The design of your security perimeter should regularly be assessed since it is the backbone of your network security. Critical things which should be protected for the architecture to be strong should be first in line.
Then, you are required to design your security perimeter which can change as your needs change too. The design should be flexible to accommodate future needs since the threats you face today are not the ones you will face tomorrow.
You should compare your network perimeter with the castles which were constructed before civilization; they had multiple layers of defense. Even at that time, people knew the benefits of security. That concept is not different to today’s information security.
If you are one of those entrepreneurs who appreciate the many benefits of Managed IT Services, then you can rest easy knowing your managed IT services provider will do most of the heavy lifting for your business. For the rest of business leaders, here are some tips on how you can secure your network perimeter.
Concentrate on VPN’s
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) allows users who are outside the network to access their internal network through the internet. Therefore, it is important to strengthen security in these types of networks.
VPNs can override firewall controls if given direct access to a particular network. Therefore, it is important for every user to provide identification to be allowed to connect to a network. Users granted access control should be carefully selected. This calls for laid-off employees to be quickly removed from the company’s network access.
Password use is very important, but it is recommended to use two-factor authentication also. Two-thirds of security breaches happen because of password theft or weak passwords.
Develop a computer security charter
In addition to firewall, companies should also develop a security charter which is supposed to be signed by employees. The charter is supposed to clarify what they are allowed and not allowed to do.
Companies with clearly defined network rules don’t have to worry about data breaches happening because of employee negligence. These rules ensure that employees do not overstep their limits and if they do so, they can be punished.
Businesses can also create web access filter. This access authorization can be integrated into the firewall even though it is optional.
Both cases are good examples of conduct agreement between external and internal users. It should be documented and signed by all users.
Harden your device configurations, software updates and security policies
Here, a company can start by developing strategies to prevent attackers from breaching their network. So, network security devices should be secured. Some of the devices include firewalls, routers, and load balancers. These devices play a very critical role in network security.
For each of these devices, IT managers must ensure that they are running on the most up-to-date operating systems and software. They should also ensure that the devices are configured properly. A common mistake is when organizations assume these devices are secure. This is considered like handing over your systems to the cyber criminals.
Having tighter security policies is also another important practice. This should be done without affecting the business.
Create and segment the DMZ
There should be at least a front-end firewall for the external traffic and a back-end firewall for the internal traffic. Companies should strengthen and optimize the firewall rules on an all publicly available networks. They should allow users only to access the necessary services and ports within the DMZ.
Companies should also limit the users who can access the network with the DMZ internally. One approach to this is creating firewall rules, which should only grant access to the source IP addresses and port to individual servers.
Proxies should then be added to the network from which admins are allowed to access the systems. IT admins can also place authentication on the Local Area Network before even the DMZ is accessed. This limits complete control over the systems at any given time.
