Edge Security
What is edge security?
Edge security is a type of enterprise security for corporate resources that are no longer within a centralized data center’s protective boundary. Instead, it protects users and apps at the farthest reaches of a company’s network, where sensitive data is highly vulnerable to threats.
What is edge computing?
Computing power is shifting toward “edge computing,” in which corporate resources are delivered via “edge” devices such as those found in the cloud. When we talk about edge computing, we’re talking about the processing and distribution of apps and data on edge, or in other words, where data is created and processed.
Edge computing allows for more efficient processes while keeping data away from the public network, which means there is less danger of having the data fall into the wrong hands. Data is stored and processed locally in the cloud, making it easy to deliver applications to customers and employees.
Edge computing gives enterprise users access to cloud and SaaS applications, regardless of where the endpoint is located. It’s not just about security anymore. A few years ago, computing power was so far out of reach that companies had to compromise on performance and efficiency to fit it into their budgets. Today, we have edge computing, and companies no longer need to compromise.
It provides a distributed, opens IT architecture that enables real-time computing for global and remote workforces—and that powers increasingly important Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. As a result, intelligent applications and IoT devices can instantly respond to data, and businesses can deliver the promise of fast, reliable access to apps and data.
What are the challenges of edge computing—and how does edge security help?
Edge computing offers many benefits for businesses and increases the risks of cybersecurity attacks entering the corporate network. Many Internet-connected devices provide internet access, such as smart light bulbs, thermostats, and coffee makers. This makes them highly vulnerable to security breaches such as DDoS attacks and phishing attempts.
IT no longer has any centralized control, so there’s no way it can see what’s going on. In addition, cybercriminals have a growing ability to attack and compromise mobile and IoT devices, making it essential to protect the network.
Edge security solves this problem by providing a built-in security stack to protect against zero-day threats, malware, and other vulnerabilities at the point of access. Rather than backhauling internet traffic over a WAN network to guard against the perils of internet connectivity, companies can safely steer traffic to the nearest point of access.
What are the components of edge security?
Effective edge security consists of several critical components:
- Edge device security to protect endpoints
Edge computing devices can come in many shapes and sizes. From micro-data centers at remote locations to sensors, cash registers, and routers that demand fast local processing as part of the vast Web of Internet of Things devices, these endpoints are everywhere. The rapid shift to hybrid work models in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic introduced millions of distributed remote offices and BYOD devices, from laptops to smartphones to tablets, for IT departments to manage. Edge devices are typically very inexpensive, making them popular with hobbyists who want to build affordable projects or small businesses that may not require the same level of security.
IT management needs a user interface to increase the efficiency of its information-sharing system. Because they are often small and physically exposed, a device located at the edge of the network is also at risk of being stolen. Some strategies designed to give you an advantage can expose you to more attack risk.
Edge devices are connected to the enterprise network and are used for accessing data, apps, and the Internet. A good example is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. A secure single sign-on system is automated, and your access to company data is controlled by defined access rights to prevent unauthorized users from accessing data.
- Cloud security to protect data at the edge
Edge device security is essential, but cloud security is critical. While cloud storage and analysis remain the preferred location for storing and analyzing data, the sheer volume of data generated by devices connected to the Internet requires much more processing power.
Edge computing by design moves computing and storage resources closer to the sources of data. To manage the load, edge-based computation moves data from the edge to the cloud, especially from the cloud back to the edge, much more vulnerable to attacks. There’s a growing trend toward shifting to the cloud in the healthcare industry. However, enterprises need to comply with strict security policies for sensitive data.
Edge security is an advanced form of cloud edge security that prioritizes the most critical security fundamentals, including encryption, for data stored locally and in transit between the network core and edge computing devices.
- Network edge security to protect internet access
The shift to the network edge means users will need direct internet access to cloud and SaaS applications. But as this connectivity improves the employee experience, it also increases the risk of malicious activity moving from the Internet into the corporate network.
Network edge security allows organizations to use the Internet as a trusted method for connecting to their internal resources to maintain data privacy and integrity. This is a security technology that organizations use to ensure that people and systems have access without compromising performance.
Examples of network edge security solutions include web filtering, anti-malware, intrusion prevention systems, and next-generation firewalls that permit or deny traffic based on IP addresses—functions often built into the organization’s SD-WAN.
What does edge computing security look like today?
To address the need for a cybersecurity model that reflects these new security requirements, many organizations are turning to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which converges SD-WAN capabilities with network security functions as a cloud-delivered service.
The SASE framework includes CASB, FWaaS, and zero-trust security capabilities. These capabilities are available in a single cloud-delivered service model that simplifies IT. If you want to know how to leverage the benefits of software-defined storage, then read SASE Architecture. You’ll learn how SASE allows companies to bring networking and security back to the cloud where the applications and data are located, ensuring secure access no matter where the device is.
In this age of mobile devices and cloud services, securing our applications and data is essential to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands or being used maliciously.
AppViewX solutions for edge security
- Secure internet access to protect all users and applications, in any location, without limiting their abilities to receive critical information.
- Next-generation WAN edge solutions for deep visibility and cloud-based network management and security management through a single pane of glass.
AppViewX product that automates, orchestrates and enables self-service capabilities for ultra-secure application access and change management: ADC+
