Understanding Wide Area Networks (WAN):
Connecting Geographically Separated Locations
Wide area networks or “WAN” is how individual devices and networks communicate with each other across geographically separate locations. WAN requests and receives data from hosted servers or applications such as Google or Spotify. WAN connections are typically internet connections, though they can also be logical links between business sites or data centres. Essentially any connection that transports data between physically separate points.
WAN connections come in two distinct flavours; private and public.
- Private connections
Favoured by businesses, they offer higher SLA’s and speeds, dedicated infrastructure and are viewed as inherently more secure. - Public connections
Favoured by residential users. Typically cheaper, they are subject to change (in terms of speed and availability) and utilise shared public infrastructure.
None of these characteristics are particularly good for business use.
So how do you go about ensuring your connection to the outside world is secure?
- Edge security appliances (commonly known as firewalls) are the first line of defence in achieving a secure connection. Through them, you can set security policies for what sort of external sites and IP addresses you don’t wish your users to visit. Additionally, they can be licensed for deep packet inspection features such as the following: Application Awareness, Intrusion Prevention and Anti-Malware (typically referred to as Next Generation Firewall or NGFW features)
- Utilise secure VPN when accessing business-critical information stored off-site. A VPN encrypts your data and obfuscates your source IP, making it infinitely harder to steal and use any data you may transmit externally. It also masks where this data came from, significantly reducing the chance of any would-be external threat knowing where to send their malicious content.
- WAN architecture also plays an important role in security. There are many ways and concepts for this such as SD-WAN, MPLS and VPLS however the latest emerging technology in this area is SASE – Secure Access Service Edge. This is essentially the convergence of numerous WAN and network security services into a single cloud-based “as a service” model. This gives you access to all the latest security services and advancements, without having to re-architect and re-invest in your network every 12 months.
Securing Your WAN: Essential Practices
A secure WAN is critical for protecting against data breaches, unauthorised access, and cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive business information and reliable service for customers and operations.
Key WAN Security Threats
Data Interception and Theft: Unauthorised entities can intercept or steal data during transmission.
Malware and Ransomware: These attacks can cripple network operations and access sensitive data.
DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service attacks can overwhelm and disrupt network operations.
Effective WAN Security Measures
Robust Authentication Protocols: Ensure only authorised users and devices access the network.
Regular Software Updates: Keep network software and hardware up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
Network Segmentation: Divide the network into segments to contain breaches and simplify management.
Enhancing Security with Encryption and VPNs
Encryption: Encrypting data in transit ensures intercepted data remains unreadable.
VPNs: Virtual Private Networks create secure, encrypted tunnels for data transmission, essential for remote and branch offices.
Proactive Monitoring and Incident Response
Continuous Monitoring: Implement systems to monitor network activity for unusual patterns or potential threats.
Incident Response Plan: Have a plan in place to respond quickly and effectively to security incidents, minimising damage.
Securing your WAN involves integrating the right technologies and strategies. By recognising the importance of WAN security, understanding common threats, and implementing best practices, you can build a fortified network that supports and protects your business operations and customer data.
All of these factors discussed across these past 3 articles contribute towards your ideal security posture as a business. The Cyber security war will never end, but every small victory in battle is another step gained in keeping your business and your users safe.
Reach out to me to discuss our network security services, security appliances and how to achieve a secure connection for your business.