It’s a challenge to keep pace with emerging security threats. Network security has become more complex with more teams working from remote locations, providing more opportunities for malicious actors to gain access to your resources. There are foundational steps you can put in place, plus emerging security solutions, but your best bet may be to partner with a managed security provider.

The Foundation

There are new technologies that can help offer better network security, but you can begin with a few steps that will go a long way to remove vulnerability.

·         Assign role-based access so that employees are only utilizing the tools, features, and data that they need to do their jobs.

·         Use whitelist filtering mechanisms for data flow, which reduces the opportunity for lateral access in case of a breach.

·         Keep patching updated.

·         Create systems backups and test them extensively.

·         Segment your network to further limit the accessibility of an intruder.

·         Implement multi-factor authentication.

These are the basics, and you likely already have them in place as part of a network security policy. There are also newer approaches that help you address the increased risk posed by remote work and an expanding security plane.

Automation

The ability to set security policy to run features and tools consistently across all locations and  automatically monitor for and mitigate threats helps security teams focus on true risks and cut out unnecessary noise. When a new configuration is required or a security patch needs to be sent to hundreds or thousands of devices, automation makes these updates easier.

Zero Trust

Zero trust network access (ZTNA) is not new technology, but a new way of evaluating risks. Whereas the approach used to be focused on assuming users and devices were trustworthy until proven otherwise, ZTNA flips that premise on its head and requires every user and device to identify themselves as an authorized part of the network before gaining access.

Edge Security

Secure access service edge (SASE) pairs well with ZTNA as a way to offer added protection for remote devices that need secure access to network infrastructure.

Consider Managed Security

While the above-listed steps will go a long way toward improving network security, it doesn’t mean your company has the in-house talent available to implement them. Even if you have a team of security experts on staff, they may need assistance in setting up automation or establishing a SASE framework. Partnering with a good managed security services provider can help relieve the stress of keeping pace with ever-changing and ever-increasing security threats in the cloud era.

Not only are managed security services providers highly trained for implementing and managing your security strategy, but they are also kept current in terms of the techniques and new technology available as it rolls out.If you’ve been considering improvements to your security strategy and are thinking of working with a managed security services provider, contact us at eXemplify first. We can help you determine your specific needs and match you with the right services to fit your budget and your goals.