5 Cornerstones of Effective Internal Network Security

Network security has traditionally been thought of in terms of safeguarding the perimeter, ensuring that threats are kept outside of the company site. However, it’s becoming the case that more and more threats originate from a variety of sources, including inside the company. There are a variety of principles to keep in mind when safeguarding the company from internal threats.

Personal Firewall
On each and every system on an internal network, it is important to ensure that security is maintained, as every node is a potential opening. This applies to all devices, those that travel (i.e. laptops and tablets), and those that stay grounded (i.e. individual workstations). Each operating system should have the ability to restrict traffic to/from, in order to prevent malicious pieces of code from spreading.

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Server Security
It’s important that the internally facing side of a server portal receives the same level of security measures as the externally facing side. This includes setting up a robust firewall, virus/malware protection, and set of system monitoring tools that ensure that the role of gatekeeper and reporter is filled on the unit.

Centralized Management
Very important to have in place are system monitoring tools to centrally manage the security of the network. They can ensure that all devices on the internal network are continuously up-to-date with the latest updates to antivirus, antimalware, and firewall protection, as well as any unusual network traffic is instantly detected. More intelligent tools can immediately deactivate a node from the network as soon as a threat is detected.

BYOD Policy
From smartphones to personal laptops to thumb drives, it is increasingly common for those working within an organization to bring their own device to the job site, performing some or most of their work on their own units. While the cat is out of the bag in this regard, in the sense that it is very difficult to stem the bring-your-own-device movement, it is imperative that very clear guidelines are in place, and security measures exist. This involves real-time security scanning of these devices, restricting their access to critical data, and if the environment is especially sensitive, disallowing them from the workplace entirely.

Security Education
Each member of the organization should be aware of the various types of threats that exist, engaging in safeguards for their own protection, and the protection of others. This involves coaching employees on the importance of creating secure passwords, having them install only approved software, and reporting any unusual solicitations from others seeking access through them.

The landscape of corporate security is changing, with threats coming from more and more entry points than ever. Some degree of added vigilance can go a long way in protecting your network from the turmoil of a breach, from outside or from within.