Protecting Your Network Perimeter: Life on the Edge

Your perimeter security is the first and foremost layer of defense in your network, which is why it’s of the utmost importance to step back and review its design very carefully. The obvious step that you will need to take when it comes to ensuring a sound architecture, is determining what needs to be protected and then designing your network perimeter security in such a way that it can easily adapt according to your needs as they grow or change.

To make this easier to understand, think of your website’s network perimeter like a castle. The building normally has a majority of defenses attached to it; such as a moat, huge and daunting gate, high walls, guards etc. Similarly, your website should possess multiple layers of defense.

What one has to understand is that in order to come up with a great defense strategy; it is necessary to determine where the perimeter lies and the technologies involved. Simply put, the perimeter is the boundary of your website’s network, i.e. the gateway where all essential data and information flows in and out from other networks, not excluding the internet.

Perimeter defense and security acts exactly like a checkpoint does, i.e. it allows data that has been authorized to enter without any problem while blocking traffic that is suspicious. How does it achieve that?

Through Border Routers

The first layer of defense against unauthorized and suspicious online traffic, network routers work just like traffic cops and direct data into, within and out of networks.

A special kind of router, it stands vigilant between your network and the internet or any other external network. Installing this line of defense is probably a wise idea as all internet traffic and activity necessarily pass through the border router, hence making it a logical place for filtering anything that comes or go outs.

Through Firewalls

The basic job of a firewall is to stop or permit data from coming into or out of the network. For achieving the purpose of perimeter defense and security; software is widely available either installed as a router or as a standalone device.

The services that a firewall can provide to your website’s network security are many. Such a software or device can analyze all transactions to make sure that inbound packets were asked for. It can also block data from IP addresses and ports that have been specified and last but not the least, a firewall ensures a network address translation feature.

Through VPNs

A VPN or virtual private network provides perimeter security to your website’s network by putting it into a simple code or encrypted data that is sent between remote users and your business network, over the internet. To understand this more easily, VPNs create a kind of private tunnel through the internet.

This technology is very popular amongst enterprises and business of all sizes and should particularly help you in the pursuit of creating a secure and safe network for your online business.

Through Intrusion Detection Systems

Installing such a system will protect your website’s network, by analyzing ingoing and outgoing traffic and detecting suspicious activity. Due to this system, your website’s network administrator will be immediately notified of any suspicious activity in the event of anything unusual being detected.

This will ensure that the right people can take prompt action to stop an unwanted invasion into the network. Lean Security, a managed web hosting service provider in Australia offers products and software which are not only effective in providing just what you want in terms of security, but are also best suited to your budget, so contact us now!

How to Protect and Secure Your Important Data Using SaaS Applications

The size of your company doesn’t matter when it comes to protecting your business’s website network. Hackers will be still attracted to your company’s vital data and information whether it’s a big company, small or just starting out in the field. This is the reason why, having a rock solid security defense of the network is of the utmost importance.

Cybercriminals won’t wait for you to place effective security measures against them, which is why you will need to put them fast! This is where companies that provide ‘security as a service’ applications and products come in. Such companies normally provide managed web hosting and security services to the customers. They have become a very important part when it comes to web application security of your online businesses.

What is SaaS?

This term can be loosely described as a kind of security tool which doesn’t require any software or on-premise hardware distribution. Not to be confused with older security tools such as anti-virus software, the distinction between the two is that SaaS applications and software doesn’t have to be installed on every single computer on the network.

The reasons why this should be the preferred security system is:

• It protects the network from malware
• It helps keep track of those who sign into the network
• It monitors activity of all other cloud applications that you use

Who Can Benefit, and How?

This type of a distribution model doesn’t require a big IT department or security team to help keep the network up and running while monitoring for any discrepancies; therefore small and mid range businesses are the ones who can benefit a lot from such applications and software.

Of course, putting trust for your network’s security into another company’s hands is a lot to ask for, but there are a number of web hosting service providers in Australia who provide the most effective security measures that you would want for your company’s network.

Maintain a Specific Application or More

By consistently maintaining a number of applications, operations and efficiency are increasingly simplified for all users.

Maintain a Consistent Level of Functions

The technology allows providers to maintain offerings steadily in the areas of automating testing, maintenance and upgrades, monitoring etc without sending updates repeatedly which need to be applied by the users.

Is Beneficial to Small Businesses

Particularly those with a limited or no IT staff when it comes to economies of efficiencies and scale provided by the service providers.

Availability of the Latest Applications

Businesses can take advantage of a fully hosted desktop that will be highly available, will be kept up to date with latest versions of SaaS applications, and will be monitored as well.

