Here’s a great secured network solutions for your engineering business.
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. However, despite their importance, small businesses often have difficulty competing with larger businesses regarding security. This is because they don’t have the same resources or expertise and are often the target of cyberattacks.
Fortunately, there are several steps small businesses can take to protect themselves. Here are some of the most effective secured network solutions for businesses.
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
Is MPLS dead? With the advent of software-defined networking (SDN), it’s a valid question.
MPLS, or Multiprotocol Label Switching, is a Layer 3 protocol that uses labels to route traffic. It’s been around for more than 20 years, and it’s been widely used by service providers to build private networks. In the past, MPLS was the only option for building a private network. Now, there are alternatives, such as SD-WAN. However, MPLS still has some advantages.
MPLS is a tried-and-true technology. It’s been battle-tested in some of the largest networks in the world. MPLS is also more secure than some of the alternatives. It’s difficult for hackers to intercept traffic on an MPLS network.
MPLS is still a good option if a business is looking for a secure and reliable way to build a private network. When comparing MPLS vs. SD WAN (software-defined wide area network), MPLS is typically more expensive but more secure.
Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)
IPsec is a type of security protocol often used to secure data transfers over the internet. IPsec uses encryption to protect data in transit. It also uses authentication to verify that the data comes from a trusted source.
IPsec is a popular choice for site-to-site VPNs (virtual private networks). It’s also often used to secure remote access VPNs. If a business is looking for a way to secure data transfers between two sites, IPsec is a good option. It’s a tried-and-true protocol that many companies use.
One downside of IPsec is that it can be complex to set up. If a business is unfamiliar with networking, it may need to hire a consultant to help set up an IPsec VPN.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol to encrypt data transfers. It also uses authentication to verify that the data comes from a trusted source. SSL is a popular choice for web browsing and email. Many websites use SSL to secure data transfers. SSL is also often used to secure remote access VPNs.
One of the positives about SSL is that it’s relatively easy to set up. In addition, it’s relatively easy to use to transfer data securely between two points.
One downside of SSL is that it’s not as secure as other options on this list. SSL has seen high-profile security breaches like the Heartbleed Bug. If security is a business’s top priority, it may want to choose another option.
TLS (Transport Layer Security)
TLS is a security protocol used to encrypt data transfers. It’s similar to SSL, but it’s more secure. TLS is often used to secure web browsing and email. Many websites use TLS to secure data transfers. TLS is also often used to secure remote access VPNs.
One of the great things about TLS is that a business can often install certificates itself. TLS is also a good choice if a company is looking for a way to secure data transfers between two sites.
One downside of TLS is that it’s not as widely supported as SSL. Some older devices and software may not be compatible with TLS. If a business is using TLS to secure data transfers, it may need to upgrade devices and software.
SSH (Secure Shell)
SSH is a type of security protocol used to encrypt data transfers. It also uses authentication to verify that the data comes from a trusted source. SSH is a popular choice for remote access VPNs.
SSH’s relatively easy to set up is one of the positives. It’s also one of the more affordable security solutions. In addition, SSH is compatible with a variety of operating systems.
Some negatives about SSH include that it can be slow and not as secure as some of the other options on this list.
Conclusion
There are a variety of different secured network solutions available for businesses. MPLS is certainly not dead, but it does have limitations. The best solution for a business will depend on its specific needs. If security is a top priority, a company may want to consider a solution like IPsec or TLS.
If a business is looking for an affordable solution, SSH may be a good option. Whatever solution a company chooses, it should ensure that it understands how it works and how to set it up properly to make it work the way it is supposed to.
