Simple and reliable network security management and protection for SMBs

When it comes to cybersecurity, what’s the difference between SMBs and large enterprises? If you guessed that the difference is related to the number of cyberattacks, then you’d be wrong. SMBs suffer just as many cyberattacks as large enterprises.

The difference between Enterprise and SMB network security management and protection

So, then, when it comes to cybersecurity, what’s the difference between small and large businesses? Well, we wondered the same thing, so we conducted a survey and learned that many of the issues are similar except for one key factor.

When it comes to cybersecurity, the main difference between large enterprises and SMBs is related to the size of the IT staff dedicated to cybersecurity.  Some SMBs, especially those of small size, don’t have any dedicated, in-house IT staff at all!

The cyber threats facing SMBs

In some extreme cases, there’s a significant lack of awareness and knowledge about the potential damage that cyberattacks can create. Among others, there’s not even an awareness that the business should be protected from cyberattacks in the first place.

This is a big problem. As IoT and connected devices proliferate, proper network management and cybersecurity become ever more critical for SMBs.

This is because the threats targeting SMB networks never cease to evolve. A toxic brew of ransomware, phishing, malware, and data exploitation poses a threat to SMBs throughout the world.

In 4Q 2019, Allot detected an average of 124 threat events per customer per month, of which 93% of those threat events were phishing attacks or adware. These threats included more than 50,000 unique malicious URIs. The biggest attack category is related to attacks delivering adware of some sort, followed by downloaders, and malware that can be used to delivey any other malicious payload the attacker desires.

As it stands, with all the new tech and software applications we all use, even small business networks are increasingly difficult to manage. Add that to the growing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks and it’s not surprising to see that a solution is needed. The growing prevalence of Bring Youn Device (BYOD) practices further increases the risk of infection of the business networks. Yet, many small businesses lack the necessary security expertise.

How to set up effective network security for SMBs

So, what’s the answer? From our perspective at Allot, the research has uncovered an exceptional opportunity for communication service providers (CSPs).

CSPs have a unique position in the market because thecanto touches all network traffic in and out of increasingly complex SMB environments, on fixed, on mobile, and even on WiFi.

A network-based solution for SMB network management and cybersecurity offered by CSPs provides the advantage of covering the full gamut of smart devices without needing to bring them under management individually. CSP solutions of this type are also deployable to the entire customer base easily, which is another distinct advantage to other SMB network management and cybersecurity solutions on the market.

Allot’s recent MobileTrends survey shows that around 60% of users are willing to consider getting cybersecurity support from their service provider, although only 11% were already paying for such a service.

We recently introduced a new solution to the market to address the critical need and demand among SMBs.

What is network security management?

Network security management refers to the process of protecting a computer network from unauthorized access, misuse, disruption, or any other form of security threats. It involves the implementation, administration, and monitoring of security measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network resources and data.

The primary goal of network security management is to safeguard the network infrastructure and the information it carries. It encompasses various practices and technologies that work together to establish a secure network environment. Here are some key aspects of network security management:

• Risk Assessment: Network security management begins with identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities within the network. This involves evaluating the network architecture, hardware, software, and potential threats to determine the level of risk.
• Security Policies: Developing and implementing comprehensive security policies is crucial. These policies outline the guidelines, rules, and procedures for network usage, user authentication, access control, data encryption, and other security practices.
• Access Control: Network security management involves managing user access to network resources. It includes techniques such as strong authentication mechanisms, password policies, role-based access control (RBAC), and user account management to ensure that only authorized individuals can access specific network components.
• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems: Firewalls are a fundamental component of network security. They monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) are employed to identify and respond to suspicious activities or potential attacks within the network.
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs are utilized to establish secure connections between remote users or branch offices and the central network infrastructure. They provide encrypted tunnels for data transmission over untrusted networks, ensuring confidentiality.
• Network Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of network traffic and security events is essential. Network security management involves using tools like security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and log analyzers to detect and respond to security incidents promptly.
• Patch Management: Regularly applying software patches and updates is vital for addressing vulnerabilities in network devices and software. Network security management includes implementing an effective patch management process to minimize the risk of exploitation.
• Incident Response: Network security management incorporates incident response plans to handle security breaches or cyberattacks effectively. These plans define the steps to be taken in the event of a security incident, including containment, investigation, mitigation, and recovery.
• Employee Education and Awareness: Educating network users about security best practices is crucial. Network security management involves providing training, raising awareness about potential threats like phishing or social engineering, and encouraging employees to follow security protocols.
• Compliance and Auditing: Network security management ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Regular audits and assessments help identify gaps in security controls and ensure adherence to security guidelines.

Effective network security management requires a holistic approach that addresses both technical and human factors. It aims to establish a secure and resilient network infrastructure to protect sensitive information, maintain business continuity, and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.

BusinessSecure: simple & reliable network management for SMBs

Allot BusinessSecure guarantees a simple, reliable, and secure network for the connected business. This is achieved through a small firmware agent installed on the business router, supported by the Allot Secure cloud and a mobile application. These elements, working in concert, provide unprecedented visibility into the network and block both external and internal attacks.

By offering BusinessSecure to their SMB subscribers, network operators can help to keep their customers protected, as well as increase connectivity revenue by 10-15% by leveraging existing Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). With little to no added expense, CSPs can provide adequate security services that protect all of the devices in SMB customer networks.  It’s a true win-win.