Cyber criminals are constantly innovating and finding new ways of penetrating security defences. Whether it’s stealing assets or accessing sensitive data, techniques and strategies are becoming more and more sophisticated, meaning they’re harder to stop.
Thankfully, applying the latest technology and techniques also enables businesses to keep at the forefront of cyber security, and one of the latest developments in this area is cyber security mesh architecture.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new approach and how it can help keep out the criminals.
What is cyber security mesh?
Cyber security mesh architecture is a new way of working that helps companies protect their data from hackers by creating multiple layers of protection. It is the next step from traditional independent and isolated cyber security services in order to provide a foundation for distinct security services to work together.
Mesh networks create better cyber security through closer integration between security tools and detective and predictive analytics. The outcome is enhanced responsiveness to breaches and attacks. There isn’t yet an official or universally agreed definition for cyber security mesh, but the term refers to a cyber defence strategy that enables an enterprise to quickly and easily distribute security to where it’s needed. This means moving away from more traditional methods securing individual devices and endpoints.
What are the benefits of cyber security mesh?
The benefits of implementing a cyber security mesh are that the risk of an attack being successful is reduced because there are more points where an attack can be detected and stopped.
Cyber security mesh enables scalable, flexible, and reliable cyber security control via a distributed architectural approach. With more assets like Internet of Things (IoT) existing outside of the traditional security perimeter, a cyber security mesh allows for the security perimeter to be defined around the identity of a person or thing.
In theory, the overarching purpose of a mesh approach is to ensure better security at each access point, which can be managed and overseen from a central location.
Here’s how that might look in practice in one example scenario:
- A company may have to give its employees access to a number of cloud based systems (e.g. accounts, CRM, marketing platforms, etc.)
- The security policy is to tell employees to use complex passwords, don’t use the same password on all systems and don’t share it (accidentally or on purpose).
- The problem is that employees don’t necessarily use complex passwords, they do use the same password across multiple systems and they may share their password… even if by accident due to a phishing attack.
- A mesh approach would enable central control of the access to those systems by enforcing those policies, thereby greatly reducing the chances of a network breach.
How to implement cyber security mesh
Particularly now that hybrid and remote working are more prevalent in the post-Covid world, it’s never been more important to ensure all devices and systems are protected as much as they can be. A mesh security system helps towards that goal.
If you’re looking to improve your cyber security for your business, you can begin to bolster your defences by using a more strategic approach where individual devices are secured within their own perimeter.
To implement a cyber security mesh, ensure that security policies are applied at individual and identity level, rather than at the network level, to maintain security of all resources across the infrastructure. These access points should all then be controlled centrally, giving the organisation greater control over who can access what and when.
The sad truth about cyber security is that people are the weakest link, so as well as technology and software, organisations need to ensure staff are adequately trained on cyber risks, data protection and best practices. IT departments can also solidify the defences by having stricter controls on access levels; admin access to software and systems should only be given to those who absolutely need it.
Bolster your cyber security and protect your business
Cyber security has never been more important for businesses of all sizes. With ever-evolving threats and more underhand tactics being used by cyber criminals, it’s not enough to just be reactive to attempted attacks.
Instead, businesses need to be proactive in their defence strategies, which starts with the implementation, upkeep and maintenance of robust security systems.
To ensure your business is adequately protected, a trusted IT partner can help you to build and maintain your cyber security defences, whilst also monitoring and defending your business from harmful attacks and hacking attempts.
Looking to improve your cyber defences? Contact The PC Support Group today on 03300 886 116 or info@pcsupportgroup.com to see how we can help.
If you need more information around the importance of cyber security for your business, check out this free ebook: