IT administrators have plenty of perimeter security tools at their disposal, from firewalls to spam filters to intrusion detection solutions. But despite all the preventative measures, most organizations still have gaps in their security controls or processes, which could lead to cracks in their system. A coordinated attack from an outside threat could penetrate these seemingly thick walls of perimeter security due to poor security management and overlooked system vulnerabilities.
Securing a network’s perimeter, defined as the demarcation point for exchanges among data, assets, employees, and partners, is a struggle for many organizations because of its complexity. IT departments can be easily overwhelmed by operating a complete perimeter security system because individual solutions are often stitched together, and therefore require multiple management controls, protocols, and licenses.
Companies with fewer than 2,000 users experience the most significant challenges because the laundry list of best practices that includes firewalls, VPNs, web and mail proxies, and intrusion prevention systems (IPSs) is typically expensive and arduous. In response to individual threats, the piecemeal approach of perimeter security is often deployed over many years. The threats don’t stop, and with infrastructure constantly under attack, the risk of a breach remains high. Here are three common challenges mid-size businesses are facing with regard to perimeter security, and how organizations are solving them.
What businesses are up against, and how they’re fighting back
Stopping the barrage of attacks
Challenge: Today’s attacks on perimeter security consist of complex and frequent threats, including hacking and cracking attacks; viruses, worms, and malware; and advanced persistent threats (APTs). In the past, attacks targeted a system’s default configurations or improper settings with the intention of defacing or possibly misusing technology resources. Modern attacks, however, aim to capture valuable content, from financial assets to personnel data.
Solution: Because hackers attack perimeter security from many angles and through a number of methods, organizations need a complete solution offering full protection. Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and unified threat management (UTM) platforms are two well-suited solutions that can withstand these attacks and continually protect an organization’s data and assets. These solutions create a unified perimeter security front, which includes SSL inspection, intrusion detection/prevention, web filtering, application control, anti-spam, virus and malware protection, data loss prevention, and virtual private networking and remote access from site to site.
Effectively managing the perimeter security system
Challenge: Multiple, disparate solutions often ineffectively communicate with each other. Each individual security measure, such as a web filter or firewall, requires independent management and has limited logging capabilities, creating problems for an organization attempting to detect and react to an attack. Managing this diverse ecosystem of security programs stretches the limits of time and money, and can prevent IT departments from mastering the configuration and maintenance of each solution.
Solution: In addition to the benefits created by a unified perimeter security front, an all-encompassing security solution like an NGFW or UTM creates a single management console for software installation and maintenance. Plus, employing just one solution can reduce technical training requirements for IT staff.
Lowering ownership costs
Challenge: Due to lifecycle expansion or acquisition, companies and business units often become geographically diverse with employees, offices, and data centers scattered across numerous locations. However, monetary constraints prevent organizations from placing knowledgeable IT staff at each site. Plus, rising renewal costs for the multitude of perimeter security point solutions can squeeze IT budgets.
Solution: Many of these solutions can be purchased from a wide range of vendors, including Cisco, Fortinet, McAfee, and WatchGuard. By purchasing through a single vendor, however, organizations can lower the associated cost of ownership while gaining visibility, adhering to compliance requirements, and reducing risk to their internal assets.
Protecting the entire business with network perimeter security
Effective perimeter security begins with understanding the evolving nature of the network perimeter and how modern threats cross boundaries that once separated the internal network from the external network. Traditional network defenses like a firewall and intrusion detection system (IDS) or intrusion prevention system (IPS) are essential security services for inspecting network traffic, but they must be complemented with thoughtful access control and network segmentation to prevent malicious activity from spreading within the network. As organizations extend connectivity to mobile devices and remote users, tools like a virtual private network (VPN) and virtual private infrastructures ensure that data stays protected even beyond the classic network perimeter. A modern security solution blends these technologies to monitor, manage, and enforce policy at every boundary, from the edge of the private network to the heart of core systems, enabling teams to detect anomalies and block threats before they impact operations.
NGFW solutions and threat management systems can maintain a strong perimeter while also automatically tracking and recording potential security breaches. But because no two companies are equal, research is necessary so organizations get the right NGFW or UTM solution that meets their needs.
FAQs
What is a network security solution, and how does it protect business infrastructure?
A network security solution protects a business’s IT infrastructure by monitoring network traffic, blocking unauthorized access, and detecting potential cyber threats. Tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure access controls help safeguard sensitive business data.
How does a managed IT security service improve perimeter security?
Managed IT security service providers enhance perimeter security by implementing advanced tools, such as next-generation firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and threat monitoring platforms, to protect networks from external attacks.
What are the common challenges organizations face with network perimeter security?
Many organizations struggle to manage multiple security tools, detect evolving cyber threats, and maintain system updates. Implementing a unified network security solution can help simplify management while strengthening overall protection.
How do cybersecurity services protect against advanced cyber threats?
Modern cybersecurity services use advanced technologies such as threat intelligence, behavior analysis, and intrusion detection systems to identify and block sophisticated attacks before they compromise business systems.
What role do cyber risk management solutions play in business continuity?
Cyber risk management solutions support business continuity by identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing strategies that minimize disruptions caused by cyber incidents, system failures, or data breaches.
