The 7 Deadly Sins of Network Security

Looking to avoid pitfalls and stay on the virtuous network security path? 

You’ve come to the right place. Here are the 7 deadly sins of network security, how they can bring trouble to your organization, and how to avoid them. 

#1: Pride in Good Enough Security

We get it, segmenting the network is hard – No one wants to set-up zones, configure firewalls between them, and then maintain that mess. Instead, you rely on a simple legacy VPN and a firewall at the perimeter to defend your network. 

But what happens when one of your employees falls for a phishing scam, and their login credentials fall into the hands of threat actors? 

A whole lot of lateral movement, that’s what. 

Avoid putting too much pride into your perimeter-focused solution, and confront the security landscape as it is, not how you wish it would be. 

ZTNA Is the New Way

To truly secure yourself from lateral movement look to a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strategy. 

Using ZTNA, you restrict access to your applications and resources based on identity and context with continuous verification. This ensures that users only have access to the applications and data that they need for their jobs, and nothing more. 

Sales doesn’t need access to the code base on the company Git server, while developers don’t need to see the lead database. 

#2: Wrath After a Data Breach

Don’t fall into bouts of extreme anger after someone on your team falls victim to a devastatingly simple multi-factor authentication (MFA) fatigue attack.

What’s Multi-Factor Authentication Fatigue?

You’re using SSO and you’ve deployed multi-factor authentication via a frictionless single-touch mobile app. You’ve satisfied both the:

  • Company’s security requirements
  • The demand from users for a mostly frictionless way to login. 

Then those crafty hackers get to work. After stealing login credentials, the bad guys figure that if they ping their target enough times to request a single-touch authorization on that MFA app, the victim just might get annoyed or frazzled enough to authorize that malicious login.

Prevent MFA Fatifuge with Training & Awareness

Even though it sounds unbelievable, MFA fatigue is a real thing. 

Don’t direct your wrath towards the person who fell for it. After all, with proper awareness training, or more advanced MFA requirements for sensitive accounts and data, this whole mess could’ve been avoided. 

#3: Gluttony for Security Tools

Even if you aren’t going around screaming “give me more, more, more” you can still stuff your organization with dozens of security tools. They all might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but now it’s become impossible to manage, and who knows how many security holes are being left unmitigated… 

Choose Converged Security Solutions

This problem, famously called tool sprawl, is easily avoided when you choose converged security solutions that offer multiple technologies in one spot. 

Don’t be fooled by the promise of more.

#4: Lust for New Devices

Everyone wants the cool new thing, be it the latest smartphone or laptop. If people in your organization just gotta have the latest gadget, don’t be tempted to allow just any old device onto your network. 

Leverage Agentless ZTNA

Embrace the power of Agentless Zero Trust Network Access to manage those unmanaged devices. 

Agentless ZTNA gives unmanaged devices access to select company resources through a private web portal that gives restricted access to devices you can’t control and don’t want on your network.

#5: Slothful VPN

We all feel lethargic from time to time, but no one has time for slow VPN connections. If your VPN is all about sloth, it’s time to retire it. 

Embrace Cloud-Based Network Security Solutions

A cloud-based network security solution allows for more direct access to cloud resources and the Internet without the punishing backhaul to the closest company data center or branch office. 

That means faster connections, and happier, more efficient workers.

#6: Greedy for Cuts

The economy’s tough, but skimping on security isn’t going to help matters. In fact, it might just make them worse. The costs associated with a single ransomware attack top $4 million. 

The costs can be even higher when malicious breaches include data exfiltration…

Look for Solutions that Balance Value & Cost

Don’t be greedy for cuts, instead get smart and look for solutions that offer value with a lower total cost of ownership. 

#7: Envy for Easy Network Security

Tired of that IT manager acquaintance of yours talking about how much easier life is, and how network emergencies rarely keep them working late? 

Cure that jealousy by joining the cloud-based, converged networking and network security revolution. 

Check Point’s SASE Is Here to Help!

Check Point’s SASE offers hardware-free, cloud-based solutions like Zero Trust Network Access that connects people only to the resources they need. Plus, the zero trust approach supports continuous verification based on identity and context. 

This ensures that only authorized people are accessing company data.

The Firewall-as-a-Service backs up ZTNA to help keep unwanted visitors to your cloud and on-prem resources. Malware Protection and Web Filtering, meanwhile, work together to protect your users from:

  • Phishing, ransomware
  • Trojans
  • Drive-by downloads 

We can get your network up and running with our solution in minutes, not days or weeks, and you too can be on the path of virtue with a happy, healthy network for you and your users. Learn more about the Check Point’s SASE approach to network security.

Book a Demo today to see how much easier network security can be.

FAQs

How often should I review and update my security systems?
Regular security system updates and reviews are critical to combat evolving cyber threats. Security policies should be updated on a regular basis to reflect current best practices. Regularly review your security systems for vulnerabilities and implement necessary updates and patches to ensure maximum protection.
How do I protect my company from phishing attacks? 
Phishing attacks are a common cyber threat that can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches. To protect your company, implement strong security policies that include regular employee training on recognizing phishing attempts. Use robust email filtering systems and ensure all employees use secure passwords for their company devices.
What are some ways to improve my company’s network security?
Improving network security is crucial to protect your company from cyber attacks. Adopt a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strategy, which restricts access to applications and data based on identity and context. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts and data adds an extra layer of security.
What are some common blind spots in cybersecurity?
Many companies have blind spots in their cybersecurity posture. One common oversight is relying solely on perimeter-focused solutions, leaving the network vulnerable to lateral movement attacks. Another blind spot is failing to address the potential for multi-factor authentication fatigue, which allows hackers to exploit user frustration and gain unauthorized access.
What are the minimum requirements for a secure password?
To protect your credit card and personal data, creating secure passwords is essential. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable phrases.