Network Infrastructure: The missing link in your cyber security strategy

Often, organisations emphasise the visible factors contributing to security gaps within your organisation.

Network infrastructure is an vital component of your IT strategy that can either enhance your cyber security or leave your organisation susceptible to cyber security breaches.

In this edition of The Tech Jungle we interviewed Robbie, our Solutions Architect , who has over 10 years of experience in network design, to answer your FAQs, and address considerations you can use to strengthen your network security.

What does a company’s network infrastructure entail?

A company's network infrastructure is the basis that enables communication between interconnected hardware, software, and services. It provides a connectivity and data sharing platform within an organisation, playing a critical role in supporting its overall IT needs.

The network infrastructure comprises several components that vary depending on the size, nature, or individual requirements of the organisation. There are three fundamental elements that all networks and businesses require: firewall/router, switch, and wireless provision. 

Why improve your network infrastructure?

Prioritising network security is crucial for protecting sensitive company data and information. The aim of a secure network infrastructure is to prevent unauthorised access, which could lead to data breaches, protecting confidential information from falling into the wrong hands. This includes preventing cyber attacks such as DDos, ransomware, malware etc.

What are the recurring challenges clients encounter with their network infrastructure?

The main challenge for clients when it comes to network infrastructure is currently around security and how that can be enhanced to ensure their data and communications is secure.

Additional challenges are introduced with the adoption of cloud technologies such as SaaS and public cloud infrastructures.

Challenges related to network security are often addressed by using FortiNet solutions. This involves installing physical FortiGate Firewalls on premises or deploying appliances into a public cloud, and in most cases, deploying FortiGates in both areas.

To enhance the security posture of on-premises FortiNet security solutions, FortiSwitches and FortiAPs seamlessly integrate with FortiGates. They provide a holistic view of the network topology and form a 'FortiLinked' network that allows automated triggered actions to be used.

These automated actions are based on pre-defined security events, such as detecting a compromised device on the network. In such cases, the switch/access point can automatically quarantine the device and simultaneously alert the Network Operations Centre.

What things do you need to consider for effective network security management?

When it comes to managing network security effectively, there are several key factors that play a critical role in delivering the services. These include the security platforms that are deployed, the reporting capabilities of those platforms, agreeing on a configuration and security profile, and having a team with the necessary expertise to manage and monitor the environment, along with clearly defined responsibilities.

Has it become harder or easier for organisations to manage their network infrastructure over the years? 

The Economist Intelligence Unit shared in a report that 83% of respondents believe adapting better to external change requires moderate-to-considerable IT infrastructure and apps improvement.

In the past, managing internal network infrastructure only involved ensuring that the network components were available and working efficiently. However, with the rise of security concerns and the adoption of cloud environments, network infrastructure deployment has changed significantly.

Nowadays, security features are an integral part of networks and network architecture, making the management of network infrastructure more complex than ever before.

This shift has increased the overall complexity of the design and management of network infrastructure.

How does the choice of network topology affect the scalability and reliability of a business's network infrastructure? 

Considering scalability is a crucial consideration when redesigning an existing network or architecting a network from scratch. Focussing on the network's ability to retain the integrity of its security is of equal importance too.

Many networks grow organically as the client grows with no real thought on an overall design strategy, this leads to networks that just do not scale well and lack security – i.e. unmanaged mini-switches located in office areas or areas where there is a lack of cat5e/cat6e cabling.

Along with organic growth, networks can tend to be installed and forgotten about with little or no investment as it just works. This may have been a fine approach 20+ years ago but now with the advent of advanced intrusion techniques, it is paramount that network infrastructure and security postures are reviewed as regularly as feasible possible.

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