What Is a Zero Trust Network? Principles & Advantages
A zero trust Network is a security model that assumes no user or device can be trusted by default, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. Instead of relying on traditional methods of network security, a Zero-Trust Network requires verification for every person and device. In a zero-trust network, access is granted strictly based on necessity. Every device, user, and network flow must be authenticated and authorized before accessing resources. The guiding principle of this model is "never trust, always verify."
Top Network Vulnerabilities & How to Prevent Them
Network vulnerabilities refer to weaknesses or gaps within a network infrastructure that can be exploited by cyber threats to gain unauthorized access or cause harm. These vulnerabilities are potential security risks that can be leveraged by malicious actors to disrupt or compromise network integrity and data security. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for organizations as they lay the foundation for implementing robust network security measures.
Top Network Threats & Risks (And How to Protect Yourself)
A network threat refers to any potential activity or event that could harm or interrupt the systems, applications and services operating on a network. These threats can compromise the security of the network by attacking its infrastructure with the primary target usually being information theft or service disruption. Examples of network threats include malware attacks, phishing attacks, ransomware, denial of service (DoS) attacks, unauthorized access, and data breaches, among others. Network threats can be initiated intentionally by threat actors such as hackers or unintentionally via software vulnerabilities and user errors.
What is a Rogue Access Point & How to Protect Against Them
A rogue access point is a wireless access point (AP) that has been installed on a network without the network administrator's authorization. These access points can be set up maliciously by attackers or innocently by employees seeking to bypass network restrictions or improve connectivity results. Regardless of intent, rogue APs can expose an organization to various security risks, making their detection and management critical.
Network Isolation: What it is & How it Works for Security
Network isolation is a design approach that divides or partitions a network into separate segments or subnets, each acting as its own small network. This tactic is used to improve security and performance within a larger network structure. This concept is particularly relevant in complex environments like financial institutions, healthcare, enterprise and college campuses, where the need to protect sensitive data and ensure reliable network performance is paramount. By isolating network segments, organizations can better manage and secure their digital infrastructure.
What Are Rogue Devices? How to Detect and Prevent Them
Rogue devices are unauthorized devices that connect to a network without permission. They can include any type of device that is capable of network connection, like smartphones, laptops, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Rogue devices pose a major security risk as they are potential sources of data breaches or malware infections. These devices might be introduced to the network by employees without harmful intentions or by malicious actors aiming to steal data or conduct other harmful activities. They can also cause network performance issues by consuming bandwidth.
Secure Network Authentication Methods, Types and Protocols
Network Authentication is a process that verifies and confirms the identity of a user, device, or system trying to access a network. This is often achieved through the use of login credentials such as usernames and passwords. The main objective of network authentication is to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring only authenticated users or systems can access network resources and data. Network authentication is a fundamental aspect of network security and can be implemented through various methods such as two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and digital certificates among others.
Top Network Attacks & Threats (And How to Protect Yourself)
A network attack involves an effort to obtain unauthorized entry into an entity's network, typically with the objective of disrupting operations, stealing information, or tampering with data. These attacks can take various forms and are executed with malicious intent, posing significant threats to the security and integrity of digital assets. Network attacks are a serious concern for businesses and individuals alike, as they can result in data breaches, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Understanding the nature of network attacks is essential for implementing effective security measures.
What Is Network Segmentation? How It Works & Why It Matters
Network segmentation is dividing a computer network into smaller subnetworks or segments. Each segment can act as its own small network, which can help increase network performance and enhance security. Network segmentation allows for better control over traffic flows and isolates network issues, reducing the impact on the whole network. It can also help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information by keeping that information on a separate segment isolated from general network traffic.
What Is IEEE 802.1X for Zero Trust Access?
Today’s networks are vulnerable to excessive attacks. The principles of zero trust are the gold standard organizations use to protect apps and data. A key element of zero trust access is “trust no one, authenticate everyone”. However, current application-specific or client-specific Zero Trust Access controls do not provide an adequate level of protection for all devices on the network. In order to extend zero trust into the campus network, every wired and wireless connection must be authenticated and authorized using at least one mechanism such as IEEE 802.1X, MAB, Behavioral MAB and Single Sign On. Here, we explore how IEEE 802.1X helps in accomplishing zero trust access for the enterprise campus network. IEEE 802.1X provides the authentication framework for user devices before granting access to the Local Area Network (LAN).