Protecting Your Business in the Age of Cyber Threats: The Role of SASE and 5G Technology
The frequency of cyberattacks is escalating rapidly, with recent statistics from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) revealing that they were the leading cause of IT incidents last year. In response to these mounting threats, the European Union is implementing the NIS2 directive, which aims to create a unified high level of cybersecurity across member states. With these developments, companies must prioritize having a robust and flexible crisis management strategy, as emphasized by Magnus Jenssen, a SASE specialist at Telenor.
The NIS2 directive mandates that businesses enhance their crisis management capabilities in the face of significant cyberattacks. It is essential for organizations to plan carefully for such scenarios. One effective approach is to integrate private logical mobile 5G networks with advanced security solutions like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to safeguard data and resources, allowing for swift and effective action during a cyber incident. According to Jenssen, the right tools and security controls can significantly minimize damage and ensure a quick recovery following an attack.
As networking and security continually evolve, SASE emerges as a pivotal component in modern network solutions. Defined as a framework that combines networking and security services, SASE is seen as the future of network solutions, particularly when leveraging smart 5G technology. This is especially crucial for businesses looking to future-proof their operations.
Typically, a cyberattack can last around 23 days, followed by a prolonged recovery period, averaging 287 days, during which organizations work to restore their IT environments. This includes crucial steps like restoring backups, decrypting data, and removing contaminated information. In light of these challenges, it's vital for a company's management team to quickly gather and make informed decisions during a cyber crisis. Traditional communication channels can become vulnerable during attacks, highlighting the necessity of dedicated and secure communication pathways.
Magnus Jenssen suggests implementing a private logical mobile 5G network, such as Telenor's 5G Office Connect, to ensure that crisis management teams maintain a secure and rapid connection to a secondary IT environment—especially when the primary network is compromised. This set-up serves as an 'evacuation bag' equipped with essential devices that can connect to the secure 5G network, facilitating uninterrupted crisis management operations.
To bolster protection ahead of potential cyber threats, Telenor recommends incorporating its SASE service, which provides a comprehensive solution by merging networking and security services. SASE functions as a checkpoint to reduce the likelihood of cyber attacks, and when paired with a private logical 5G network, it creates a formidable security measure that proactively manages traffic segregation.
Five key components within Telenor's SASE and private logical mobile 5G networks assist businesses in effectively handling and mitigating cyber threats: 1. Lifecycle Management: Regular updates and maintenance of software and systems to address potential security vulnerabilities before they are exploited. 2. Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of networks and systems enables quick identification and response to threats. Unusual activities can trigger immediate alerts to security teams, who can act to prevent potential damage. 3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple verification methods for system access, making unauthorized access significantly more difficult, even if a password is compromised. 4. Segregated Networks: By isolating different segments of a network, companies can prevent a breach from spreading across their entire system, ensuring critical areas remain protected during incidents. 5. Segregated Identities: Network administrators can employ separate accounts for routine tasks and administrative actions to lessen the risk that an attacker gaining access to an individual account could elevate to administrative control.
Telenor's SASE service combines networking and security on a single platform, providing a secure cloud solution that safeguards users regardless of their location—office, home, or on the move. Delivered as a service, it eliminates the need for companies to invest in hardware or manage software updates.
Meanwhile, Telenor's 5G Office Connect offers a reliable technical solution that enables stable connections to corporate networks via 5G technology, whether employees are at the office or in remote locations. By leveraging Telenor's national 4G and 5G networks, businesses can achieve a cost-effective, future-proof network solution that requires minimal support and maintenance, all while ensuring a dedicated, encrypted traffic channel to their IT environment.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, equipping your business with advanced solutions like SASE and private mobile 5G networks is not just prudent—it's essential for both protection and resilience in a digitally dependent world.
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