Technology, particularly network appliances, have undergone revolutionary changes in modern times. Only two decades ago, people were using dial-up internet and burning CDs, and now we have faster and more efficient network solutions ranging from cloud computing to IoT connections.
However, as technology evolves and eliminates vulnerabilities, new problems can quickly stem and put the system at risk. Network infrastructure also exhibits the same security and vulnerability patterns. In fact, advances in cloud and edge computing have given rise to intrinsic vulnerabilities that can put network infrastructure security, in its entirety, at risk.
Consequently, to avoid issues related to loss of data, cybersecurity threats, downtime, and reputation loss, we have prepared a checklist of threats to network security.
Threats to Network Infrastructure Security
Malware
Malware remains one of the biggest threats to network infrastructure security. It’s one of the threats that continue to stump network security protocols and consistently make headlines regarding data theft and other forms of terrorism.
Phishing and ransomware are some of the most significant malware attacks that target network infrastructure security. The former aims to separate users from login credentials, which can be used to gain access to corporate databases and other resources. Phishing attacks have increased in frequency during the last two years, courtesy of COVID-19 related email scams that are used to attempt stealing funds and intellectual property of business enterprises.
Ransomware can target corporate networks through social engineering ploys and phishing scams and cripples an enterprise’s network security. It encrypts target data and holds it for ransom. However, even with the ransom paid, there’s no guarantee that access to the data will be returned.
Employees need to undergo rigorous training to avoid falling prey to scams and network security exploits via emails and infected websites.
Flash Drives
Malware, such as viruses, can also infect networks and devices through flash drives. Many enterprises do not have strict network security protocols to prevent employees from connecting personal flash drives with work computers.
Even a robust network infrastructure, well-guarded against online threats, can become obsolete against offline security lapses of this nature. Moreover, a corrupt flash drive will not only affect one device instead all systems sharing the same network – a fatal flaw in modern network solutions.
Therefore, it is imperative that employees are prohibited from using personal flash drives on company devices, and are issued company drives, and are given awareness training regarding network security.
IoT Connections
You also need to worry about IoT devices since they can connect to and transmit data over networks. Since IoT devices do not have robust security measures, they can be exploited to cripple network security.
Additionally, the more IoT devices there are connected to the network, the broader the attack surface. Criminals can exploit this to infiltrate an enterprise’s wider network environment. Expert network security providers advise companies to limit employee access to IoT devices and regularly monitor their activity.
Undefined User Access
Companies seldom establish privilege hierarchies and do not limit access, and are prone to security breaches and unauthorized user access. Therefore, it is imperative to define privilege tiers to decide who gets access to sensitive regions of the network. As a thumb rule, such areas should only be accessible by protected admin accounts, and permissions for other employees should be removed once they no longer require access or leave the organization.
Physical Theft
Physical security of workstations is an integral component of network infrastructure security. Even though the infrastructure can fall victim to cyberattacks and threats, physical theft can also put an enterprise at risk. Consider a workstation not protected by physical barriers, such as CCTV cameras, alarm systems, fences, and gates; it can become a theft victim, and any stolen device can expose and compromise sensitive company data. To that end, you can limit access to workstations after working hours and set them up in a way that unauthorized individuals cannot gain access to any information through physical means.
Unsegregated Networks and On-site Data Centers
Datacenter breaches are a common threat to network security. On-site servers and data centers give rise to several issues, such as mismanagement, negligence, and an increased attack surface for criminals. Ease of access can increase performance and functionality but gives rise to these issues. Similarly, shared networks can compromise all systems and devices in case of unprecedented cyberattacks. Therefore, consider off-site data centers and servers with robust security measures, and focus on segregating networks, so online data is stored on a separate network other than the one that employees use.
Wireless Access Points and Network Endpoints
Wireless Access Points (WAPs) can provide the perfect infiltration point for hackers to bypass network security, especially if a connection doesn’t require authorization. Stores, restaurants, and hospitals that offer public Wi-Fi can become victims of such cyber exploits, resulting in the loss or theft of data.
WAP devices should, therefore, use WPA-2 security certification. If an enterprise has to provide public Wi-Fi connections, it should do so on a segregated network, separate from the main secure one.
Similarly, portable devices at network endpoints can make for dangerous trojans for hackers to bypass the network security infrastructure of an organization. Firstly, it’s challenging to track how many unsecured networks employees are connected to on their portable devices.
Secondly, portable devices with network access put sensitive company data at risk of data theft. Therefore, network security providers emphasize that portable devices should rely on encryption, wherever it’s possible, to safeguard data.
Moreover, you should ensure that portable devices reconfigure VPN and network connection settings every time a connection is established between the device and the network. Additionally, properly configured firewalls and updated patches can provide robust network security safeguards to protect the digital landscape. Paying attention to password security is another vital measure network security providers focus on.
In conclusion, the digital landscape is constantly evolving, and enterprises must keep up to ensure network security infrastructure is not compromised. Get in touch with experts at Microsys for custom-tailored diagnostics and troubleshooting measures for your enterprise and its network security vulnerabilities. The company is one of the leading network security providers and provides affordable and high-quality network and technology solutions for all types of enterprises!
