Network infrastructure transports communications necessary for applications, services and data. From routers and servers to storage and domain name systems, the components of every network represent an entry point, leaving them vulnerable to malicious, unauthorised access. Whoever controls the infrastructure controls the flow of information.
Whether you run a midsize business or a large enterprise, investing in security infrastructure solutions is crucial to safeguarding the organisation.
Infrastructure security achieves more than data protection. The appropriate solutions will also allow your business to manage costs and risks, mitigate disaster and meet regulatory compliance.
The most sensible way to secure your network is to combine cybersecurity and physical security measures.
Merging Cybersecurity and Physical Security
The world is becoming more interconnected, with a majority of business activities being conducted online. Although many employees are returning to work as companies enforce mandatory in-office policies, some businesses still operate remotely.
As a result, most companies are focusing on digital security measures to protect digital assets.
Nine in 10 chief security officers reveal that business leaders are more concerned with cybersecurity than physical security. The latter, however, is just as important as the former.
The convergence of cybersecurity and physical security enhances threat detection and response capabilities. When your system integrator works with physical security professionals, you ensure holistic protection for your company’s sensitive assets.
What measures are necessary for each security system?
Cybersecurity Components
Digital security protects your company’s network and data, ensuring the integrity of your assets. Fraudulent activity, malicious attacks and data leaks not only interfere with your operations. The most severe outcomes can damage your reputation and shutter the business.
The following components and technology provide digital security.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
An IDPS monitors a network and scans it for threats. The system takes action, remediating the threat. It can analyse network packets to detect threats via signature, protocol or anomaly. Your IDPS can alert administrators, change the security setup to prevent access, block traffic or flag users from a suspicious IP address or modify the content of the attack (e.g., remove a suspicious email attachment).
- Antivirus and Antimalware Software
Software can identify and remove malicious threats in your computer. Whether it’s an antivirus or antimalware, the tool will continuously scan systems and files to detect and defend against threats.
- Security Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS)
An SSL or TLS is a digital certificate that establishes an encrypted connection between a user or browser and a server or website. Both protocols keep hackers from seeing and stealing information by creating a secure tunnel.
- Two-Factor Authentication
Two different authentication factors provide an added layer of security to your network or system. The first factor can be a password and the second can be a code sent to your smartphone or biometrics (e.g., fingerprint, retina scan, etc.).
This security system can apply to an online account, restricted office spaces or remote computers. Although not fool-proof, two-factor authentication is more secure than using a password alone to access company data or restricted spaces.
Physical Security Components
Malicious actors can cause disruptions to cyber systems and data breaches through physical devices. They can also gain unauthorized access to your physical spaces, like server rooms and executive offices.
The following components and technology provide physical security.
- Surveillance Systems
CCTV cameras and monitors are standard for surveillance systems, but you’ll need a more innovative system.
Today’s surveillance systems must feature high definition cameras, facial recognition software and rapid forensic search, which is an intelligent search of video archives.
- Access Control Systems
Restricted areas must be protected beyond an advanced surveillance system. This means installing access control systems with key cards, badge scanners and cloud-based solutions to prevent unauthorised entry.
- Intrusion Detection Systems
An added layer of protection, intruder detection systems detect and respond to threats accessing restricted areas. The system can include motion sensors, doorstop and glass break sensors. It works in conjunction with your surveillance system, and it can activate a shutdown protocol to keep intruders out.
- Security Personnel
Critical systems and assets demand trained and experienced security professionals. Security guards, patrol guards and even video surveillance operators can control access to and egress from critical facilities. Their mere presence not only presents a deterrent, but also ensures that every person has the authority to enter, move around and leave the spaces that are being protected.
New Threats, New Technologies in Infrastructure Security
Infrastructure security is changing as cybersecurity threats evolve in complexity. Malicious actors are increasing in sophistication when it comes to stealing information, disrupting critical services and breaching security systems.
A ransomware attack, for instance, can start off as a phishing email and intensify into a deployment of malware that can encrypt sensitive data.
With the sophistication of cyber attacks comes the innovation in strategies in preventing and mitigating security threats.
Some of the emerging trends in infrastructure security are:
Artificial intelligence
Your business can invest in AI for threat intelligence and incident response systems; enhance surveillance and monitoring, and power intrusion detection and prevention systems.
AI and AI-enhanced surveillance is gaining ground as 42% of CSOs intend to invest in the technology in the next five years.
Zero Trust Architecture
“Never trust, always verify” is at the heart of zero trust architecture. The continuous verification of this emerging security trend can adapt better to the complexity of the environment, including hybrid work models. It can detect breaches from anywhere and enable a more secure collaboration within organisations.
Zero trust is the fastest-growing segment in network security. According to a Gartner study, 70% of new remote access deployments in 2025 will have transitioned to zero trust from virtual private networks.
Cloud Security
Cloud technology has proven beneficial for many businesses. A Ponemon Institute report, however, unveils that 82% of reported security incidents have involved data running in private, public or multiple clouds.
Cloud security is evolving with technologies such as cloud access security broker (CASB), which protects on-premises access to cloud resources, and cloud security posture management (CSPM). CSPM provides custom rules built on regulatory constructs, including Center for Internet Security, International Organization for Standardization and General Data Protection Regulation.
With the convergence of cybersecurity and physical security for your infrastructure, your business ensures data protection, disaster mitigation and regulatory compliance.
Also Read: Stay Secure, Stay Informed: Demystifying STIX Cybersecurity Standards
