Network security has always been the top concern for enterprises since they store confidential information. Be it the data of the customers or the private information of the business itself, it is crucial to ensure the safety of the network and its assets against potential cybersecurity threats. Now, in 2023, companies must prioritize sustaining network security above other business aspects. The reason why cybersecurity must be on top of the prioritization lists lies in the terrifying growth of cybersecurity threats and attacks. According to Forbes, the number of enterprise-level cyber attacks has reached 500 million globally in the past year and 35 million files were compromised in one month alone. Also, it is reported that breaches caused by ransomware rose by 41 percent compared to the year before.
Cybersecurity threats and cyber attacks have gotten sophisticated and increased in frequency enormously. So, in turn, the demand for cybersecurity products skyrocketed. In 2023, there are tons of available network security solutions and tools. As an enterprise, you might consider these top network security solutions to protect your assets and sensitive data: SWG, ZTNA, data loss prevention, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and multi-factor authentication.
Table of Contents
Federated Identity Management
Federated identity management allows users to access multiple systems with the same login credentials. It enables single sign-on across different organizations by connecting identity providers and service providers. When a user logs into an identity provider, they can access services from trusted providers without re-authenticating. Federated identity management increases security by eliminating duplicated identities and passwords. It improves user experience through seamless access across systems.
Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
Implementing a SWG solution could be highly beneficial for businesses to ensure the safety of the network perimeter. Secure web gateway offers advanced network protection against cybersecurity threats by filtering out malicious content according to business security policies. In a way, secure web gateways help companies to stay compliant by enforcing business security policies. A SWG inspects web requests and blocks every malicious content, link, application, site, or code. Secure web gateways ensure the safety of user connections by URL filtering, application control, antivirus, and HTTPS inspection. Also, it prevents malware infections by detecting malicious content and infected devices. With IP masking, SWG provides data privacy for the users in the network by making the connection untraceable. Companies can also get a dedicated IP with a SWG solution without compromising any digital privacy.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Zero trust network access is a framework that combines managing network access with a “trust none, verify all” philosophy to secure company resources and assets against cyber threats. ZTNA can be considered a form of identity access management. ZTNA provides user access to only applications and data files while separating them from the network. User access is provided only when the identity is authenticated. So, ZTNA doesn’t allow free roaming within the network and blocks lateral movement. Since only outbound connections are allowed, application infrastructure is only visible to privileged users. Also, ZTNA provides segmentation, so that the users’ authorization is restricted to specific applications and the attack surface is reduced. ZTNA offers better network visibility, increased data protection, and time-efficient automatizations.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data loss prevention (DLP) is a security tool that detects any data breaches, exfiltration, and data tampering attempts and prevents sensitive data from being stolen, misused, or destroyed. A data loss prevention system checks whether all activity related to accessed sensitive data violates any policies. If the system identifies any violations of policies, it enforces protective actions such as alerts, encryption, and shutdown Company security policies are prepared in accordance with regulatory compliance such as HIPAA, and GDPR. So, data protection is crucial if companies also want to avoid fines and reputational losses.
A DLP framework ensures the security of the stored, transmitted, or used data and the endpoints, the classification of data, and leak detection. With a data loss prevention tool, administrators can monitor endpoint activities and detect any unusual behavior within the network. Also, it is possible to detect the vulnerabilities and anomalies within a business network with DLP software and provide incident response reports.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems
Intrusion detection and prevention systems ensure no cyber attacks harm the assets of business networks. Intrusion detection and prevention systems are software that scans the network for any potential cyber attacks or data breaches and prevents them or alerts the administrator if found. Also, IDPS helps meet compliance regulations because it ensures data privacy and security.
Intrusion detection systems concern the identification and mitigation of ongoing attacks while intrusion prevention systems concern proactively blocking application attacks. In this sense, both reactive and proactive measures are enforced to ensure the safety of the network and its assets. With intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems, administrators can eliminate any malware and remote file inclusions and identify social engineering attacks.
The functions of intrusion detection systems include monitoring user activity, system configuration, and settings, analyzing behavioral patterns and systems files against malicious actors. Intrusion detection systems enforce actions such as blocking IP addresses and blocking malicious content.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
A multi-factor authentication is a tool that provides multiple verification steps for users to prove their identity. Credentials can be stolen easily no matter their complexity. Therefore, it is essential to authenticate the identities of users using different methods to ensure the safety of networks and their assets. With multi-factor authentication, administrators can block unauthorized access and illicit attempts of credential theft.
Multi-factor authentication combines independent verification methods consisting of the user’s knowledge, possession, and inherence. For instance, a password, security code via email or SMS, and biometric verification can be used in each step to verify the identity of the user. After all, multi-factor authentication technology aims to halt cyber attacks by establishing a multi-layered defense mechanism. So, even if cybercriminals stole the user credentials, they cannot get access to the network. Also, MFA technology is an essential part of identity access management tools.
Final Remarks
Nowadays, cybersecurity is considered a crucial component of a business since cybersecurity threats are growing and advancing critically as the day passes. So, companies must tightly secure their business network, its assets, and sensitive data. Businesses of all sizes consider SWG, ZTNA, DLP, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and multi-factor authentication as top network security solutions in 2023 to combat emerging security threats. If companies want to sustain their network security, they mustn’t only implement security solutions but take a proactive approach.
