Strengthening Cybersecurity: The Essential Role of SASE and 5G in Today's Businesses
In recent years, the landscape of cybersecurity has transformed dramatically. The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks have skyrocketed, making it the predominant cause of IT incidents in Sweden in the past year, according to data from MSB. This alarming trend underscores the necessity for businesses to adopt a proactive approach in safeguarding their networks, especially with the impending NIS2 directive aimed at establishing a uniform high level of cybersecurity across the European Union.
Magnus Jenssen, a SASE specialist at Telenor, emphasizes that with the surge in cyber threats and the stringent requirements of the NIS2 directive, it is imperative for companies to develop a resilient and adaptable crisis management strategy. "The arrival of NIS2 will mandate crisis management protocols during significant cyber incidents. Therefore, it's crucial to plan intricately and think critically about these aspects," Jenssen states.
Future-Proofing with SASE and 5G
SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, represents the future of networking where security and network functionality converge. By leveraging cutting-edge 5G technology, organizations can fortify their operations against emerging threats. Cyberattacks have a typical duration of around 23 days, and recovering from such an incident often spans an extensive 287 days. This recovery process includes essential tasks like restoring backups and isolating compromised information.
To navigate these challenges effectively, it is vital for a company's leadership to swiftly gather information and make judicious decisions when a cyberattack is underway. Traditional communication avenues frequently fall prey to attacks, necessitating the creation of dedicated and secure communication channels. Jenssen advocates for utilizing a private logical mobile 5G network, such as Telenor's 5G Office Connect. This network allows crisis management teams to maintain a secure, high-speed connection to a secondary IT environment, even when the primary network is compromised. "It’s like having an evacuation bag ready with computers and essential devices for crisis management, enabling secure communication," Jenssen explains.
Five Key Components to Manage Cyber Threats
For optimal protection before a cyberattack occurs, Magnus Jenssen suggests employing Telenor's SASE services, which integrate network and security into one comprehensive solution. By fusing SASE with a private logical 5G network, businesses can create a formidable and proactive security framework, defined by five critical components:
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Lifecycle Management: Ensuring regular updates and maintenance for both systems and software significantly mitigates vulnerabilities that could be targeted by attackers.
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Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of network activities allows businesses to detect and respond to threats on the spot. When unusual activity is identified, security teams can intervene before any damage occurs.
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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA adds an extra level of security by necessitating multiple validations to access systems, thus complicating unauthorized access even in cases where passwords are compromised.
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Segregated Networks: Dividing network segments prevents an attack from spreading uncontrollably throughout the organization. This isolation prioritizes the protection of critical network areas, minimizing potential damage during incidents.
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Segregated Identities: Network administrators should operate two distinct accounts: one for daily activities and another for administrative functions. This strategy mitigates the risks associated with administrator accounts being compromised.
Comprehensive Security Solutions
Telenor's SASE offering combines network and security services within a singular platform, ensuring users remain protected whether they are in the office, at home, or on the move. The service eliminates the need for businesses to invest in hardware or manage software updates themselves, making it a more appealing option.
In conjunction with Telenor's 5G Office Connect, organizations can ensure stable connectivity and reliable access throughout various locations. Utilizing both 4G and 5G national networks, companies can achieve a competitive, future-ready network solution that requires minimal maintenance while ensuring high mobility and security.
In conclusion, with the threat of cyberattacks growing at an alarming rate, it is crucial for organizations to adapt to the changing environment. By implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks such as SASE combined with advanced 5G technology, businesses can protect their valuable data and ensure swift recovery in the event of an attack.
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