Secure your systems

To follow is just a quick look at securing your systems. Today threats are everywhere so be vigilant!

Prevent Network Intrusions with Multiple Strategies

A complete network overhaul isn’t always necessary to improve security. Many providers offer easy-to-deploy network solutions that incorporate powerful security features.

Firewalls built into routers, for example, allow IT staff to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and decide whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules. A proven and reliable network security technology, firewalls create a barrier between secure internal networks and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. 

“Leverage next-generation firewalls,” Gheri recommends. “These devices can identify traffic based on applications. And good next-generation firewalls can apply different traffic optimization techniques to different kinds of application traffic.”

An intrusion prevention system (IPS), implemented either as a device or through software, is a powerful tool that examines traffic flows to detect and block vulnerability exploits, an approach attackers frequently use to access or cripple an application.

Intrusion prevention is a standard feature in most next-generation firewalls. “It provides base-line security, but be aware that an IPS should not have a blind spot regarding SSL-encrypted traffic,” Gheri warns. “Encrypted traffic needs to be decrypted and then matched against malware signatures and payload needs to be inspected for advanced malware.”

Segmentation, a technique widely supported by network technology providers, splits a network into multiple subnetworks, commonly known as segments. The approach allows organizations to group applications and related data together for access only by specific users (such as sales or finance staff). This technique can also be used to restrict the range of access provided to a particular user.

Segmentation is perhaps the simplest way to improve an organization’s security posture, since using network address segments to control access hampers cyber attackers. “It can also help to contain malware outbreaks,”

info by viztech