Strengthening Cybersecurity: The Role of SASE and 5G in Crisis Management
In an era where cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate, businesses across Sweden and the broader EU must brace themselves for an inevitable rise in cyberattacks. According to recent data from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), last year marked a significant uptick in IT incidents, with cyberattacks being the most prevalent. As the upcoming NIS2 directive introduces stricter cybersecurity mandates, it is imperative that companies craft a rigorous and adaptable crisis management strategy, as emphasized by Magnus Jenssen, SASE specialist at Telenor.
The NIS2 directive aims to establish a robust framework for crisis management during major cyber incidents, underscoring the necessity for businesses to think proactively and prepare for potential attacks. To achieve this, Jenssen advocates for leveraging private logical mobile 5G networks in tandem with advanced security solutions such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). This combination allows organizations to safeguard their data and resources while facilitating quick and effective responses during cyberattacks.
Cyberattacks can be protracted affairs, often lasting an average of 23 days, followed by a recovery period of approximately 287 days, which involves recovering backups and eliminating compromised data. This demanding timeline highlights the need for swift and sound decision-making from a company's management team during such incidents. Traditional communication methods may falter under attack, necessitating secure and dedicated communication channels. Jenssen recommends a private logical mobile 5G network, like Telenor's 5G Office Connect, to ensure that crisis management teams maintain a secure and uninterrupted connection to a secondary IT environment—even when the primary network is compromised. He likens this setup to having an 'evacuation bag' loaded with essential devices for crisis scenarios that require a secure communication link.
To proactively mitigate risks before a cyberattack materializes, the Telenor SASE service delivers a comprehensive blend of network and security services. SASE functions as a control point aimed at reducing vulnerability, particularly when combined with a private logical 5G network to manage segmented traffic.
Here are five essential components of Telenor's SASE framework and 5G network that equip businesses to effectively manage and minimize cyber threats:
- Lifecycle Management: Regular updates and maintenance of systems and software permit early identification and remediation of security vulnerabilities, thwarting potential exploitation by attackers.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring enables firms to detect and respond to threats as they arise. At the first sign of unusual activity, alerts facilitate prompt intervention to prevent damage.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This layer of security enhances user verification protocols, meaning even if a password is compromised, unauthorized users face significant hurdles accessing proprietary systems.
- Segregated Networks: By compartmentalizing network segments, businesses can contain breaches, effectively isolating critical areas of operations during an incident to limit damage.
- Segregated Identities: Network administrators should maintain separate accounts for routine operations and administrative functions, thereby diminishing the risk of granting unauthorized access if personal accounts are compromised.
Telenor’s SASE solution simplifies cybersecurity; it blends networking and security functionalities, delivering a seamless cloud-based service that protects employees regardless of their location—whether they are in the office, working remotely, or traveling. Telenor operates this service as a managed solution, freeing customers from hardware investments and software management.
In addition, Telenor’s 5G Office Connect offers a stable, reliable connection to corporate networks through 5G technology. This innovative approach ensures mobility, enhanced security, and straightforward management, cultivating a dependable work environment even amid the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
For firms seeking a future-proofing strategy, leveraging national 4G and 5G networks can pave the way for an efficient and cost-effective networking solution that demands minimal support and maintenance, ultimately fortifying organizational resilience against cyber threats.
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