Stepping Up Security in the Distributed Enterprise

Stepping Up Security in the Distributed Enterprise

For the distributed enterprise, these managed solutions offer next-level security – a necessary step above the basics.

The proliferation of cloud applications, the demand for bandwidth and connectivity, the rise of IoT and more are driving constant innovation and improvement in network technology. Unfortunately, increased reliance on the network creates more security vulnerabilities, and bad actors looking to take advantage are introducing new threats all the time. Today’s enterprises must look beyond baseline security tactics – such as a standard UTM stack of next generation firewall (NGFW), intrusion detection (IDS), intrusion prevention (IPS), antivirus and content filtering – to address relentless cyber security risks.

An examination of the evolving demand on networks illustrates the specific challenges confronting enterprises. From company email to employee training portals and mobile POS, applications that used to run through a proprietary data center or via VPN are now cloud-based. While this can improve speed and cost efficiencies (both capital and operating), increasing reliance on the cloud and web further exposes enterprises to attack.

Consider the many third-party applications of common enterprise businesses – retail loyalty programs via mobile devices, tablet ordering in restaurants and integration with services like Grubhub and Uber Eats, and concierge services in hotels, to name just a few. These and other so-called “Shadow IT” solutions installed by outside parties can be red carpets into an enterprise network for those with malicious intent.

Finally, a distributed organization with up to hundreds of different sites presents a large attack surface. And, with more brands going to a franchise model, companies have less control over what is operating on the network. For instance, the growing prevalence of IoT devices, like surveillance cameras, personal digital assistants and other technologies introduced by individual locations, creates weaknesses ripe for exploitation. Any breach within the enterprise can impact the entire brand.

As enterprises rely increasingly on their networks, they must go beyond the basics to protect corporate data as well as personally identifiable information (PII) of both customers and employees. For the distributed enterprise, with its unique security challenges, these managed solutions offer next-level security – a necessary step above the basics:

Application Control – Moving beyond traditional content filtering (for instance, ensuring “family-friendly” content), Application Control blocks or restricts unauthorized applications from executing in ways that put data at risk.

Data Leak Prevention (DLP) – DLP rapidly identifies, assesses and prevents potential leaks of highly sensitive information. End-point Protection – Configuring security profiles on end devices, like PCs or mobile POS, prevents loss of data at the point of the breach. Physical end-point protections prevent credit card skimmers and similar hardware and software threats being placed on these devices. 

Security Information Event Management (SIEM) – In the event of a security threat, managed Security Information Event Management (SIEM) provides a team of professionals to examine an alert, assess the level of threat and either consult an enterprise on a solution or act on its behalf to mitigate the problem. This type of timely incident response can isolate an infected portion of a network before damage grows widespread.

AI and Behavioral Analytics – In addition to human intelligence to analyze threats, enterprises should consider automated ways of assessing potential security breaches – artificial intelligence and behavioral analytics can predict and thwart attempts to compromise data.

Expanded Use of Encryption – Most retailers have completed the EMV chip-card transition of payment terminals (though retail petroleum, faced with the significant cost of upgrading pumps and POS, is still evolving). But EMV is just the tip of the iceberg for securing credit card data and preventing identity theft. Enterprises should invest in point-to-point encryption and upgrade as soon as possible to WPA3 standards.

Keeping enterprise networks secure is an ongoing battle best fought with forward thinking and advanced managed security. The more sophisticated the defenses, the more innovative and aggressive the attacks. Enterprises must be vigilant about their security protocols – addressing not just today’s baseline needs, but going above and beyond to fortify their networks against future threats.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities