Earth to Cloud Network Security Solutions

IT professionals understand that their corporate networks need to be secured. They also realize that cloud computing services at remote data centers need enterprise level security. But what about everything in-between? Once your LAN is extended to a remote location, your vulnerability may go up.

Level 3 Communications has addressed this situation with a comprehensive global security solutions suite they describe as “Earth to Cloud.” The idea is to provide multi-layered protection that keeps everything in the loop... and out of the reach of those who would do you harm.

The key to the success of this approach is a single provider for connectivity and network security. Level 3 is well positioned to be that provider. Their core network spans the globe with a variety of access options. Many content providers take advantage of the Level 3 content delivery network (CDN) to bypass the performance and security challenged Internet and put their content on a fast lane to their customers.

So, what is included in this comprehensive security package? Major elements include Secure Access Services, Managed Security Services, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation, Security Consulting Services, vulnerability scanning combined with DDoS blocking and familiar network edge elements such as anti-virus, anti-spam, and intrusion detection.

Sounds good, but how much support can you count on if you suddenly come under attack. In the case of Level 3, you’ll have 24/7/365 access to their security experts located in four redundant security operations centers (SOCs).

Managed security services are becoming more and more popular among businesses large and small. Part of this is a change in IT philosophy from doing everything in-house to outsourcing many services to companies that specialize in those activities. Cloud computing really started this mass migration when virtualization offered the opportunity to pay only for the resources you are actually using while reserving the opportunity to rapidly scale those resources up and down to match the flow of business in near real time.

Cloud services have expanded way beyond mere renting of processor cycles. They now include complete software solutions or Software as a Service (SaaS), development platforms or Platform as a Service (PaaS) and the computing and storage hardware known as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Telephony has moved to the cloud as well. VoIP technology allows the network to substitute for dedicated telephone lines. It also means the PBX switching system can be located anywhere, including the cloud. Hosted PBX, as it is called, is another money saver for businesses large and small.

Cloud computing, hosted VoIP and network services such as WAN management and security have created a comprehensive set of solutions for companies that want to be more agile in the face of uncertain economic times. Could this approach be of benefit to your company? Check out cloud and network solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Global Crossing Ups Ante On Network Security

What’s a major expense for organizations that nobody wants to talk about? Security breaches. It seems like every few days there’s another big splash in the news about user accounts and credit card numbers being compromised. There’s the direct cost of having to make up for losses, but there’s the larger cost of concerned customers abandoning or avoiding the company out of fear they’ll be the next victims.

These are the security horror stories we hear about. What generally isn’t reported is the espionage and theft of intellectual property that goes on behind the scenes. Your competitive advantage can be neutralized in minutes when key trade secrets and client lists are downloaded by unethical competitors and professional thieves.

Most companies are more attuned to network security than ever before. But is it enough? Judging from breaking news stories and industry buzz, not hardly. This is why Global Crossing is expanding its portfolio of security solutions for enterprise customers.

Global Crossing is well known as a leading worldwide IP network provider serving 40% of the Fortune 500 and hundreds of carriers, mobile operators and Internet service providers. They have the resources and the reach to deal with threats on an international basis. They also have the need, as their customers are prime targets for nefarious activities.

Global Crossings expanded suite of network security measures now includes a new SIEM or Security Information and Event Management platform. This resides in the Global Crossing Security Operations Center (SOC) where a team of security professionals, analysts and engineers monitor and assess network security issues on a full time basis. The reports and analysis are delivered to the proprietary uCommand portal for each customer.

The suite of security features includes a firewall, intrusion prevention service, web content filtering, antivirus and antispam appliance provided by Fortinet. This is augmented by additional professional services that include security policy review and creation, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, incident response and security assessment and audit.

This is a multi-pronged approach that starts with evaluation and design of policies, procedures and technical measures, continuously monitors for threats, automatically thwarts them in progress and reports the attacks, plus jumps into action to deal with new issues as they arise.

The challenge of network security is that it is a rapidly evolving field with highly motivated and increasingly sophisticated perpetrators pitted against equally motivated security professionals. The more valuable your assets and the more your company depends on network connections and an online presence, the greater the threat to your operations.

Are you feeling the need for improved network security? If you are beyond what out of the box antivirus programs can do for you, a managed security solution may be your most cost effective option. Whether you have a small retail store or a Fortune 500 corporation to secure, get pricing and features of managed network security options new. You’ll likely sleep a lot easier knowing that someone in the security center is watching out for your interests.