Why is Network Security Challenging?
The specific demands made by individual architectures are a key challenge here. Different network architectures (also called topologies) pose unique security challenges.
Each of these topologies can be deployed across different parts of a network – the complexity of this makes the scope of enterprise network security more difficult and time-consuming. At the same time, hybrid and flexible workstyles mean that security needs to extend beyond the corporate network.
Let’s take a closer look at what is a network topology and how different network topologies impact security.
Network Topology
No two enterprise networks are identical and a large contributor to their differences is:
- The variety of ways data can be routed to and around devices
As soon as data needs to go to and from more than one device, it becomes part of a network – the topology of which plays a huge role in any enterprise network solution.
Ring Topology
In this configuration, each device is connected to two of its counterparts. Data is routed to its destination in this roundabout fashion until it reaches its intended destination. This would traditionally mean that every piece of data touches many endpoints.
However, modern implementations use switches instead of endpoint devices as a means of transport.
The Challenge: Ring topology can be difficult to secure due to the single points of failure that it introduces. Furthermore, they’re less popular with today’s enterprises – the skillsets are often harder to find.
Hub and Spoke
Hub and spoke topology places a single network component as a central, distribution-focused node.
This ‘hub’ (usually a router) broadcasts data to every device connected to that specific hub. The transfer of data then resembles a wheel’s hub and its surrounding spokes: different corporate use cases can then be served through their own hub.
This is a very common model, thanks to the easy implementation of firewalls at each central hub.
The Challenge: Hub and spoke designs demand a tighter degree of ongoing control and maintenance – relying on individual security approaches for each hub can make network security exceedingly time and resource-greedy.
Mesh
Instead of routing all data through single distribution points, mesh topology sees each network component connected to one another. This allows for data to be transferred across any possible path.
The Challenge: Securing these instances can be more challenging due to the highly challenging layout.
Securing an Enterprise Network
Making an enterprise network secure relies on integrity being maintained throughout the foundational network-level hardware, while visibility and direct control is offered through suitable software. Sometimes, it’s higher-level architecture that needs to be changed.
But good security measures can be implemented no matter the underlying components.
Hardware-Level Security
Network resilience is most often improved by looking at the hardware. Having multiple instances of critical components is key to achieving this, which includes:
- Servers
- Switches
- Power sources
Network flexibility is another aspect of resilience. The ability to cope with traffic spikes, new applications and new users demands the ability to intelligently route the data.
Firewalls
This can avoid bottlenecks and prevent exploitation and is being offered by newer, next-generation firewalls.
Traditional firewalls are pieces of hardware that plug into your server stacks and analyze all incoming traffic. This allows them to identify and block malicious data requests before an attacker is able to get a hold of a database. Since firewalls are adept at ensuring all inbound traffic is following its rules, firewalls can be used to enforce network segmentation by defining areas that need tighter network control.
Hardware Security Modules
Other hardware-based security measures revolve around keeping prying eyes out via cryptographic keys.
Hardware security modules generate and manage the keys that then authenticate and encrypt data transfers. This forms the basis of card payment protections demanded by PCI DSS.
Note: Firewalls and hardware security modules are no longer confined solely to pieces of physical hardware: the rise of virtualization means that these can both often be provided on a cloud basis. While hardware-level security focuses on defining a strong wall between user and infiltrator, enterprise security software is increasingly powering easy network security management.
Software in Enterprise Security
Understanding the minute-by-minute activity of your network relies on the monitoring and management of software. But, due to the disparate nature of many enterprise security offerings, this is often delivered in piecemeal programs. A centralized management tool:
- Allows for all enterprise tools to be monitored and managed from one basis
- Provides far more cohesive network information
On the other end of things, enterprise networks can also be made more secure with Virtual Private Networks.
These help maintain a user’s protection even when they’re relying on un-securable hardware like public routers. VPNs work by setting up a tunneling protocol to the enterprise’s own internal VPN server, and keeping internal data away from prying eyes.
Note: Not all firewalls play nicely with VPNs, due to that very same encryption.
Solve Your Enterprise Network Security Challenges with Check Point Quantum
Check Point’s Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) delivers advanced network security with precise threat prevention, intuitive management, and automated threat intelligence.
Explore how in our NGFW buyer’s guide. Check Point Quantum is our leading NGFW: it provides layered defenses against advanced attacks, while offering unified policy management that simplifies complex environments and makes enterprise network security an intuitive process. Quantum integrates AI-powered threat intelligence, proactively blocking sophisticated cyber threats across networks, cloud, and IoT environments.
Enterprise network security is more than firewalls: that’s why Check Point’s comprehensive enterprise security offerings span the width of full-stack defense without compromising performance, making it well-suited for dynamic use cases.
Discover how Check Point handles the full breadth of network security here or, if you’d like a more in-depth view of your chosen tooling, get in touch to schedule a demo.
Feedback