Managed Network Security Services Explained
What is Managed Network Security?
What Are Managed Network Security Services?
Managed SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) leverages software-defined networking (SDN) principles to improve network performance, enhance security and reduce costs. SD-WAN simplifies corporate networking by centralizing management of SD-WAN devices deployed and connected to one or more network links at each location. SD-WAN appliances support multiple, diverse network connections, including broadband (e.g., cable, DSL and 4G LTE) or MPLS. If one connection goes down, traffic can fail over to a backup link. Alternatively, all links can be active, with traffic dynamically directed over the best-performing connection. Adding in third-party expert SD-WAN management ensures 24/7 oversight to maximize uptime.
Managed Firewall
Firewall solutions filter inbound and outbound network traffic based on predefined criteria, protecting business network data and user devices from unauthorized access, cyberattack and other malicious activity. Managed firewall solutions are configured and monitored by expert cybersecurity specialists, allowing for complex rules and policies that filter traffic based on specific network security and compliance needs.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
IDS systems monitor network events and user activity, analyzing them for suspicious behavior and identifying cyberthreats. IPS systems prevent imminent cybersecurity breaches and block malicious intent before network data can be compromised. Together, IDS/IPS can deliver meaningful information on identified threats, allowing for remediation and adjustments to network security configurations.
Managed VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) connect network devices to a remote server, encrypting data and masking IP addresses, making network activity private and protected. Managed VPN services may also include firewall protection, access control, web filtering, and enhanced data encryption.
Antivirus and Antimalware
Antivirus and antimalware software scans downloaded files and computer activity against libraries of known malicious software and suspicious behaviors. The software isolates suspicious files and alerts users to determine further action. Some programs may remove these files altogether if security protocols are strict or malicious intent is certain.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
According to Gartner, secure access service edge (SASE) delivers converged network and security capabilities, including SD-WAN, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access service broker (CASB), next-generation firewall (NGFW), and zero trust network access (ZTNA). Together, these SASE components support secure access to branch offices, remote workers, and on-premises employees. SASE is primarily delivered as a service and enables zero trust access based on the identity of the device or entity, combined with real-time context and security and compliance policies.
What Are the Benefits of Managed Network Security Services
Data Leak Prevention
The paramount reason for employing managed security services is to protect sensitive corporate data or personal identifying information (PII) against theft or compromise by malicious actors inside or outside the organization.
Business Continuity
Cyberbreach can disrupt or halt regular business operations altogether, racking up significant costs from lost sales and productivity. If a cyberattack’s impact is substantial, business reputations can take a hit, forcing concerned customers to leave and prospects to turn to businesses with heartier cybersecurity infrastructures.
Customer and Partner Confidence
All businesses, including customers and partners, seek ways to secure their network data. Existing customers and partners need peace of mind that working with a business won’t result in data leaks or cybersecurity breaches. Furthermore, prospective customers and prospects will opt to deal with secure, less risky companies that have invested in cybersecurity.
Remote Work Enablement
Remote and hybrid work deployments have become commonplace for flexibility and cost savings. However, “work from anywhere” allows bad actors to infiltrate business networks through myriad endpoints and less secure home networks. To make remote and hybrid work viable, businesses must adopt cybersecurity solutions to protect their network data.
Compliance
Many industries are subject to specific, stringent regulations that require high levels of security. Managed network security services can help businesses comply with rules, such as HIPAA for healthcare institutions, PCI DSS for companies that accept payment cards, and GDPR for those that work with European citizen data.
Why Outsource Network Security?
Reduce Hardware and Operational Costs
Avoid costly upfront fees for hardware and installation with managed IT security delivered as a monthly subscription service. Additionally, managed IT security services can be added and removed as necessary in response to changing IT budgets.
Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology
MSSPs and MNSPs are constantly monitoring market trends and updating their solutions to be competitive and effective, giving you all the benefits with none of the effort spent researching and implementing new technologies.
Refocus Your IT Department
The responsibility of installing, managing and troubleshooting network security solutions falls onto the MSSP or MNSP rather than your IT team. Your IT team is freed up to focus on critical day-to-day activities, refining overall strategy and other value-driving tasks.
Access Seasoned Expertise
Managed security providers have in-house experts and technology specialists to install and manage your network security solutions, ensuring optimum configurations and effective support.
Receive 24/7 Monitoring and Support
Network security service providers can monitor your network security solutions around the clock and provide 24/7/365 customer support to ensure problems are addressed and resolved as quickly as possible.
Unlock Scalability
MSSPs and MNSPs offer their services as a subscription service that can accommodate expansion to new locations. Additionally, services can be upscaled or downscaled as needed in response to sudden growth or shrinkage.
About AireSpring Managed Network Security Services
VMware
VMware SD-WAN and Secure Access Service Edge technology ensures a reliable, resilient and secure WAN, utilizing various connection options such as multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), LTE, Wi-Fi, satellite and cost-effective broadband. AireSpring’s managed IT and network services remove the complexity, time and resources required for enterprises to deal with the array of technologies and business interactions associated with SD-WAN and SASE procurement and deployments.
Fortinet
AireSpring leverages Fortinet’s industry-leading cybersecurity services, including Secure SD-WAN, Next-Generation Firewall, Secure SD-Branch, and SASE solutions to extend security across the WAN and access edge to benefit distributed enterprises, their offices, and employees regardless of location.
Cisco Meraki
AireSpring Cisco Meraki SD-WAN with Firewall is an economical managed security solution providing SD-WAN functionality with an integrated Next-Generation Firewall to protect businesses from external threats. It delivers a fully managed, easy-to-deploy solution, including complete design engineering, dedicated project management, white-glove implementation, and support from AireSpring’s technology experts.
