Network Security is fundamental to your business

The security of your network is fundamental to your business. That applies whether or not you are hosting your own website, handling personal details, e-commerce payments or simply using a computer network for internal access to servers and information.

A Holistic Approach

Network security requires a holistic approach in order to offer the strongest protection.

Simply installing a Firewall is not the only factor.

There are many options available for securing your network and it can be a minefield deciding upon the best solution for the level of security for your requirements.

To get the most out of security products relies upon specialist knowledge of what is available and how effective it is. As is knowing how well additional hardware/software will integrate into your network and support your future plans.

We use enterprise class security products to protect networks from unwanted attention. Based upon the Cisco and Juniper product range, we can provide varying levels of security ranging from basic firewall installations to prevent unwanted intrusion, to integrated intrusion prevention services. This coupled with intrusion detection software enables you to maintain secure, dynamic, network borders preventing trojans, worms and viruses, whilst still allowing your users to get the most out of the network.

An enterprise-class Firewall and VPN system will add a vital layer in your security, but other threat vectors exist and need to be guarded against, including anti-virus/anti-spam software on servers and workstations.

Network-based Anti-Virus Systems

More sophisticated solutions can also be implemented, for example a network based anti-virus system such as the Cisco Self Defending Network which ensures that the network itself shuts down any network-based attack.

Strong User Authentication

There is also much which can be done to further protect your network, by introducing a method to ensure that the person logging on to your network is in fact, authorised to do so. This is referred to as Identity Management.

Once again there are a variety of solutions available for strong user authentication, the security strength of which is measured in ‘factors’.

Single Factor Authentication is generally something you know, typically a form of password.

Two Factor Authentication combines two elements ‘something you have’ and ‘something you know’. We offer a device which generates a one time password which when entered into a system with your username and PIN, for example, can validate that you are who you say you are.

There are distinct advantages in this approach which greatly enhance security. In today’s password society, people find it challenging to recall all the passwords they are required to use in all elements of their life. The result is that they forget their password and the IT department needs to provide a costly ‘reset’ or they use the same password for everything, which, of course, is greatly reduces it’s effectiveness as a security measure.

By using a form of ‘token’ the user is provided with a one time passcode (OTP) every time they ‘login’, which if used twice within a specified time span, will be invalid and refused by the authenticating server.

A network requires monitoring to make sure that it is operating smoothly and so that any ‘threats’ can be identified quickly and the correct resolution implemented immediately. To make life easier and reduce the burden on your IT resource, we offer a monitoring and support service. This usually means that we have identified and fixed a problem before you are even aware of its existence. All this means that your business does not suffer from unnecessary (and potentially expensive) interruptions.

All these Security facilities and more are available from L3n, simply call 0845 450 4944 or contact us via email.