Easy Access via the Internet

Your consumers can very easily and conveniently access services and applications via the internet, as often, they are available from the office, as well on the go.

Helps Companies Avoid Capital Outlay

This provides some ease when it comes to having to buy large, up-front capital outlay for the company’s servers and software etc. Companies can rent access to what they need and pay accordingly through a monthly, quarterly or annually package.

How to Protect Your Business from DDoS Attacks

DDoS protection basically refers to a succession of actions that endeavor to protect the network against potential DDoS attacks. Many people ask why it is important to have the network protected against DDoS attacks. This is a common question because most people are not aware of the risks and possible damages associated with DDoS attacks. DDoS protection plans can only be appreciated by people who are conscious of the destruction caused by such attacks.

Essentially, DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks target a network by overwhelming it with traffic from numerous sources, making the entire network unavailable; effectively rendering it unusable. That is of course the worst case scenario. DDoS attacks of less intensity are capable of slowing down the processing capacity of a router and even other resources related to the network stack due to the significantly increased load on it.

One of the oldest manners of DDOS attacks is the sending a huge amount of e-mails to a single receiver. This process basically reduces the storage capacity by filling up a huge amount of space. This approach is a very typical one yet continues to persist, albeit rarely.

DDoS attacks do not merely fill up your storage space; they cause a lot more damage than you can fathom. DDoS attacks usually break a huge number of machines and systems in the World Wide Web. As a result of which, there is a bandwidth fatigue or collapse. The most frequent targets of the DDOS attacks consist of the Internet, File Sharing websites, services providers, and even Domain Names Services. There is also a trend that has been noticed by DDoS experts and it suggests that DDOS attacks typically happen during periods of high sales. Not only does this trend threaten to attack business authorities but the consumers of a business as well.

Even though these problems can be highly destructive, effective solutions do exist. They can be resolved tactically and rationally through DDOS protection systems. DDoS protection systems can help in resolving accessibility problems. The best bet is still to take preventive measures beforehand, because at times, the damage caused from a DDoS attack may be irreversible, as a result of which, businesses can end up losing important information.

Managed DDoS Protection Services are an ideal answer to all the problems related to DDoS attacks. They do not merely resolve complications related to DDoS attacks but they also guard the business systems and networks against potential DDoS attacks. They serve as a wise investment to guarantee maximum productivity of an enterprise.

Most Managed DDoS Protection service providers offer a service that fundamentally adds a virtual barrier between all the outside sources and the web servers of their clients, which helps in keeping out all malicious and threatening traffic. Normally, their services monitor all the incoming traffic to a business’ system or website, and in case malicious data is received, it is flagged and sent to the service provider’s system and the client’s system or website remains protected. Safe traffic is not affected.

In case you want to avail Managed DDoS Protection Services, do check out our services here.

How Are You Shielding Your Business Against the Threats Related to Web Applications?

Web applications have been in trend for a while now and they keep on advancing. They have perhaps penetrated all the crucial segments of our daily lives that include our corporate and business world as well. Business applications related to accounting, customer relationship Management, collaboration, Enterprise Resource Management, online banking, content management, E-commerce are now all made available on the Internet. Web Applications have played a vital role in increasing speed and accessibility to all kinds of business information for an enterprise’s clients, partners and employees. They have also assisted in allowing savings. Today, not only have most things shifted to the web but almost all of them host a business’ most sensitive and valuable data.

Cyber criminal activity and intrusions are also very common these days and therefore, web applications frequently get attacked. The reason behind these attacks is that web applications are practically everywhere, and if not secured properly, they offer a very simple entry into the most sensitive and profitable information chambers of a company.

According to a study, 73 percent of companies get hacked in the duration of 24 months, simply because of flaws in their web applications security plans. The prime reason behind the security gap is that most of the enterprises that have now shifted to cloud environment and are using web applications, still rely on the security of conventional network firewalls and anti malware software in order to guard their data.

1. ADVANCEMENTS BRING NEW VULNERABILITIES

As the requirements of a business expand, they build new web applications in order to meet their special needs. High demands like these end up creating high-pressure situations for developers and programmers, particularly when it engages the development of boundless improvements and brand new functionalities.

If a company does not have proper and secure development practices for software, putting in just the tiniest features on web applications can end up leading to inconceivable vulnerabilities. In addition to these, factors like flaws in logics, backup files that are forgotten, code debugging, and other expansion and production linked vulnerabilities are a customary challenge to web application security in the corporate world.

2. SECURING WEB APPLICATIONS

There are numerous instances of Web application attacks that actually have nothing to do with logic or coding errors. A lot of times, web application threats come from protocol, language, or the platforms that are used to deliver these web applications. All these things can be put into the category of the web applications’ environment.

One of the biggest reasons behind the fact that most web application attacks are successful these days is that the attackers and intruders usually come in a way that is similar to the way in which any legitimate user would come in. They make sure that they are not disturbing any of the RFC’s or W3C’s standards.

Managed Security Services Providers

Solutions to counter security threats when it comes to web applications can be numerous and comprehensive. But with one simple step, they can all be easily avoided without a hassle. This simple one stop solution is acquiring the services of a managed security services provider.

Managed security services providers can provide the following solutions collectively, offering the following services:

1. They offer risk mitigation to make sure that all threats are stopped before they turn into full-blown emergencies.
2. They also offer enhanced network visibility with round-the-clock monitoring.
3. They provide improved network performance, utilization, and uptime In order to allow businesses to make the most of their efficacy.
4. They also provide flexibility in expanding Information Technology resources for strategic projects.
5. They present effortlessness in the management of networks to let business owners dedicate their consideration to matters that are comparatively more urgent.
6. With them, you will have to pay reduced expenses for your network’s maintenance for better outcomes.
7. They will give you a proactive and practical approach to the resolution of issues related to your system.

Picking an experienced and trustworthy Managed Security Services Provider will keep you from fretting about the security of your company’s web applications.

Are you looking for a reliable Managed Security Services Provider for your business? We offer solutions that include secure Managed Cloud hosting platform, managed Web Application Firewall service, Managed Web Application security testing service and DDoS protection.

Data Loss Prevention – Problems and Solutions

If you own a business and have to occasionally deal with data loss because of intruders, chances are, you are not aware of all the steps that you can take to secure your web applications and cloud environment.

Data loss is very common in businesses that do not take proper prevention measures. While data loss might not seem like a huge problem initially, it can potentially ruin a business infrastructure if not taken seriously. There are those out there who keep their eyes on businesses and aim to destroy them. While there is that, there are also ways that can help you shield your cloud environment and web applications against data loss threats.

Following are a few pointers that you should keep in mind to effectively prevent data loss in your enterprise.

1. LIMIT DATA ACCESS

Make sure that your business’ important and sensitive data cannot be accessed by your employees who are not concerned with it. The reason behind this strategy is that if your data can be accessed by any of your employees, chances are, it can be accessed by the intruders as well.

2. BACKUP YOUR DATA

Always backup important data, files, documents, and programs on a regular basis. Backups are basically considered an essential part of the data loss prevention strategy as they offer an accurate copy of the data that has been lost. It is so far the fastest and the easiest way to recover your data if it has been lost.

Nevertheless, backups can be useless if the redundant copy cannot be used by the business. Therefore, checks should be regularly conducted every now and then to make sure that the backup is in a usable condition, up to date, and free from all kinds of viruses and malware. This way, it will come in handy if disaster strikes.

3. SYSTEM PROTECTION

Another strategy that should be religiously followed is the prevention of human error. Passwords should be used where there are important and confidential files or programs in order to prevent erasure by accident.

4. VANISHING OR DELETED DATA

If you end up accidentally deleting or missing your data for no obvious reason, do not make the mistake of creating new files, moving other files around, or saving any old files that you might have, because by doing so, you will be making the possibility of data recovery nearly impossible. To be able to recover the lost data, all activity should immediately be stopped in order to avoid permanent data loss.

5. ACQUIRE ASSISTANCE FROM MANAGED SECURITY SERVICES PROVIDERS

The best and most reliable way to go about preventing data loss is to acquire the services of an experienced Managed Security Services Provider. Managed Security Service Providers eliminate the need of hiring in-house developers and IT technicians at work that may build a security infrastructure to avoid data loss incidents. Managed Security Services cover everything from data backup to regular scanning of the system, monitoring intrusions etc. They are a one-stop solution to all the security needs of an enterprise.

In this age of Information Technology Advancement, we can have extensive repercussions that cause a ripple effect as more and more people keep being affected from data loss incidents. The jeopardy of losing data is augmenting on a daily basis as an increasing number of people are choosing to use and rely on computers and technology. They say prevention is better than cure, so it is always a better idea to shield your sensitive data before you end up losing it.

In case you want to avail Managed Security Services for your business, we offer solutions that include secure Managed Cloud hosting platform, managed Web Application Firewall service, Managed Web Application security testing service, and DDoS protection.