How Continuous Verification Strengthens Security in Enterprise Networks?

One of the key priorities for modern businesses is to keep their enterprise network secure. Traditional security models usually trusted users and devices based on one-time checks, assuming that they were safe forever. But this assumption is not valid in today’s business landscape, where cyber threats are prevalent. Insider threats, sophisticated attack methods, and compromised credentials make the enterprise network vulnerable to risk.

Continuous verification constantly monitors and assesses the trustworthiness of devices, users, and networks in real-time. It ensures that devices or users posing a risk can be immediately flagged and either removed or banned from the network. In this article, you will explore the benefits of continuous verification and the methods it uses to make enterprise networks secure.

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Reasons for Weak Security in Enterprise Networks

Some of the common reasons behind weak security in enterprise networks are outlined below:

• If the entry points in the network are not properly configured, they pose potential vulnerabilities and raise the network’s attack surface. This allows hackers to gain access to the network.

• Enterprises with poor access control may, by default, permit all end users within a network to access the sensitive data, even if they don’t require it.

• New regulations about the use and storage of data are being launched more often than what it was before. Due to this, those enterprises that have not yet complied with such regulations will encounter vulnerability in their networks.

• Software developers roll out updates to end users and also recommend downloading the same to prevent zero-day attacks, as much as possible. However, enterprises that don’t update will expose their networks to potential attacks.

• Cybercriminals try to target the easiest entry points, considering that some enterprises will mistakenly click on malicious links that will lead to a breach.  Employees who are not properly educated on cybersecurity can become vulnerable to such attacks.

Advantages of Implementing Continuous Verification

Enterprises aiming to enhance their network security posture can benefit from continuous verification in the following ways:

• Continuous verification guarantees that enterprises can spot threats in real-time and adopt strategies to prevent breaches before they grow.

• The old multi-factor authentication is not so effective, whereas continuous verification minimizes disruption by offering transparent security measures that adapt to user behavior.

• The constant monitoring of user actions and device health means that continuous verification can tackle the risks introduced by insider threats. If there are any deviations from normal behavior, they can be promptly flagged. Thus, malicious insiders can be spotted before they can harm the enterprise network.

• Enterprises belonging to industries such as healthcare and finance can make the most of the continuous verification’s capability to track access and maintain compliance with industry standards and privacy laws.

• Continuous verification recognizes the most critical issues that need to be resolved promptly. This allows security teams to focus on critical issues rather than addressing unlikely ones.

• This approach allows enterprises to significantly decrease the time between a security control failure and its detection. Faster threat detection helps prevent damage early and avoids cyber attackers from staying in the system too long.

How Continuous Verification Improves Security?

Continuous verification employs advanced technologies to evaluate the reliability of devices and users. The section discusses some of the commonly used methods.

1) Zero trust architecture

The core idea behind continuous verification is zero trust architecture. It assumes that no device, system, or user is trusted by default, although if they are within the network. To keep the enterprise network secure, it verifies every access request in real-time. To fulfill this, it uses location data, device health, and user identity. This method makes sure only authorized devices and users can deal with sensitive resources.

Note that this model requires constant implementation of least privilege access. This means that users get only the permissions they require, not more. This decreases the number of weak spots and stops attackers from moving deeper into the system if they access it. Many modern enterprises use tools like microsegmentation and identity-aware proxies to implement zero trust architecture in their networks.

2) Continuous validation of the device and endpoint

To ensure security, enterprises check whether the configurations are secure, whether antivirus software is updated, and vulnerabilities’ existence. Devices that don’t fulfill security standards may be blocked from access or incorporated in restricted zones.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools prove to be useful in this scenario. They constantly scan devices for any vulnerabilities and inform security teams in real-time. This makes sure only secure devices can connect to the enterprise network. Hence, the risk associated with unauthorized access or malware is reduced.

3) Automated access reviews

Many enterprises carry out periodic automated reviews of access rights and user roles.  These reviews make sure employees only have access to what they still need. Unused permissions are removed to maintain security and avoid providing too much access.

Automated reviews keep checking access over time, not just once. As a result, security teams stay responsible and prevent attackers from using outdated or unnecessary permissions.

4) Real-time network monitoring

Continuous verification doesn’t only deal with login validation but also with overseeing everything that takes place after the access is provided. Enterprises leverage real-time monitoring tools to detect changes in the system, user actions, and data flows. Whenever any anomalies are detected (such as a change in security settings or the download of large files), the system can respond promptly.

This method involves automated policy enforcement, which means that rules are implemented continuously to avoid risky behavior. Let’s have an example for better understanding. Suppose a user attempts to access restricted data in an enterprise network. In such a case, if the enterprise is using real-time network monitoring tools, it can block it and log the attempt. Hence, it will stay compliant with the regulations and decrease insider threats.

5) Behavioral biometrics

This technology evaluates a user’s behavior (it can be their mouse movements, typing patterns, or device usage) to prepare a unique behavioral profile. Continuous verification now works such that if a user’s action diverges from what’s in their profile, it will trigger additional authentication steps. Anomalies in the user behavior may indicate that credentials are compromised, but behavioral biometrics can tackle the issue to avoid illegal access to credentials.

For example, if a user logs in from a new device or location. In such a case, if the enterprise has adopted behavioral biometrics that the system would ask for extra verifications (like a biometric scan or a one-time password) to ensure secure access.

6) Context-aware access control

Context-aware access control adapts the permissions depending on factors like device type, location, user role, and the time of day. Let’s have an example to understand it better. Suppose a user who accesses sensitive data of an enterprise from an unfamiliar location may be blocked or asked for additional verification.

This means that continuous verification makes sure the access is provided only when conditions are safe. Consequently, it assists enterprises in responding promptly to the evolving threat landscapes. Note that context-aware access control is an essential part of a continuous verification system that helps enterprises align security with the practical conditions.

7) Risk-based authentication (RBA)

RBA evaluates the extent of risk associated with a user’s behavior. For the same, it considers factors like the device used, the network being accessed, and the sensitivity of the data being requested. Those user behavior sessions with higher risk can limit access to critical systems or trigger multi-factor authentication. Hence, RBA provides an extra layer of security and yet not compromising user experience.

Final Words

Enterprises looking to reduce fraud, enhance threat detection, and strengthen overall network security can opt for robust, continuous identity and age verification services. It uses cutting-edge technologies like behavioral biometrics, machine learning, AI, etc., as discussed above, to ensure that enterprise networks stay secure. It carries out ongoing analysis of users and devices, considering several factors in real-time to keep the enterprise network protected.

Author’s Bio:

Priscilla Miralles brings over 15 years of operational and project management experience to her role as the lead for Age App, where she oversees day-to-day operations and cross-team coordination.