Every network is unique, whether it’s a simple local area network (LAN) or a complex combination of LANs, wide area networks (WANs), and cloud-based infrastructure. Network security design presents various challenges and questions:
1. How can you secure each component effectively?
2. When can you consider the network secure enough?
3. What’s the best design for maximum resilience?
These questions keep IT and security professionals engaged. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are right and wrong approaches to integrating security into a network.
Securing a network from the ground up is the easiest task, allowing for the incorporation of necessary controls that can adapt as the business grows.
Conversely, securing established networks with multiple systems across various locations is more challenging due to their complexity. Large networks encompass many components, including:
– Network infrastructure devices
– Servers and workstations
– Mobile devices
– Internet of Things (IoT) systems
– Applications and databases
– Storage systems
– Physical security systems
Each component must be properly configured, controlled, and monitored for the network to be secure.
Regardless of the network’s size or complexity, a secure and resilient network depends on:
1. Knowing what you have.
2. Understanding where it’s located.
3. Managing how and when it’s handled.
Additionally, three essential components ensure security:
1. Identifying your assets.
2. Recognizing potential risks.
3. Taking reasonable measures to maintain security.
These principles apply to all networks. Neglecting any of these considerations introduces tangible risks and can lead to security incidents. Not knowing the network’s layout is a significant security risk.
Recognizing Network Threats:
Another challenge in network security design is failing to acknowledge network threats and vulnerabilities, often due to insufficient vulnerability and penetration testing. Some may choose to ignore vulnerabilities, hoping they won’t need to address them. However, this is a risky approach.
Others perform adequate testing but fail to address the findings effectively, leaving vulnerabilities unmitigated. They may not understand how their technical controls contribute to security and thus can’t measure their security’s effectiveness.
For those who do acknowledge the risks, some may not follow up with the necessary security controls. On the other hand, some keep adding new security controls without a clear understanding, creating a false sense of security and hindering oversight.
Simplifying Security:
Layered security is a well-established method to reduce the attack surface and risks. Network security layering includes:
1. Endpoint security controls like endpoint detection and response and cloud access security brokers.
2. Network controls such as virtual LANs and microsegmentation.
3. Perimeter controls like secure web gateways and next-generation firewalls.
It’s crucial to address security gaps and opportunities with technical controls, but not to the extent that managing these controls becomes burdensome. Some network security professionals become overwhelmed by the details, preventing them from seeing the bigger picture.
If you feel unsure about your network security design or need to enhance it, consider seeking external assistance. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to improved security.
In summary, simplicity and a focus on visibility and control where needed are key to a secure network design. Avoid adding layers of complexity, and your network should operate securely and effectively.
