The challenge of securing large complex enterprise networks and critical data assets remains a major concern for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). This ongoing challenge is due to various factors, such as the cost involved, the breadth of the network, the shortage of skilled security professionals, the constant evolution of technology stacks and integrations, and the migration to the cloud. For industries with high degrees of risk, like financial services and healthcare, these challenges are particularly daunting. Finding the right approach to address these challenges can be overwhelming for CISOs.
One key aspect of effective security planning for CISOs is visibility and scalability. To adequately protect the network and data, CISOs need visibility and monitoring capabilities across different environments, including cloud, hybrid, and on-premises setups. By developing an accurate network architecture map, CISOs can gain insight into the network’s scope, identify assets and risks, and identify redundancies. For example, a network architecture map can detect the number of devices connected to the network and highlight areas that may be at risk. It can also reveal firewall redundancies that, when eliminated, can reduce operational costs. This level of granular network visibility allows enterprises to scale their architecture with more precise insight, maximizing efficiencies and reducing costs.
In addition to improving network security, a network architecture map also enhances cloud security and asset management. Having an accurate and up-to-date inventory of devices and their connections to the network helps detect rogue devices faster, facilitating incident response. In a multi-cloud environment with platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, maintaining visibility without a network architecture map requires considerable effort. Without a centralized map, organizations must go into each cloud map separately and overlay them with the overall network architecture. This creates unnecessary work compared to having one map that represents all environments, globally. A network architecture map can also help address inventory management challenges by accounting for devices with stripped-down operating systems, such as firewalls, routers, and switches. These devices are often overlooked by security teams, making them attractive targets for attackers. Having a complete inventory of assets significantly improves an organization’s ability to identify and remediate threats across complex global networks.
Compliance is another critical aspect of securing enterprise networks. Industry-specific and geographically driven legislation, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, and the upcoming local privacy acts, adds complexity and cost to security efforts. For instance, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) now requires organizations to have reasonable security measures in place, including patch management, adequate logging, and timely incident notifications. Unfortunately, most security budgets do not account for these new legislative requirements, and the economic costs of moving and retaining data to meet compliance demands are often underestimated. As data continues to grow exponentially, organizations face a larger attack surface to monitor and secure. Therefore, having a network architecture map or digital twin becomes essential to demonstrate control over data to regulators. A comprehensive network map provides a detailed visualization of connected systems, access controls, and security measures, improving an organization’s ability to manage, maintain, and protect their complex network.
As organizations come to understand the technology and financial impact of new legislation, they will likely need to reassess their security budgets. Many organizations currently allocate security budgets based on percentages of total IT budgets or other arbitrary measures. However, these approaches may not align with the actual financial implications of new legislation, particularly in cloud environments where costs can reach millions of dollars per month. To ensure adequate security, organizations should evaluate security budgets in proportion to overall cloud spending. Two key areas that often require budget adjustments are Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and Identity and Access Management (IAM). Both these areas focus on patching systems and maintaining proper access controls, as they are common vulnerabilities exploited by attackers.
In conclusion, the task of effectively securing large complex enterprise networks and critical data assets presents significant challenges for CISOs. However, by utilizing network architecture mapping, organizations can gain visibility into their network, identify risks and redundancies, and improve security measures. Additionally, a network map aids in cloud security and asset management, allowing organizations to detect rogue devices and streamline incident response. Compliance requirements further underscore the need for accurate network mapping to demonstrate control over data and meet regulatory obligations. As organizations adapt to new legislation, it is essential to reassess security budgets and allocate resources in proportion to overall cloud spending. By taking these steps, organizations can map their journey towards a more secure and cost-effective network while mitigating risks and achieving compliance.