Many remote access connections are a part of today's business networks. These can be made by employees or outsourcing companies. These connections are often overlooked because they pose security risks. There are continuous improvements that can improve security of today's network infrastructure. Businesses need to pay attention to external users and monitor access points in order protect their digital assets.
It is crucial to choose the right software for your IT infrastructure in order to have the best security protection. Many companies assume that they are secure when they use "off-the-shelf" security software. Due to today's network threats, this is not true. There are many threats, such as spam, spyware and viruses, trojans and worms, as well as the possibility that hackers have targeted your servers.
These threats can be neutralized by a good security solution. Network administrators often spend too much time on the perimeter of their network, defending it from attacks and patching any security breaches.
Network administrators are expensive to pay. This is more than the cost of installing the security solution your network needs. There are many other responsibilities for network administrators. They are responsible for making your business more efficient. However, they cannot focus on this task if they have to constantly defend the network infrastructure.
The threat from within the perimeter (or an employee) is another threat to be considered. Someone on the payroll is most likely to steal sensitive proprietary information. These types of attacks must be prevented by a network security solution. This is where network administrators play a crucial role by creating security policies that are strictly enforced.
Layered security is a smart strategy that will give your network protection against all security threats. Layered security uses both hardware and software to meet your network's unique requirements. When both hardware and software are working together to protect your company, they can instantly update their capabilities to deal with the latest security threats.
You can configure security software to be updated multiple times per day if necessary; hardware updates typically consist of firmware upgrades as well as an update wizard, much like the one found within the software program.
All in one Security Suites It is important to implement a multi-pronged strategy to counter the many security threats that exist today within corporate networks. These threats often overlap with Trojans that are hidden in software installations or spam. These threats can be countered with firewalls, antispyware, spyware, and anti-spam protection.
Recent trends in the software industry have seen the merging of previously independent security applications into a single, comprehensive security suite. Security suites that share a common goal integrate security applications already installed on corporate networks. These security suites include anti-spyware and anti-spam protection, as well as firewall protection. It is possible to find the best standalone applications for each security risk category, but it is no longer necessary.
An all-in-one security solution will help companies save money on software purchases and time, as well as allowing for integrated management of various threats.
Trusted platform module (TPM) A TPM is a standard that was developed by Trusted Computing Group. It defines hardware specifications that generate encryption keys. TPM chips are not only designed to protect against software and intrusion attempts, but also prevent physical theft of the chip. TPM chips are used as an additional layer of authentication.
Authentication refers to all the processes that are involved in verifying whether a user who has been granted access to the corporate network really is who they claim to be. While authentication is usually done using a password, biometrics can be used to uniquely identify users by identifying unique traits such as fingerprints or characteristics of the eyes.
TPM chips are integrated into many standard laptop and desktop motherboards today. TPM chips were first integrated into Intel's motherboards in 2003. This was also the case for other motherboard manufacturers. The specifications of a motherboard will specify whether or not it has this chip.
These chips protect data at the local level. This provides greater security for remote locations such as WiFi hotspots that are full of innocuous computer-users, who could be hackers with malicious intent. This technology is used in the BitLocker Drive Encryption feature of Microsoft's Vista Operating System Ultimate and Enterprise editions.
Vista supports TPM technology but the chips do not need to be dependent on any platform for their operation.
TPM works on Linux just like it does in Windows. Trusted Computing Group even has specifications for mobile devices, such as PDAs or cell phones.
TPM enhanced security is easy to use. Network users simply need to download the security policy onto their desktop and then run the setup wizard to create encryption keys for that machine. These simple steps will significantly increase security for remote computer users.
User Identity Successfully passing the authentication process is required to establish a user's identity. User authentication does not have to be limited to a password and user name. Smart cards and security tokens, which are based on biometrics technology to enhance user authentication, can also be used as a method of user authentication.
A hardware layer is added to the authentication process by using smart cards or security tokens. This creates two-tier security requirements, one secret password and one hardware requirement that must be recognized by the secure system before it grants access.
While tokens and smart cards work in the same way, they have a completely different look. While tokens look like a flash drive with a connection through a USB port, smart cards require special hardware (a smart card reader) that connects to a desktop or laptop. Many smart cards look like an employee's identification badge.
Once authentication has been verified, a user should then be allowed to access a secure virtual network connection (VLAN). VLANs establish connections to remote users as though they were part of an internal network. This allows all VLAN users to be placed together in distinct security policies.
