Since we already came to the end of 2022, we can say that this year was very challenging for businesses as there was a significant rise in cyber crimes and data breach costs.
In fact, a recent FBI report revealed that there was a %300 rise in cybercrime rates since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The most frightening fact is experts predict that this increase in cybercrime rates will continue in the following years, and maybe triple the amount it is now.
Modern-day companies are in need of enhanced cybersecurity solutions to cope with the continuously evolving threat landscape. In this regard, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Anti-Malware & Virus tools, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Security Service Edge (SSE)) can be named as the 5 essential cybersecurity solutions for companies.
Cloud security management is paramount in today’s digital landscape, and with the right solutions, businesses can significantly enhance their network, end-point, and cloud protection against various threats. Dive deeper, we’ll explore the nuances of these indispensable cybersecurity tools and their pivotal role in safeguarding digital assets.
1. Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Identity and Access Management technology combines access control and monitoring activity of accessed network resources with authorization and authentication of users. With IAM tools, administrators can manage who can have access to specific data, applications, and resources while reinforcing a strict verification of authorized users and devices.
IAM technology has sophisticated and modern authentication methods to prevent unwanted access and potentially malicious activity. Identity access management limits users from using unnecessary resources based on their role definitions. This feature of IAM drastically reduces the attack surface while blocking lateral movement.
Restricting the attack surface is crucial in mitigating potential vulnerabilities and pinpointing the source of malicious activity when a data breach occurs. With IAM tools, businesses can avoid, if not reduce, the damage that cyber threats impose.
2. Anti-Malware & Virus Tools
Protecting sensitive and confidential information is vital for businesses and it should be secured at all costs. One of the best ways to protect the network and the data within is to implement anti-virus and anti-malware tools. Anti-malware and anti-virus operate in detecting and blocking out any malicious files, applications, and codes that impose threats to network security and integrity. They defend the network perimeter against cyber threats.
Anti-malware and anti-virus technology inspect devices within the network for any viruses and malware periodically. Additionally, these technologies must be implemented on every device and user connected to the network as they hinder malicious activity by incorporating global threat dictionaries.
3. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a technology that plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of sensitive data and detecting any unauthorized or malicious activity. Data loss prevention hinders all data leakage caused by insider threats and cyber threats. DLP software strengthens the security of the network and its perimeter by detecting violations of policies and enforcing protective actions based on these violations.
Businesses must comply with security regulations and measures. Staying compliant with cybersecurity regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR and many more is crucial for companies to sustain their business and avoid fines. Data loss prevention enables companies to comply with such regulations by preventing invasion of privacy and data breach.
4. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) framework provides the best network security for companies. This holistic framework is built upon the mantra “trust none, verify all” meaning nobody is trusted and hostile until it is proven otherwise. So, all users, devices, and even applications have to verify their identities via Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric tools to reach company networks and resources.
Also, under this framework, employees have the minimum amount of access privileges, meaning that employees can’t access or use company resources, applications, or data beyond their job roles, and access privileges.
On top of these, Zero Trust solutions offer granular visibility and advanced monitoring and surveillance capabilities. It uses behavior and activity monitoring tools to rapidly identify suspicious and fraudulent activities of employees. While using this framework, IT admins can map every connection within the network perimeter and see real-time or historical data of user activities and behaviors.
5. Security Service Edge (SSE)
Security Service Edge (SSE) is a comprehensive security framework for cloud environments. It consists of three main components, and these are Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Secure Web Gateway (SGW). Having Zero Trust on board, SSE enables robust network security through context and role-based identity & access management.
Secure Web Gateway (SGW) filters malicious content, tracks data transfers, and applies security policies whenever they are needed. Meanwhile, Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) takes a middle-man role and monitors all communications between users and applications.
By combining three security components, SSE enables robust data protection, network, end and edge-point security. When considering, modern-day companies use several cloud services, securing these environments with the SSE framework is essential.
Last Remarks
IAM, anti-malware and anti-virus tools, ZTNA and SSE are crucial for securing the business network security and its perimeter. If businesses fail to implement the most essential security solutions and practices because of costs or any other reason, remember that cyber threats can cost your company even more not only financially and reputationally, but even physically.