SMOAD Networks

5G SD-WAN
February 8, 2023

Integrated network security is required everywhere

A combination of cyber security measures is synergised to mutually support one another to deliver a higher level of protection. A unified system of various network security is called integrated network security. Through integrated network security, multiple levels of protection can be engulfed into a single cohesive system. The different layers coordinate to offer wholesome protection for your enterprise data. Creating an integrated network security system includes selecting the right hardware & software, services, deployment, and configuration.

Integrated network security is also known as the defence-in-depth approach. The focus is on protecting data from different angles in contrast to just a single strategy. With multiple security levels, it is the right way to secure your network.

The significance of Integrated Network Security Architecture
It helps to protect from cyber threats. It gives a panoramic view of the network, which is necessary to maintain a reliable and secure network. It is important to include it in your IT infrastructure. It helps to protect the IT resources and data of your enterprise. Every piece of data is crucial and needs to be protected, so this integrated network security architecture is the right choice.

Standard practices in Integrated Network Security Architecture

1. Conducting threat assessment
It is crucial to identify the threats before determining how to neutralise them. Identify the potential risks by thinking like the attacker. The threats may be umpteen the company needs to decide on the technology and plug its vulnerabilities. Threats are harmful, while vulnerabilities are weaknesses exploited by the threats. The company should develop a strong response plan to combat threats.

Threats can be categorised into two types:
Technical threats are where a network is compromised through malware, interrupting the normal operations of the system. Technical threats include hacking, DoS attack, malware, etc. In this case, security vulnerabilities gain access to the data and IT resources.

Non-Technical threats are the handy work of the insiders involved in fraudulent activities like data theft, etc.

2. Business Impact Analysis
It is a useful strategy to identify the impact of the disruption in the event of a cyber-attack. It helps to locate the risk in the network leading to an attack. The analysis should be done in coordination with the risk management team and the stakeholders in the organisation.

3. Strategy for overcoming security incidents
Security threats have become common these days; they can negatively impact the reputation of the organisation. Devising suitable strategies with clarity on procedures, responsibilities, and priorities can protect from security incidents.

4. Analyse the intensity of the threat.
The primary step while facing a security threat is to analyse the intensity of the threat. Verify if the threat needs scrutiny from an experienced analyst. If the intensity is less, a low-level employee can handle the task.

Integrated Security and SD-WAN
When it comes to handling security concerns, SD-WAN is far more agile and reliable when compared to legacy WAN architectures. SD-WAN delivers centralised management making remote working seamless. This can leave room for security threats. If the remote user lacks security controls, the corporate network could be compromised. SD-WAN with integrated security can protect against unforeseen threats.

Remote users and branch offices connect to the central corporate server through dedicated carrier circuits. The internet traffic moving to and fro remote sites are backhauled across these connections. The data centre should have enterprise-class security tools to prevent threats. But as the traffic increased, the organisations looked for alternatives. Now remote users connect directly to the internet to access cloud applications. This has burdened the IT team, as they have to manage, implement and support a stack of security applications and appliances at the remote level. This has given rise to SD-WAN integrated security solutions.

SD-WAN adds next-generation firewalls (NGFW) to secure your local internet connection from threats. The NGFW has an intrusion prevention system (IPS) that monitors the network for any malicious action and violation of security protocols. Not all SD-WAN comes with security tools, and the organisation must implement these tools at an additional cost. SMOAD SD-WAN comes with advanced security features to prevent, identify and block security threats.

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