Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and this threat is on a steady increase, year after year. Companies must have network security embedded in their very core and design, which is what Network Security Architecture is all about.

It provides the foundation of an organization’s cyber defense and helps to ensure that all company assets are protected.

Consumers are now aware of the harms of poor security and demand better security performance from companies they work with.

Here, we will discuss what a network security architecture is, the types of security architectures, the best practices to apply, and how your organization can get started on implementing a successful network security architecture.

What is Network Security Architecture?

Network security architecture, also known as cybersecurity architecture, is the act of designing computer systems to protect your business from cyber-attacks. It is the core of your business’s defense against security threats.

At arravo, we design cybersecurity architecture for businesses like yours using a cybersecurity architectural framework. It defines the structure, standards, policies, and functional behavior of your computer network, including security measures.

A network security framework will help your organization identify security risks and then position security controls to address them. Ideally, a network security architecture framework will allow your organization to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the data within your business operations. It should cover three key elements, which we will further discuss in this article: procedural and policy-related elements, standards and frameworks, and security and network elements.

Modern Network Security Architecture does not only integrates firewalls, antivirus programs, and intrusion detection elements in securing company data but also maintains and maximizes these tools alongside your policies and procedures. This provides a “zero trust” model, which involves verifying every request, whether the users are within or outside the company. By applying access control and establishing several checkpoints within a network, organizations can limit their exposure to malware infiltration.

Your business might not have the necessary expertise and technologies needed to build network security systems while applying Network Security Architecture best practices, so it is a good idea to speak to our network security architect. A Network Security Architect’s salary might be too high for a business that is looking into hiring full-time staff.

Elements of Network Security Architecture?

A network security architecture involves both the network and the security elements.

• Network Elements: Network nodes (computers, routers, etc.), communications protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, etc.), connection media (wired, wireless), and topologies (bus, star, mesh, etc.).
• Security Elements: Cybersecurity devices and software, secure communications protocols (e.g. IPsec VPN and TLS), and data privacy technologies (classification, encryption, key management, etc.).

Cybersecurity Standards and Framework

Understanding cybersecurity architecture and its role within an organization begins with studying pre-existing standards and frameworks. Compliance with industry standards is not only about laws, but is a simple way to improve your organization’s overall cyber health.

When choosing a framework, it must meet organization needs and is the logical first step when implementing a network security architecture project.

Standards are mandatory aspects outlined in law as regulations and legislation. These set out the outcome organizations must show through their active compliance with the law. Examples of relevant network standards are:

1. Information Security Standards

As part of Nigeria’s security architecture, some personal information and sensitive information must be protected, both personal and important to the state, such as

• PCI DSS: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
• ASV: Approved Scanning Vendor
• EU GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation
• CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act
• HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
• HITRUST: The Health Information Trust Alliance

2. Frameworks

All organizations must measure the relative security (and level of compliance) provided by the existing cybersecurity architecture and termed as follows:

1. Identify: Fundamental to the overall working of the framework. Activities here usually involve developing and understanding critical infrastructure within the business operation. Effectively determining the management of cybersecurity risk within the organization.
2. Protect: What are the organizational measures ensuring adequate safeguards of critical infrastructure? Think of the business’s ability to contain/limit a cybersecurity scenario.
3. Detect: Establishing appropriate measures to identify the occurrence of a cybersecurity event. This done well allows for a timely discovery of cybersecurity events mitigating potential losses of services.
4. Respond: The organization’s ability to respond after detection of a cybersecurity event. Think of the business incident response plan, etc.
5. Recover: How quickly and efficiently can the organization return to normal business activities after a cybersecurity event?

NIST security architecture is intended to protect the CIA of data; Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. These elements are a function of the overall intended purpose of a robust cybersecurity architecture.

Security Architecture and Design

Security architecture and design have to do with how information security controls and safeguards are implemented in IT systems to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data used, processed, and stored in those systems.

Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Architecture With Arravo

At Arravo our security advisory team can evaluate your entire IT infrastructure for susceptibilities and verify that your policies and procedures meet the latest industry best practices.

We offer various security solutions and services, including Security Advisory and Governance Services, vulnerability assessments, Security Monitoring and detection services, Network Security, Security Operations Center, Endpoints security, perimeter security, application, and email security, and Cloud Security.

Arravo Ltd is a leading global systems integrator and managed services provider.
With over 300 of the finest ICT minds in Nigeria, we spearhead innovation and bring together the world’s best technologies, from business advisory services, risk and service management, Cloud and Digital transformation as well as strategic ICT planning and execution.

Our solutions include Digital Transformation, Advanced And Data Analytics, Security, Cloud Computing, Unified Communications and Collaboration, operate and manage data centers, Converged Connectivity, Mobility, Application, Business Consulting And Professional Services, Internet of Things, Managed print services (MPS) and are built on best-in-class infrastructure. Other products are Email Security And Encryption, and the Best Practices For Employees, Worry-Free Business Services, Network Security Architecture, and Endpoint Security Standards and Checklist.

We design, manage and optimize technology environments, allowing you to trust in the power of technology while focusing on your core business.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP! SPEAK TO AN ENDPOINT SECURITY EXPERT.