Developments in smart tech mean business operations are more connected than ever. Exciting evolutions in cloud computing, the increasing number of SaaS platforms, and even API-driven ecosystems are truly transforming the way we work. However, this connectivity has also exposed businesses to numerous risks, especially to cyber threats. To the extent that, in a survey of 1,000 U.S. business owners, 72% said they are “very concerned” about cyber-attacks over the next 12 months, as reported by Reuters research. Having strong security is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s essential for business, as it ensures your operations and customers’ data are protected. So, what does an intelligent network security system look like?
How Have Networks Changed?
Networks have changed because the way we work is constantly evolving.
The office used to be the hub of business. When this was the case, online security was relatively straightforward, as it was concentrated in one location.
Today, modern and competing organizations operate in a multi-cloud environment. In essence, employees and customers need to access systems from various locations, as well as using multiple devices, such as phones and laptops. This is especially true for e-commerce and SaaS organizations.
Equally, now that so many businesses require third-party integrations, their tech stacks are increasingly complex, from finance to marketing tools. This has resulted in a highly dynamic digital environment.
Those who wish to do mal-intent no longer need to breach a single network connected to a physical office. Instead, they can now exploit “gaps” in public clouds or third-party connections that you and your customers may be using daily.
That’s why a multi-tactic approach is required.
Why Is Network Security Good for Business?
If you spend any time watching the news, you’ll have noticed the shocking increase in cyberattacks happening to businesses around the world.
Such high-tech attacks have caused huge disruptions in the business world. In some of the worst cases, data breaches have resulted in the exposure of customer and business information, bringing organizations to a halt for days or even weeks.
Other problems, like financial penalties and the long-term impact of lost customer trust and reputational damage, have also affected those victimized.
In essence, digital security isn’t just a line item on your IT checklist.
It’s good to remember that a resilient system cannot only anticipate and prevent attacks, but also help recover from them once they do happen. As Chris Painter, former U.S. Cybersecurity Coordinator, explained, “Cybersecurity is a continuous cycle of protection, detection, response, and recovery.”
When the unexpected happens, and it will at some point, you need a system you can trust to help you bounce back from the chaos.
Target’s Data Breach
A now-classic example of the impact cybercrime can have is the Target data breach.
In 2013, Target, a huge US retailer, suffered one of the most famous breaches in history. Attackers found a gap in Target’s online security system. The group was able to access the network through a small third-party vendor, an HVAC contractor who was logged into the backend system.
Miraculously, they remained undetected for weeks. Using their time inside, the hackers installed malware on their point-of-sale systems.
The breach meant that “up to 70 million customers had payment card and personal data stolen from the company’s databases in December,” and around 40 million payment card numbers, as reported by the BBC.
Target’s internal monitoring tools did provide dozens of alerts about suspicious activity. Unfortunately, due to a lack of internal action, these were not escalated quickly enough, allowing the hackers to continue their damage.
It ended up costing Target more than the embarrassment of lax security; they had to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and lost future business. And unsurprisingly, there were many executive resignations.
How Has Network Security Adapted Since Then?
Incidents like Target are a stark reminder to businesses that network security should not be sidelined. In fact, online hackers are getting ever more sophisticated.
So, what should you consider?
1. Zero Trust Access
One of the more obvious changes in network security is the way users interact with platform logins.
Traditional approaches assumed that users and devices inside the network could be trusted. But in today’s world, that assumption is both unrealistic and dangerous.
While it sounds cynical, it’s simply a “worst-case scenario” mentality.
A zero-trust policy operates on one simple principle: never trust, always verify. Every user, device, and application is continuously authenticated, regardless of their location and position in the company.
You may have noticed this already with the increasing use of 2-Step Verification (2SV). It can be a frustrating but necessary layer of security.
2. Securing Multi-Cloud Environments
Cloud adoption has totally transformed the working environment, making sharing and collaborating on digital tools easy. However, it also introduces new security challenges.
Because each cloud platform has its own architecture, security systems need to find smart ways to extend across all these environments.
Additionally, users access these systems from multiple environments, including both on-site and remote locations.
Businesses with “gaps” between their tech stacks can be exploited by attackers skilled at detecting them.
3. Supporting Remote and Hybrid Workers
As mentioned above, remote and hybrid working is commonplace these days. Employees access systems from home networks, personal devices, and even public locations, like coffee shops.
While flexibility benefits both workers and their employers, it can also introduce risky security environments.
Businesses should consider an extra layer of protection, such as a robust VPN (Virtual Private Network). These networks provide encrypted tunnels for all network traffic, adding some much-needed security. For example, our VPNs help maintain confidentiality and ensure sensitive data is kept safe, even when your workers use unsecured public networks.
4. Align With Your Business Strategy
One of the most common challenges in online data safety is the way businesses think about network security. Many people, from the C-suite to junior workers, consider it a purely technical issue. Unless you work in IT, you might not think it’s that important.
Think of it as a strategic business decision. For example, customers don’t want to add their personal banking information on a site they worry is unsafe.
Viewed this way, your security decisions impact every aspect of your business’s longevity. Security is an enabler, not an obstacle. A good system allows you to launch digital services faster, onboard partners securely, and most importantly, protect everyone’s data.
How to Build Strong Partnerships
Building and maintaining this level of network security is a huge workload, but it doesn’t have to fall entirely on your internal teams.
If you need a partner that’s experienced in IT services and digital transformation, KDI Office Technology can fulfil that role. As experts in network security, from threat detection to incident response, we handle the complexity and minimize the burden on you and your teams. This allows you to focus on the important things, like growing your business.
Are you based in Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware? Let’s start a conversation about building a secure and future-ready network for your team.