Remote users connected to a VLAN must only have access the essential network resources. It is important to monitor how these resources can be copied and modified.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has established specifications that have led to what is now known as secure VLAN (SVPLAN) architecture. 802.1q is also known as the tag-based VLAN. This standard enhances VLAN security by incorporating an additional tag in media access control addresses (MAC) addresses to identify network adapter hardware within a given network. This will stop unidentified MAC addresses accessing the network.
Network Segmentation This concept works hand-in-hand to determine which resources a user can access remotely using Policy Enforcement Points (PEPs), to enforce security policies across the network segments. The VLAN (or S-VLAN) can also be considered a separate segment that requires its own PEP requirements.
PEP is used to verify the identity of users in order to enforce network security policies. The PEP must ensure that all users who connect to the network meet the security policy requirements. The PEP determines which network resources users can access and how they can be modified.
The PEP for VLAN connection should be increased based on what the same user can accomplish with internal resources. Network segmentation is a way to achieve this. This involves defining VLAN connections in a separate segment, and then enforcing the same security policy for each segment. This policy can be used to define which internal network segments a client can access from remote locations.
VLAN connections are kept in a separate segment to prevent security breaches. This prevents security breaches from spreading across the entire corporate network. A VLAN segment can be managed in its own virtualized environment to enhance network security. This isolates all remote connections from the corporate network.
Centralized Security Policy Administration Multiple software platforms are required to manage the various security threats. This can lead to a difficult task in network administration. It can also increase costs for staffing because of the additional time required to manage the technologies (hardware and/or software).
Integrated security software suites centralize security policies by combining all security threats into one application. This allows for a single management console to manage security policies.
The type of business you are in will determine the security policy that should be applied corporate-wide. This policy must cover the entire network. Although management and administrators can create their own security policies, it is important that the policy be consistent across the entire corporate network. This makes sure that there are no security procedures that could be used to limit the implementation of the policy.
A centralized security policy not only makes it easier to manage but also decreases the strain on network resources. Multiple security policies that are defined by different applications and focus on one security threat may occupy more bandwidth than a single centralized security policy within an all-encompassing security system. Easy management and the ability to apply security policies is crucial for any company.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. I have faith in my employees. Why should I improve network security?
Even the most trustworthy employees could be at risk for a security breach in the network. It is crucial that employees adhere to company security standards. Security measures can be improved to prevent employees from leaving and disgruntled employees trying to damage the network.
2. Are these innovations truly creating a safe environment for remote access?
Yes. These enhancements greatly improve a secure VLAN connection and they use widely accepted standards, which are often integrated into common software and hardware. Your company just needs to get started with the technology.
3. My company is comfortable with separate software. Each application can be focused on a different security threat. Why would I want to use an all-in one security suite?
Many popular software programs that are used by businesses now focus on security threats. This includes both hardware and software appliance technology manufacturers. Many of these companies saw the need for security consolidation early and bought smaller software firms to get that expertise. Management will be much easier with a security suite at the application-level. Your IT staff will appreciate it.
4. Do I have to add hardware requirements to the authentication process
Employees who access the company network remotely should have to use smart cards or security tokens. A simple flash drive token can be used to prevent a thief accessing sensitive company data while the employee is on the move.
5. Employees shouldn't be allowed to use WiFi hotspots to connect to company networks, given all the concerns about WiFi hotspots.
Hotspots are a great way for remote workers to connect to the Internet. Hotspots are not only full of hackers, but also bored and unemployed people who want to intercept the transmissions of busy employees at the next table. However, employees who are on the road shouldn't avoid hotspots. This would severely restrict their ability to access the network. Businesses can use technologies such as secure authentication and S-VLAN to mitigate future threats Cisco Panama.
IT Management must make it a priority to implement the most recent network security technologies. It is crucial to ensure that your network security is in place during the integration phase.
It is obvious that large companies often have multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac O/S etc.) and that many companies that use all-in-one security solutions face unique challenges in mixed operating system environments.
This is why I recommend that you have layered security (both software and hardware) to protect your digital assets. Security breaches are more common as technology evolves.
These security threats are becoming more sophisticated and hardware and software developers will continue innovating. It is essential that businesses implement and keep up to date with these technologies.
Michael G. Perry is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in IT consulting, management, and technical documentation related to business processes, policies, and procedures. He has worked at Fedex, Ingram Micro, and Merck Medco.
Disclaimer/Release Of Liability Statement:Â In regard to the knowledge in this article, Coprofit or Michael G. Perry are not liable for consequential damages that result from the use of recommendations or content.