No matter the sector, network security is an essential component of many organizations’ day to day activities and mission-critical tasks. Government agencies require a secure and highly regulated network to ensure that sensitive data isn’t intercepted or compromised. For enterprises, much of their mission-critical information is transferred via networks and can be vulnerable without the proper setup and support.
Network security is important for preventing costly data loss and protecting your network from malicious attacks. The average cost of a data breach is $3.9 million, resulting in an average of $150 per record lost1. In addition, it takes an average of 279 days to identify and contain a data breach. The long-term negative impacts can bog organizations down financially and also impact customer brand loyalty and perception.
Strengthening network security can be done through several strategies. To increase network security without needing additional equipment or significant changes, consider the following tactics:
Organizations should continue to monitor their network infrastructure and be aware of emerging technologies and hardware offering companies more secure and faster networks. Once the company has determined that their existing network infrastructure needs to be revamped or replaced, they should consider leveraging a network solution optimized for security:
Dark fiber is a popular network solution for organizations requiring secure networks because they can lease unlit fiber optic strands to receive a private connection that they own, operate, and maintain. Dark fiber leases have full customization over how secure to make their network by having ownership over the equipment instead of using a third party. In addition, dark fiber connections are separate from main networks, promoting security.
Similar to dark fiber, dedicated internet access allows organizations to privately lease network lines between an ISP and a single point. The private circuit goes directly to the location of the lessee, which adds security and ensures that only approved users can access or tap into the network.
Switched ethernet is another viable network solution for enhanced security because the physical lines are harder to hack compared to wireless services because they would require someone to have access to its physical location. In addition, the safety protocols and localized design of ethernet promotes secure transfer of information compared to centralized network alternatives.
Managed wavelength services allow organizations to keep their data private because the network isn’t shared with any other customers. In addition, network providers are unable to see the information contained when transferring or sending packets of data.
Local managed network services providers (MNSPs) are uniquely positioned to provide organizations with secure network solutions in the form of managed network setups and on-site support. With the help of a local MNSP, organizations can offload network monitoring and security tasks off their workload to focus on more important IT tasks, as well as add an additional layer of security by hosting networks in offsite locations where only their employees can access.
SCE Carrier Solutions is a local MNSP that provides enterprises, telecom carriers, academic institutions, government agencies, and other organizations across Southern California with: