What is a software-defined secure network?
The biggest cyber security threats used to be external. So, most organisation’s security efforts focused on building walls to stop external threats getting in. Malware and viruses were kept out by a single point of defence that picked them up when they breached the system.
But these days, security threats also come from within. The rise of BYOD and cloud applications have opened up new ways for hackers to infiltrate networks.
For peace of mind about data security, traditional security measures are no longer enough. To fix this issue, one of our vendors, Juniper Networks, has introduced a new security model: software-defined secure networking.
In short, software-defined secure networking protects networks from evolving attacks across the whole IT system.
It integrates security throughout the entire network and all its internal and external components. Right down to the routers and switches.
At Britab, we believe the software-defined secure network is the way of the future. It makes every element of your IT system an enforcement point, creating multiple barriers to prevent threats from impacting operations.
How is works
A software-defined secure network brings together policy, detection, and enforcement with a comprehensive suite of products that centralise and automate security.
Juniper Networks explains it as follows:
1. Policy – Simplified, centrally managed policies are intelligible for all devices on a heterogeneous network.
2. Detection – Threat intelligence is aggregated into a common, cloud-based feed that helps policy adapt for your network, based on the latest threat information.
3. Enforcement – Updated policy is distributed across the network, dynamically, in real time.
Why choose a software-defined secure network?
Most importantly, software-defined network security strengthens enterprise security. Other benefits include:
- Improved ability to recognise and mitigate security threats across the complete network structure
- Increased security enforcement capabilities
- Agile and flexible responsiveness to security threats
- Minimal time lag between threat detection and resolution
- Simplified security management through a central, enterprise-wide platform
Choosing the right services provider
It takes more than just industry-leading technology to maintain network security. A well-chosen services company will help keep your software-defined secure network running smoothly.
Here are some best-practice tips for choosing a services provider:
Network monitoring
It’s critical that the IT services partner you choose can keep a close eye on your system. Incident detection alone is no longer enough. Every service provider should identify and resolve security issues before they impact your business.
Constant network monitoring should ensure problems are identified and addressed early.
The best providers:
- Create and maintain audits of your full configuration history
- Ensure you have a holistic picture of your evolving network architecture at all times
- Keep track of deployments and changes, equipment, software and serial numbers
- Monitor all aspects of your system and integrations with the cloud, data centres and mobile environments