The exodus from the office during the pandemic has driven permanent changes in the shape of the corporate network. Growth in the area of internet of things (IoT) and mobile devices as well as cloud computing have altered how the network is managed and protected. Network IT teams are increasingly applying the principles of the secure access service edge (SASE) to bolster cyber security efforts.

The changing nature of network access has only served to further complicate an already-blurred network perimeter and increase the attack surface. The result is that companies are being forced to reassess asset and network management for gaps in security coverage.

Why Cyber Security Is a Network Management Priority: 

With the increase of remote work, IT teams are seeing an erosion of their control over network security. Even while trying to make assets more available to their employees, it makes it challenging to protect customer data and corporate information and resources.

One strategy is to use cyber security asset management in an effort to identify assets and the potential associated security gaps. This includes the tracking of both physical devices like laptops and cloud-based and software-defined technology the company is using. These asset management tools allow your business to identify and track IT assets on a continuous basis and identify potential security vulnerabilities.

In the event of a breach, a cyber security asset management tool can make it easier to find and secure devices. You may also be able to segment certain types of devices or areas of the network so that as a threat is mitigated, business can continue.

Using SASE to Address Cyber Security: 

SASE is becoming the favored approach to secure asset management. It offers not only improved comprehensive visibility but also better support to users, allowing for unified management of the secure network.

SASE combines network as a service with security as a service, featuring capabilities like firewall as a service and zero-trust network access, plus secure web gateways and cloud access security broker (CASB) services. This approach is increasingly being treated as the way forward for a more secure network, allowing for centralized security policy enforcement based on identity.

SASE is not new technology; it’s simply a new approach as companies look for flexibility and security in connecting their users with cloud resources and data centers. It addresses many of the most common remote-access security concerns, removing the need for a virtual private network (VPN), and provides increased oversight for dispersed networks.

Secure the Perimeter: 

The perimeter continues to grow, causing companies to struggle with centralizing security policy. Take the following steps to close the gaps:

Make Sure Teams Are Up to Speed: Edge security presents a host of new factors, and many experienced members of your team may not be familiar with SASE. Consider investing in training through one of the comprehensive online programs available to learn about data protection and management at the edge.

Implement Network Segmentation: If your network is segmented, you can drastically reduce the damage of a cyber security breach by limiting how much of your data and systems can be impacted. Keeping segments of the network separate restricts the attack from spreading across your organization.

Talk With an Expert: When it’s time to implement SASE techniques, contact us at Independent Connections. From identifying any potential vulnerabilities in your security policies and network infrastructure to helping you choose the best solutions to secure a broad perimeter, an experienced guide can help ensure a secure network without sacrificing performance.