Cloud-based network security

Protecting IT assets with cloud-based network security

As enterprise computing environments continue to evolve and become more distributed, ensuring the security of corporate networks has become quite a challenge. From data breaches and account hijacking to insider threats and data leaks, security teams must protect networks from a broadening array of sophisticated threats. IT teams must frequently work with limited visibility, due to the hybrid nature of modern networks that combine public and private clouds with on-premises architecture. Constrained budgets and a shortage of security skills often mean that IT teams are shorthanded and under- resourced, making it harder to stay on top of rapidly changing security conditions.

Cloud-based network security from Spectrum Enterprise can help. With a range of managed security solutions, Spectrum Enterprise delivers the solutions, technologies and expertise to help keep your network secure and up-to-date and your data and organization protected from cyber threats.

Best practices for network security

Protecting your network requires a multilayered approach to security that involves a number of best practices.

• Implement advanced protections. Deploying firewalls, web application firewalls, intrusion protection, malware protection, content filtering and other technologies can help to protect the network from a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
• Keep systems updated. Application vulnerabilities are one of the top attack vectors for cyber criminals. Keeping systems updated and regularly applying patches are essential to preventing hackers from exploiting software vulnerabilities.
• Deploy file encryption. All sensitive data should be automatically encrypted, both at rest and in transit. Strong encryption is often required by regulatory frameworks governing the use and storage of sensitive data.
• Automate backups. Frequent data backups can help to mitigate the loss of data due to accidental deletion, data corruption and ransomware attacks.
• Implement access controls. Robust identity management and authentication like multifactor authentication ensure that only authorized users can access data and applications. Privileged access management solutions like Zero Trust Network Access restrict access to the minimum number of resources required for business purposes.
• Educate employees. Security awareness training can help users to implement good security hygiene and to recognize phishing schemes and potentially dangerous links in email.
• Ensure proper configuration. When application security controls are not configured accurately, it can create vulnerabilities that open the door to attackers. Regular audits and a repeatable application security configuration process can help to ensure that applications and controls are secure
• Protect remote connections. Remote workers and work-from-home employees often access corporate networks via personal devices on unsecured networks. Providing security for these endpoint devices without hindering productivity is essential.
• Segment networks. Segmentation and microsegmentation can help to ensure that a breach in one part of a network will not impact or threaten high-value targets and sensitive information in another part of the network.

Implementing these best practices and managing network security on a day-to-day basis can be overwhelming even for large and well-resourced IT teams. That’s why many organizations today are turning to fully managed, cloud-based network security solutions from Spectrum Enterprise.

Cloud-based network security with Spectrum Enterprise

Enterprise Network Edge from Spectrum Enterprise is a managed networking platform that helps you accomplish more without adding complexity. Designed for enterprises with demanding network requirements, Enterprise Network Edge provides advanced security features and the flexibility to support hybrid networks and multi-cloud strategies. This all-inclusive platform offers cloud-based security as well as advanced networking, SD-WAN acceleration and high-speed connectivity to support your most demanding applications.

Enterprise Network Edge is powered by Fortinet’s world-renowned security, using the industry’s only purpose-built ASIC design to accelerate SD-WAN and security performance. As a managed, cloud-based network security solution, Enterprise Network Edge provides:

• Managed security updates. Spectrum Enterprise’s team of security experts can manage the process of updating and patching applications to remediate security vulnerabilities. IT teams can use an intuitive portal to manage any aspects of the process they choose while leaving the rest to Spectrum Enterprise.
• Advanced security features. Enterprise Network Edge offers strong protection with next generation firewall technology, malware protection, content filtering, intrusion protection, web application control and packet inspection of encrypted traffic.
• Secure remote access. Enterprise Network Edge enables remote and work-from-home employees to securely connect to the resources they need. Traffic is authenticated and routed through the Enterprise Network Edge firewall via encrypted tunnels.
• Unified policy enforcement. This Spectrum Enterprise platform allows corporate policies to be automatically applied to end users, no matter where they connect to the network.
• Superior performance. Cloud-based network security with Spectrum Enterprise won’t slow down performance. Enterprise Network Edge enables networks to maintain volume and velocity when inspecting and securing resource-intensive traffic.

Additional security solutions

Spectrum Enterprise offers a range of additional cloud-based endpoint security and network security solutions that can help IT team to simplify security management while improving protection while ensuring connectivity.

Managed Network Edge

Spectrum Enterprise Managed Network Edge is a secure, turnkey, all-in-one solution that makes it easy to maintain and grow your network. Delivered over the Cisco Meraki platform, Managed Network Edge combines services for security, routing, WiFi, SD-WAN, remote access and more. Cloud-based network security features include firewall and unified threat management (UTM) functionality, advanced malware protection, intrusion protection, automatic encryption and secure remote connectivity.

Managed Security Service

Spectrum Enterprise Managed Security Service is a fully managed solution that helps IT teams to protect networks against cyber threats. Integrating security and firewall solutions, Managed Security Service provides a team of security experts who can handle all software updates, install the latest security patches, support regulatory compliance needs and streamline operations to standardize protection and VPN across all locations.

DDoS Protection

Spectrum Enterprise DDoS Protection is a subscription-based service that protects networks against volumetric attacks. This cloud-based network security solution uses proprietary machine learning and advanced analytics to identify anomalies in traffic flows, quickly mitigating or redirecting attacks before they can significantly impact your organization.

Why Spectrum Enterprise?

America’s largest businesses and communications service providers rely on Spectrum Enterprise to realize their boldest ambitions. Our scalable, fiber technology solutions enable teams to work together, even when they can’t be together. Our teams of experts identify needs, design solutions and manage technologies that allow our clients to grow and succeed. End-to-end support and fully managed services offer the performance our customers need to compete in rapidly evolving marketplaces.

From networking and high-speed connectivity to reliable voice trunking and HDTV offerings, our broad portfolio of solutions helps our customers to capitalize on new opportunities. From healthcare digital transformation for hospitals to all-in-one networking for government and edge fiber solutions educational institutions, we deliver solutions and services that help our customers connect, communicate and compete.

FAQs

What is cloud-based network security?
Cloud-based network security protects networks, users, data and applications from cyberattack and data leaks using cloud applications rather than on-premises software or hardware installed on endpoints, data centers and network infrastructure.

What are the benefits of cloud-based network security?
Cloud-based network security solutions are easier to manage, as cloud providers are responsible for maintaining and upgrading the security technology. When an attack occurs, cloud-based solutions can accelerate response time and provide access to skilled experts who can help to manage disaster response and recovery. Additionally, managed cloud-based security services can help to optimize costs, ensure that systems and software are regularly patched and updated, and free IT teams from important but tedious tasks so they can focus on higher priorities.