6 min
Introduction
As technology continues to advance, so does the nature of cyber attacks. With organizations around the world relying on their IT infrastructure, any disruption to their networks can be catastrophic if not dealt with swiftly. In this article, we’re going to take a look at what network security is, and some of the best practices to defend against modern threats, along with a plan of action in case a security breach does occur.
What Is Network Security?
Network security can be described as the ecosystem that protects a computer network from both internal and external cyber threats. It consists of hardware and software that work in unison with each other in ensuring an organization’s IT processes run smoothly.
Common Network Security Threats Facing Organizations Today
- Malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs)
Ransomware is arguably one of the most well-known threats, and has been known to cause significant damage to individuals and organizations from the perspective of data breaches, financial losses, and bringing entire networks to a grinding halt.
Malware relates to malicious software that is installed on devices such as laptops, smart phones, and tablets.
- Phishing, spear phishing, and social engineering
Phishing is a well known cyberattack that is carried out by e-mail, text message, or even phone call. Spear phishing, is a more recent term that describes highly targeted attacks on individuals or organizations. These attacks are socially engineered where a party will impersonate a genuine entity such as a bank, credit card company, or even another individual. Spear phishing attacks are well planned and often seem legitimate, with many victims often being convinced to give away sensitive data and information through links or downloads.
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks
A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack is an advanced type of cyber attack whereby several infected devices are used to crash or manipulate a host server’s primary activity
Core Principles of a Strong Network Security Strategy
- CIA Triad
The CIA triad is a well known framework which stands for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It is in place to ensure that sensitive data is only accessed by authorized personnel (confidentiality), it is accurate (integrity), and accessible when it is required (availability)
- Zero Trust security model
A Zero trust security model means that a device is not configured to allow “remember me” or similar settings, in other words, constant verification via access requests is the only option for logging in. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
- Defense-in-depth approach
The defense-in-depth approach is made up of multiple layers of security, overlapping each other. This can also be explained as deploying different security measures at different levels such as physical security and administrative security.
Proven Best Practices for Network Security in Modern Systems
- Regular software, firmware, and patch updates
Often overlooked, simply updating software and firmware is an essential part of improving network defences.
- Network segmentation to isolate critical systems
Network segmentation works by separating the network into individual sectors, so in case of a security breach, the rest of the network remains unaffected. By isolating critical systems, network security can be significantly improved, especially when segmentation also allows companies to limit access to specific segments.
Traffic monitoring, threat detection, and any potential network security weaknesses are easier to spot with a segmented network.
- Multi-factor authentication for all access points
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires a two step verification process for accessing systems. This typically consists of requiring a password, and then an additional layer such as verification via an app, text message, or even biometric access such as facial recognition or finger print.
It is an excellent way to protect against attacks such as phishing, as a stolen password would not be enough to gain access to a network with the additional factor being required.
Network Security Best Practices for Industrial and Critical Infrastructure
- Physical security for networking hardware
It is easy to overlook the basics when it comes to modern technology, and physical security is more important than ever. Preventing physical access to critical infrastructure from unauthorized personnel dramatically reduces the risk of attacks happening in the first place. A solid physical security setup could consist of a combination of robust access control hardware such as keypads and biometric access systems, along with CCTV monitoring and even “basics” such as ensuring critical hardware is securely kept in a server cabinet and only allowing access to a few individuals.
- Securing remote access in industrial environments
Prior to even granting access to any party, all remote end points should be checked and scanned for malware, potential vulnerabilities, and encryption. This serves as a strong foundation, which can then be further secured by ensuring a single remote access path.
- Using industrial-grade firewalls and intrusion prevention
By using security solutions such as VPNs and hiding IP addresses, the risk of an attack is reduced, and this can be further mitigated by using industrial-grade firewalls. Restricting access to devices and ports from a configuration point of view is also essential.
- Compliance with NIST, ISO, or sector-specific standards
Adherence to internationally recognized standards such as NIST SP800 and ISO27001 is certainly a way that organizations can immediately improve the security of their network infrastructure, especially as these guidelines provide a clear and succinct set of practices to comply with.
How to Build and Implement a Network Security Incident Response Plan
In the event of a network security breach or incident occurring, there are a number of steps that can be taken to resolve matters and get everything back up and running as it should. Here are some ways on how to build and implement an incident response plan:
- Detecting and isolate compromised systems
This is the first step in ascertaining where exactly the issue lies, and isolating the system prevents any further damage being done to the wider network.
- Stakeholder and regulatory notifications
It is then important to notify all the relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies, keeping them up to date as things progress.
- Forensic analysis to identify root cause
Carrying out forensic analysis to find the root case is imperative, as this can help prevent the same issue occurring again in the future.
- Updating security measures to prevent recurrence
In line with the previous point, once the issue has been identified, security measures must be updated so the same issue does not recur. This can also mean making network changes accordingly, and implementing some of the best practices we described earlier.
Why Organizations Trust ComNet by Acre Security for Network Protection
For years, Comnet and Acre Security have been trusted by thousands of customers for not only manufacturing and supplying excellent pieces of equipment and technology, but for our intricate knowledge of how systems should and must be run.
Our rugged and second to none hardware components are designed with network protection in mind, and this also extends to our remote network monitoring and management solutions
Conclusion
The nature of modern threats is ever changing, and deploying a strong set of practices to mitigate risk, but also manage any potential security breaches is more important than ever.
Common security threats have evolved from “simple” viruses to more personalized attacks such as spear phishing, and even threats that involve multiple devices in the case of DDoS attacks.
In the event of a security breach, a competent incident response plan is extremely important so that the impact can be contained and the risk of a repeat occurrence is mitigated via security updates.
To find our more about how we can help with your network security, please get in touch with us at comnetsales@acresecurity.com.
.png){kind=spacer}
.png)