As companies move data processing devices closer to the network edge, the security challenge becomes more complex.
To keep edge devices secure, logical and physical security measures must be implemented. This includes encrypting data in storage and while it’s transmitted.
Encryption
Every time you swipe your credit card or buy something online with a smartphone, encryption protects the information being relayed. Encryption is also used to protect the data stored on computers and mobile devices, as well as on Internet-connected devices such as wearables and smart home appliances.
Modern encryption technology secures both transmitted data (in-flight data) and stored digital data (at-rest data). As computing and systems have gone online, current encryption algorithms have replaced the outdated Data Encryption Standard (DES) to protect IT communications and systems.
These algorithms protect confidentiality and fuel core security initiatives such as authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation. Authentication ensures that a message originated from the intended sender, while innocence proves that the contents have not changed since it was sent.
In addition to protecting sensitive data, modern encryption helps organizations comply with industry regulations and government policy. For instance, healthcare providers must abide by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). At the same time, retailers must adhere to the Fair Credit Practices Act and other laws that help consumers protect their privacy.
Encryption is also used to protect intellectual property, such as music and Software. This is done through digital rights management systems that encrypt data at rest to prevent reverse engineering and unauthorized use or reproduction.
Network Monitoring
Authentication and authorization solutions are vital to maintaining the integrity of edge devices and data and preventing unauthorized access. They can help prevent breaches by protecting against phishing, social engineering, and other techniques that exploit human vulnerabilities to gain access to systems and data.
So, what is edge security? A decentralized enterprise security architecture called edge security is no longer housed in a traditional data center. It operates at the “edge” of a company’s network computing, as opposed to being centrally located or cloud-based.
Network monitoring is another tool that can be used to protect against unauthorized access. It enables organizations to get alerts when a new device joins a network and changes configuration files.
In addition, network monitoring can also detect changes in a network environment that are correlated with potential intrusions. These can include suspicious traffic, unintended connections, and changes in firewall rules.
Automating these activities can help organizations keep up with the demands of a changing security landscape, especially in an edge network. It is imperative to make sure that network monitoring can notify security teams of any abnormalities in their systems so they can take action before a breach occurs.
Security automation is a must-have for any edge environment. It allows organizations to automate tasks that would otherwise require human interaction, freeing people to focus on higher-level issues. Likewise, it helps ensure that every event involving the deployment and operation of edge devices is logged and audited. This includes any configuration changes and data and application hosting changes. It can also trigger an escalation procedure to notify management if something is amiss.
Access Control
Access control is a method for limiting and controlling resource access. Organizations can use these methods to ensure that only the right people can access sensitive data and prevent corporate or customer information breaches.
Access controls can be implemented on several levels, including physical, network, system, and application. Some common types of access controls include administrative and technical measures such as passwords, encryption, Access Control Lists (ACLs), firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems.
Administrative access control includes an organization’s written access policy that dictates how people should be granted or denied access to specific business areas. It may also specify the type of authentication used, such as user IDs and passwords, and adherence policies for ensuring security.
Technological access control is often implemented with administrative procedures for flexible and dynamic management of user accounts, files, and programs. Examples include Software as a Service (SaaS) apps, cloud computing, and multiple devices and locations.
In a rule-based approach, Mandatory Access Control (MAC) determines access based on the security label associated with a subject or object, such as a clearance or classification. This model works well in environments with strict information security restrictions, such as military and healthcare facilities.
Incident Response
Incident response is an essential step in the cybersecurity process and involves a comprehensive set of activities to respond to cyberattacks. It helps to limit damage, reduce recovery time and costs, and prevent unauthorized access to systems and networks.
A critical component of incident response is automation and communication. Having reliable and finely tuned alerts means your team can start a reply automatically when needed.
In addition, a triage matrix will help identify which incidents are urgent and should be prioritized. It would help if you also established safe and transparent communication channels so the appropriate business units and managers can receive updates on incidents that impact them.
Using these tools will ensure that your team has the information they need to identify security threats and take action to protect against them. It will also allow you to proactively plan and execute a successful response when an incident does occur.
An effective incident response plan is not a set-it-and-forget-it proposition; it must be continually updated to reflect the changing threat landscape, IT infrastructure, and business environment. Experts recommend a formal assessment and revision process at least once a year.
Many enterprises conduct tabletop exercises to test their incident response plans. These exercises involve simulated attacks and actual incidents to validate that the processes and strategies described in the incident response plan are working effectively. They also allow teams to note gaps in their response, suggest appropriate additional controls, and develop ways to improve processes.
