6 min
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Introduction
Being able to access and monitor an organization’s network infrastructure remotely is a necessity in the modern era, and this is where remote network monitoring comes in
It allows an organization to oversee their networks from anywhere in the world, allowing IT departments to keep a check on network performance and security in real time. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best practice for secure remote network monitoring, the benefits, and how to address some of the challenges an organization might face.
What is Remote Network Monitoring?
Remote network monitoring is defined by The National Information Resource Center (NIST) as “Access to an organizational information system by a user (or an information system) communicating through an external, non-organization-controlled network (e.g., the Internet)”.
It is a critical solution that allows authorized personnel to gain access to a network or a computer device regardless of where it may be located.
How Remote Network Monitoring Works in Critical Infrastructure
Remote network monitoring is arguably one the most important systems that ensure critical infrastructure is able to operate efficiently and without any disruption. Common critical infrastructure applications include real-time surveillance, security systems, and remote device access.
It works by integrating with existing network management and security tools, and using hardware components such as network probes, sensors and monitoring software to analyze all aspects of a network at regular intervals.
Key Benefits of Remote Network Monitoring
Remote network monitoring can be an invaluable tool in an organization. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Increased network visibility
- Network monitoring allows for a “bird’s eye” view on all of the devices that are connected to a system, and this oversight can help identify and resolve any issues quickly.
- Reduced downtime and operational costs
- With automated remote network monitoring, IT personnel have visibility on any attached network in realtime. Issue type, issue location and potential remedies are immediately communicated to identified personnel, leading to increased productivity and less downtime.
- Improved security
- Through continuous monitoring, any security threats can be dealt with swiftly as alerts will be triggered for any anomalies in network activity.
Best Practices for Secure and Reliable Remote Network Monitoring
- Configure redundant monitoring paths and failover systems
- Configuring redundant monitoring paths is important when creating a strong remote network monitoring system. Robust failover systems are essential in ensuring that if the primary path fails, a secondary one takes over so that there is no disruption to the network.
- Secure all remote access channels with VPNs and encryption
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and encryption are a necessity in an age where cyber threats are rife. Using VPNs and ensuring high levels of encryption are an excellent way to harden security measures and mitigate the risk of cyber attacks and hacking.
- Apply regular firmware, software, and patch updates
- Regular firmware, software, and patch updates ensure that systems are up to speed and this reduces the chance of any glitches or downtime from compatibility issues.
- Implement network segmentation to protect sensitive assets
- Network segmentation can be extremely beneficial as it helps isolate particularly sensitive assets, and gives a more detailed view via more inspection points. This in turn also helps with threat detection as a network that is broken down into more pieces can be isolated, allowing the pinpointing of any issues.
- Enable multi-factor authentication for remote logins
- Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security with features such as one time codes delivered to apps to ensure that only authorized personnel are able to login to systems.
- Continuously analyse performance data for optimization
- Analyzing performance data on a regular basis helps with refining the system,
- Conduct regular vulnerability scans and audits
- Carrying out audits and regularly scanning for vulnerabilities is an excellent way to ensure that network systems are not only running as they should be, but if there are any weak spots, they can be addressed before they cause any serious problems.
Common Challenges in Remote Network Monitoring and How to Avoid Them
There can be some challenges associated with a remote network monitoring solution, so here are some examples to be mindful of:
- Excessive alerts
- Also known as alert storms whereby excessive monitoring alerts are sent, these excessive alerts can create friction by making it difficult for IT staff to single out issues which are critical and need genuine attention.
- This can be avoided by placing monitoring agents in the network, and setting up alert systems that only send alerts that require serious attention and need addressing.
- Compatibility between legacy and modern systems
- Bridging the gap between legacy and modern systems can be achieved, allowing for a combination of a system that has the benefits of a familiar, time tested system along with the advantages of newer technology to ensure any outdated technology related challenges are avoided.
- Hybrid solutions can be implemented in the form of cloud based systems, or integrating IoT sensors with old systems to facilitate real time monitoring.
- Meeting industry compliance requirements
- Being compliant according to industry standards consists of ensuring that the presence of security features such as multifactor authentication, high levels of data encryption, and security training; so any industry-specific, and data protection related privacy is adhered to.
How to Choose the Best Remote Network Monitoring Solution
When it comes to choosing the best remote network monitoring solution, there are a number of factors that should be taken into account:
- Scalability for current and future network growth
- Ease of scalability is incredibly important, given that network requirements can change dramatically, often in a short period of time. A solution that is able to provide easy and flexible scalability is a must for any organization.
- Real-time analytics and custom reporting
- A solution should have excellent custom reporting features, providing detailed insights, in addition to providing real-time analytics.
- Integration with existing network and security infrastructure
- Look for a solution that can easily integrate with your organization’s existing network and security infrastructure. This is particularly important as you will want to minimize disruption and costs when adapting to a remote network monitoring solution.
- Choose the right vendor
- Ensure the provider of your network monitoring solution has a combination of being an industry expert, a strong track record of reliability, and providing users with excellent customer support.
Why Organizations Trust Comnet for Remote Network Monitoring
At Comnet our products and features are designed with reliability and durability in mind, as we understand exactly how crucial remote network monitoring setups are in the day to day operation of organizations.
With security being a key element, we place cybersecurity at the forefront of our solutions, and are constantly innovating to meet the ever-changing requirements in the landscape.
Our Comnet Monitor solution combined with our products provides everything you need for a fully comprehensive remote network monitoring solution.
Conclusion
Remote network monitoring is a powerful solution to any organization, providing constant, real time insights into activity that is occurring within their network infrastructure.
As we’ve seen, there are tremendous benefits to having a remote network monitoring solution such as a reduction in operating costs and an increase in security, along with a continuous oversight of the network infrastructure.
Some of the common challenges include compatibility between legacy and modern systems, as well as meeting industry compliance requirements. This is why it’s so important to work with a provider that not only has the correct expertise, but is committed to constant improvement.
To find our more about our remote network monitoring solutions, please get in touch with us at comnetsales@acresecurity.com
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