Network Infrastructure: The missing gap in your cyber security strategy
By Robbie Millington
Network infrastructure is an indispensable component of your IT strategy that can either fortify your cyber security or leave your company susceptible to security breaches.
We interviewed Robbie, our Solutions Architect who has extensive experience in network design, to discuss the components of network infrastructure, the challenges, and considerations you can take to strengthen your network security.
What does a company’s network infrastructure entail?
A company's network infrastructure is the foundation that enables communication between interconnected hardware, software, and services. It provides a connectivity and data sharing platform within an organisation, playing a critical role in supporting its overall IT needs.
The network infrastructure comprises several components that vary depending on the size, nature, or individual requirements of the organisation. There are three fundamental elements that all networks and businesses require: firewall/router, switch, and wireless provision.
Why does prioritising network infrastructure and its security matter?
Prioritising network security is essential for protecting confidential data and information. The idea behind a secure network infrastructure is to prevent unauthorised access, which could lead to data breaches, therefore protecting confidential information from falling into the wrong hands. This extends to preventing cyber attacks such as ransomware, DDos, malware etc.
What are the common challenges faced by clients when it comes to network infrastructure?
The main challenge for clients when it comes to network infrastructure is currently around security and how that can be enhanced to ensure their data and communications is secure.
Additional challenges are introduced with the adoption of cloud technologies such as SaaS and public cloud infrastructures.
Solutions to these challenges are usually addressed with FortiNet solutions, be that by installing physical FortiGate Firewalls on premises or deploying appliances into a public cloud, and in most cases deploying FortiGates in both areas.
FortiSwitches and FortiAP’s enhance the security posture for on-premises FortiNet security solutions by integrating seamlessly with the FortiGates to provide a holistic view of the network topology as well as forming a ‘FortiLinked’ network which allows for automated trigged actions to be leveraged.
These automated actions are based on pre-defined security events, such as a compromised device being detected on the network; in this case, the switch/access point can automatically quarantine the device whilst simultaneously alerting the Network Operations Centre.
What things do you need to consider for effective network security management?
When considering effective network security management, items that play a critical role in delivering the services include, but are not limited to, the security platforms deployed, the reporting capabilities, the agreeing a configuration/security profile and the team you have managing/monitoring the environment along with their capabilities and expertise.
Has it become harder or easier for organisations to manage their network infrastructure over the years?
A report from The Economist Intelligence Unit shared that 83% of respondents believe adapting better to external change requires moderate-to-considerable IT infrastructure and apps improvement.
Historically managing internal network infrastructure was a simple case of ensuring network components were available and performant.
Over the years security concerns and sprawling networks with the adoption of cloud environments have shaped the way in which network infrastructure is deployed, to the point where security features are now interwoven into the fabric of networks and network architecture.
This shift increases complexity from an overall design and management perspective of network infrastructure.
How does the choice of network topology affect the scalability and reliability of a business's network infrastructure?
It is key that when redesigning an existing network or architecting a network from scratch that one of the main considerations is scalability along with the ability to retain the integrity of the security.
Many networks grow organically as the client grows with no real thought on an overall design strategy, this leads to networks that just do not scale well and lack security – i.e. unmanaged mini-switches located in office areas or areas where there is a lack of cat5e/cat6e cabling.
Along with organic growth, networks can tend to be installed and forgotten about with little or no investment as it just works. This may have been a fine approach 20+ years ago but now with the advent of advanced intrusion techniques, it is paramount that network infrastructure and security postures are reviewed as regularly as feasible possible.
Fortify your network security
Implementing network changes to fortify your organisation against cyber security threats is often a complex task. We're here to simplify your network infrastructure to enhance your security and increase your network visibility so you can have a clear oversight of your network infrastructure. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.
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