Security in Networking: Bridging the Gap Between Security and Networking

In today’s digital landscape, security threats are a common occurrence for companies two teams of all sizes. As such, the need for a robust security system is more crucial than ever before. However, a significant challenge that companies face is the gap between security and networking. This gap in connectivity can lead to security vulnerabilities and data breaches, which can have a catastrophic impact on a company or team’s reputation and financial well-being.

To mitigate these cybersecurity risks, companies must focus on the security process and securing the gap between security and networking. This process involves aligning security objectives with networking objectives to ensure that the security infrastructure is integrated into the network architecture. In this blog, we will explore the importance of security in networking and determine how companies can bridge the gap between security and networking to enhance their security posture.

Bridging the Gap Between Security and Networking

The gap between security and networking is a common challenge for companies. In many organizations, physical security teams and networking support teams work in silos, with little communication or collaboration. This approach can lead to security vulnerabilities, for example, as security measures are often implemented after the network architecture is established, rather than during the design phase.

To bridge the gap between security and networking, companies must adopt a holistic approach to security and network performance. This approach involves integrating security objectives into the business’ network architecture from the outset, ensuring that essential security measures are built into the network design. By doing so, companies can identify potential security vulnerabilities and address them before they become a problem.

Here are some steps that companies can take to bridge the gap between security services and networking solutions:

  1. Conduct a Security Assessment

The first step in bridging the gap between security and networking professionals is to conduct a security assessment. This assessment should identify potential security vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure and provide recommendations for addressing these vulnerabilities. The security assessment should also take into account regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA, to ensure that the network infrastructure is compliant with these regulations.

  1. Develop a Security Strategy

Based on the results of the security assessment, companies should develop a security strategy that aligns with the organization’s business objectives. The organization’ security strategy should outline the measures that will be implemented to address the identified security vulnerabilities, with features such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, other devices and security protocols.

  1. Incorporate Security into Network Design

Once the security management strategy has been developed, companies should incorporate security measures into the network design. This new approach also involves integrating security measures into the network architecture, rather than implementing them as an afterthought. By doing so, companies can ensure that security and safety measures are built into the network infrastructure from the outset, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities.

  1. Automate Security Processes

Automating security processes can help to ensure that security policies are consistently applied across the network, reducing the risk of human or software error. Automation can also help to detect and respond to security threats in real-time.

  1. Train Employees

Employee training should play an important role in bridging the gap between security services and networking solutions, as security workforce need to stay ahead of cyber threats and security risks. Without effective training, security forces would not be able to identify potential security weak points, assess risks and spot malicious activity quickly. With a comprehensive employee training program, security personnel can stay ahead of current and emerging security threats by being part of the collective effort to detect and prevent security breaches from occurring. An appropriate level of awareness around cyber security is essential for employees to understand how their actions could impact network security posture. Thoughtful employee training is a priority that enterprises should consider if they intend on improving their overall preparedness against cyber attack.

  1. Use Security Analytics

Security analytics has become increasingly important for organizations as it bridges the gap between security technologies and security services. Security analytics can help to keep data breach and make users identify potential threats before they occur. By analyzing network traffic and user behavior, security analytics can provide insights into potential threats and help to prevent security incidents. Security teams now have more data at their fingertips to help them better understand potential vulnerabilities and threats, identify risks, take preventative action, and protect resources from damage or disruption. This increased level of visibility ultimately allows security teams to make smarter, faster decisions so they can prioritize the most critical threats while saving time and mitigating risk.

  1. Implement a Zero Trust Security Model

Zero trust security policies are becoming an increasingly important security measure as organizations expand their use of digital resources. A zero trust security model assumes that no user or device can be trusted by default, and requires authentication and authorization for all network access. This model can help to control and prevent lateral movement by attackers, and can reduce the risk of data breaches.

In order to create successful security networks, teams need to effectively collaborate between security and networking services. By implementing a zero trust security policy, organizations are able to bridge the gap between these two services by integrating security measures into network configurations. This approach creates stronger security protocols that can help protect access to the organization’s data and information stored for years to come.

  1. Regularly Review and Update Security Policies

Regularly reviewing and updating security policies is critical when it team to maintaining a secure network. Policies should be reviewed at least annually to ensure that they are aligned with industry best practices and the evolving threat landscape.

Final Thoughts

Companies are looking for ways to fill the security gap between security and networking. It is essential that any organization makes sure they have appropriate policies in place and have an action plan when it comes to assessing their risk landscape and responding to potential threats. However, the effort of both networking and security efforts require a strong technical knowledge and understanding, so partnering with managed service providers can be beneficial. They can provide the resources needed to ensure secure networks while remaining compliant with industry standards. From creating internal policies to implementing an enterprise-wide cybersecurity posture, these organizations can play an integral role in helping businesses bridge the gap between networking and security. Speak with your managed security service provider today and find out how they can help you stay ahead of threats, protect your business’s data, and give you the peace of mind that your company is safe from cybercriminals.

Visual Edge IT, Inc. (VEIT) specializes in managed IT services and security, cloud computing, and print/copy solutions for businesses across the U.S. including remote office locations. We offer a full line of office technology and services including 24/7 remote monitoring and administration of networks, service desk, and data backup and restore to improve business processes across a variety of industries. Plus, Visual Edge IT™ represents the industry’s leading manufacturers of office technology allowing businesses to get equipment, supplies and service from a single source. Backed by more than 20-years of technology service and a national network of expert engineers, VEIT is uniquely positioned to support business technology needs. The company is headquartered in North Canton, OH, USA. Request your no-obligation assessment today and get a free dark web analysis.