What is Network Infrastructure Security?
Network Infrastructure Security is typically used to protect enterprise IT environments. It involves installing preventative measures to block unauthorized access to, modify, delete, or steal resources and data. These security measures include access control, app security firewalls, a virtual private network (VPN), behavioral analysis, intrusion detection systems, and wireless security.
What is Network Infrastructure Security?
Hackers and malicious programs that attempt to take control of the routing infrastructure are the greatest threats to network infrastructure security. All components of network infrastructure include routers, firewalls, and switches as well as load-balancers, intrusion detection systems (IDS), domain names systems (DNS), and storage systems. Hackers can gain access to these systems to install malicious software on target networks.
- Gateway Risk. Hackers can gain access to a gateway router and monitor, modify and deny traffic.
- Infiltration risk: Hackers can gain more control over the internal routing devices and switching devices and monitor, modify and deny traffic among key hosts within the network. They also can exploit the trusted relationships among internal hosts to make lateral movements to other hosts.
While hackers can do a lot of damage to a network, you must secure and defend the routing infrastructure to prevent system infiltration.
What are the benefits to Network Infrastructure Security?
When implemented correctly, network infrastructure security can provide several key benefits for a business’s networks.
- Increased resource sharing reduces costs: Due to protection, resources can be used by multiple users without fear, ultimately reducing operating costs.
- Shared site licenses: Security assures that site licensing would be less expensive than licensing each machine.
- File sharing increases productivity: Users can securely share files within the internal network.
- Internal communications are protected: Internal emails and chat systems will be secured from prying eyes.
- Secure files and Compartmentalization: Data and files are now protected against each other as opposed to sharing machines with multiple users.
- Data Protection: Data backup to local servers is easy and secure. This protects vital intellectual property.
What is the security of Network Infrastructure Security?
Network Infrastructure Security is a comprehensive approach that includes ongoing processes and practices. This will ensure that the infrastructure is protected. When deciding which methods to use, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends that you consider multiple approaches.
- Segregate and segment networks and functions – Particular attention should be given to the overall infrastructure layout. Segmentation and segregation are effective security mechanisms to prevent potential intruder exploits from propagating into other areas of the internal network. Hardware such as routers can be used to separate networks and create boundaries that filter out broadcast traffic. These micro-segments may then be used to restrict traffic and even shut down if attacks are detected. Virtual separation works in the same way as physical separation, but without the hardware.
- Avoid unnecessary lateral communication – It is important to remember peer-to-peer communication within a network. Intruders could be able to freely move from one computer to another through unfiltered communication between peers. By installing backdoors and applications, attackers can establish persistence in the target network.
- Harden network devices –Hardening networks devices is a primary method to improve network infrastructure security. It is recommended to follow industry standards and best practices in network encryption, available service, securing access, strong usernames, protecting routers, and restricting physical access. Backup configurations are also important and to test security settings periodically.
- Secure access infrastructure devices –Administrative privileges can be granted to certain trusted users to access resources. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is used to verify the identity of users. It also allows for the management of privileged access and administrative credentials.
- Out-of-band network management –OoB Management implements dedicated communications paths for remote management of network devices. This improves network security and separates user traffic from management traffic.
- Check integrity of the hardware, software. Gray market products can pose a threat to IT infrastructure and provide a way for hackers to attack a network. Illegitimate products may be loaded with malicious software and then allowed to be introduced into an unwitting network. Organizations must regularly conduct integrity checks of their software and devices.
What are the various types of Network Infrastructure Security?
There are many ways to secure your network infrastructure. It is important to use multiple methods to strengthen your network defense.
- Access Control The blocking of unauthorized users and devices from accessing a network.
- Application Security: Security measures applied to hardware and software to protect against potential vulnerabilities
- Firewalls areGatekeeping devices that can permit or block specific traffic from entering the network.
- Virtual Private Networks, (VPN): VPNs secure connections between endpoints to create a “tunnel” of communications over the internet.
- Behavioral Analysis: These tools detect network activity that is different from the usual.
- Wireless Security –Wireless networks can be less secure than hardwired ones, and there are more ways to infiltrate networks with new apps and mobile devices.
