZTNA will serve 70% of new remote access deployments, replacing VPN services.
Refers to dividing the physical network into virtually smaller, isolated segments to limit access and minimise the spread of potential threats.
Encrypting data both at rest and in transit helps protect it from unauthorised access. Encryption ensures that even if attackers gain access to the network, they cannot read the data.
NGFWs provide advanced filtering capabilities, including application awareness and deep packet inspection, to safeguard network boundaries.
NAC ensures that only authenticated and authorised devices can access the network.
SASE integrates networking and security functions into a unified cloud-delivered solution, enabling secure, easy, and flexible remote access. It is a valuable tool for organisations with distributed workforces. Gartner estimates that by 2025, 80% of enterprises will have adopted a strategy to unify web, cloud services, and private application access using SASE up from 20% in 2021.
IT teams should configure network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls according to the best security practices. Default configurations are often vulnerable and should be tailored to minimise exposure.
The goal is not just to defend but to detect and respond swiftly. A robust network security system uses real-time monitoring tools and threat detection capabilities to notify administrators of suspicious activities.
Building security into networks from the ground up offers numerous benefits, including:
As we look ahead, network security will be shaped by new technologies and threats. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play an essential role in automating threat detection and response, enabling businesses to identify anomalies faster and mitigate risks before they escalate.
With the expansion of 5G and edge computing, networks will require more advanced security measures to cover a larger attack surface. Companies that prioritise security by design now will be better positioned to handle the growing complexity of future networks.
As businesses continue to depend on digital infrastructure to drive their operations, the need for strong network security will only grow. To stay ahead, companies must take a proactive, forward-looking approach that adapts to new challenges as they arise.
Interested in setting up your network security? Let us help! Meet us at the it-sa 2024 in Nuremberg. You’ll find us at the Cisco booth, hall 7a, stand #504.
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