Network & Infrastructure Security

Network Security is a subset of Cyber Security, which specifically focuses on securing the network infrastructure and its components, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices.

Legacy networks were traditionally designed from the outside in, with a focus on classifying users as either “trusted” or “untrusted”. The network design process began at the outer edge, where the carrier handed off the network circuit to the data center. The necessary routers were then identified and connected to multiple types of networks. The infrastructure was then built and once the network was in place, users were free to connect wherever they wished.

Therefore, perimeter-based security is based on the concept of a trusted perimeter around the network. The model assumes that all devices and users within the network are trusted, and that the perimeter can be secured using Firewalls, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, and other security controls.

Micro-Segmentation introduces an advanced network security model that offers greater control and protection by logically dividing network resources into distinct security segments, even down to individual workloads. Unlike traditional network segmentation, which focuses on creating sub-networks within the overall network, Micro-Segmentation provides granular security at the level of Virtual Machines (VMs) and individual hosts.

By leveraging network virtualization technology, Micro-Segmentation enables the creation of secure zones within data centers and cloud deployments. This approach isolates each workload and applies specific security controls tailored to its needs. The use of fine-grained security policies tied to individual workloads helps prevent attacks and limits an attacker’s ability to move laterally within the data center, even if they breach perimeter defenses.

The zero trust model flips the traditional network design approach by starting from the inside out instead of the outside in. This means that instead of classifying users as “trusted” and “untrusted,” the focus is on protecting the data or assets that require safeguarding, and the network is built around them. By eliminating the trust model from the network, Zero Trust provides sophisticated and detailed protection against data breaches and other network threats.

In a Zero Trust Architecture, every user, device, and application are assumed to be untrusted, and access is granted on a need-to-know basis, based on continuous authentication and authorization.

Our services include:

Network (IT) Security Policy

An IT Security Policy defines the rules and requirements for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability your organization’s IT assets, and provide a framework for implementing and enforcing security controls. Such a policy typically includes:

It also includes another important component being “Enforcement”. Once your organization has established multiple layers of protection, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, access controls, and other security technologies, enforcement mechanisms are necessary to ensure that these security measures are being applied correctly and are effective.

Enforcement involves establishing policies, procedures, and guidelines that dictate how network security technologies and controls should be configured, monitored, and managed. It also involves assigning responsibilities to specific individuals or teams for maintaining the security of the network and enforcing compliance with security policies and procedures. This can include the regular testing of security systems, analyzing security logs for potential threats, and promptly addressing any security incidents or violations.

Network Security Assessment

To establish a baseline, we can perform various audits to assess the status and effectiveness of your network security measures. Auditing involves the examination and evaluation of network infrastructure, systems, and applications to ensure they comply with your organization’s security policies and standards. The main goal of auditing is to identify security gaps or vulnerabilities in the network and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate those risks.

There are different types of audits in network security, including network audits, system audits, application audits, and compliance audits.

Network Audits focus on examining the network architecture, infrastructure, and topology, as well as network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls.

System Audits involve the examination of operating systems, servers, workstations, and other devices that are part of the network.

Application Audits focus on examining the security of software applications running on the network, including web applications, mobile apps, and desktop applications.

Compliance Audits are performed to ensure that the network is following regulatory and industry standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.

Network Security Design & Implementation

There are many important components involved in designing and implementing a network security architecture, for example:

Designing, implementing and fine-tuning your network security architecture is not an easy task and can be overwhelming for an internal team. Hiring, educating and maintaining a full staff covering all your network security needs is time consuming and expensive.

Our team of experts can help as much or as little as you like. We can perform various design and deployment tasks, but we also can cover complete job roles as part of our “Expert on Demand” program.

Platform Specific Services

We have a large team of experts covering many different vendors, solutions and products. This means we can help you with specific products and solutions in case your internal team does not have the required expertise. This includes architectures, solutions, and products from the following vendors:

Please get in touch with us and let us know your specific needs as we can’t list everything we can cover.

Next-Generation Firewalls

NGFWs offer a more comprehensive and sophisticated approach to network security by combining traditional firewall capabilities with additional features including:

A lot of additional features usually means additional challenges like:

We can help you with a comprehensive range of solutions for implementing, optimizing, and managing Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Our services cover initial assessment and design to ensure an optimal NGFW architecture, considering your network’s unique demands. We provide robust implementation strategies, configuring the NGFWs with advanced security features and policies while prioritizing performance. We also ensure seamless integration with your existing network infrastructure, enabling you to harness the full potential of advanced security features. In addition, our team offers ongoing support and management, including regular updates, maintenance, and fine-tuning.

We also can help you to develop the skills of your team using various education methods. 

Zero Trust Architecture Consulting

Over the past few years, the networking and security landscape has experienced a significant shift where work is no longer confined to a physical location but is instead an activity that can be performed from anywhere. As a result, hybrid work has become the new norm, causing your applications and users to be scattered everywhere, which has led to a significant expansion of your attack surface. In conjunction, we also have seen a surge in the level of sophistication and frequency of cyber-attacks aimed at exploiting this expanded attack surface.

Therefore, the traditional network security model is no longer sufficient and is being replaced by a new model that assumes every user, device, and application to be untrusted, and access is granted on a need-to-know basis, based on continuous authentication and authorization – the Zero Trust Model.

A Zero Trust Architecture is based on the following:

This results in three main areas:

A typical Zero Trust Architecture might include the following components:

In most cases, moving to a Zero Trust Architecture without re-architecting the entire network is not a simple thing and requires a lot of expertise and experience. We can help you to accelerate your Zero Trust adoption by identifying and reviewing your business assets, optimize and automate your policies, and designing your Zero Trust architecture.

Zero Trust Deployment Support

In addition to Zero Trust Architecture Consulting, we offer complete day 0 to day 2 Zero Trust life-cycle services. Those services follow our proven model of ideation, innovation, transformation, execution, and optimization.

Discovery & Assessment
This phase of our services involves a series of activities aimed at understanding your organization’s current security posture, identifying existing challenges, and defining the requirements and goals for implementing a Zero Trust model. These activities include:

This phase serves as a foundational step in preparing for the implementation of a Zero Trust framework by providing a comprehensive understanding of your organization’s security landscape and paving the way for a tailored Zero Trust strategy.

Innovation & Design
This phase involves crafting a tailored strategy for the implementation of a Zero Trust security model. This includes:

This phase focuses on shaping a comprehensive and tailored Zero Trust strategy that aligns with your organization’s specific needs, infrastructure, and security requirements, ensuring a smooth transition toward a more secure and resilient security architecture.

Build
During this phase activities center around the actual implementation and construction of the Zero Trust security architecture. These activities include:

The build phase is a critical stage where the theoretical plans formulated in the design phase are put into practice. It involves implementing the foundational elements of the Zero Trust model, configuring security measures, and establishing the infrastructure required to support the Zero Trust architecture within your organization.

Optimize
The optimize phase involves refining, fine-tuning, and continually improving the Zero Trust security model. Activities in this phase include:

The optimize phase aims to continuously improve and adapt the Zero Trust model to meet the evolving security landscape and organizational needs. It involves iterative refinements and adjustments to ensure the Zero Trust security framework remains effective, proactive, and robust against emerging threats.