Overview:

In 2017, NETSSA undertook a project to enhance the security of a large enterprise client’s network, which was vulnerable to unauthorized access and malware infiltration. The client needed a solution that would strengthen network access controls and protect against internal and external threats. To meet these needs, we deployed PIOLINK TiFRONT AS5700 L2 switches, integrating robust authentication mechanisms and content filtering capabilities. The project successfully reduced unauthorized access by 60% and decreased malware incidents by 70%, significantly improving the overall security posture of the client’s network.

Objective:

• Enhance Network Security: Implement advanced authentication and content filtering to reduce unauthorized access and protect against malware.
• Improve Threat Detection and Prevention: Deploy a solution that can detect and block unauthorized activities and harmful content in real-time.
• Optimize Network Performance: Ensure the solution does not negatively impact network performance while enhancing security.

Technologies Used:

• PIOLINK TiFRONT AS5700: Deployed as L2 switches, providing advanced security features and high-performance switching.
• 802.1X Authentication: Implemented for port-based network access control, ensuring that only authenticated devices could connect to the network.
• Content Filtering: Applied to block access to harmful websites and filter potentially malicious content before it could reach end-user devices.
• Network Monitoring Tools: Integrated with existing security infrastructure for real-time monitoring and incident response.

Detailed Networking and Configuration

1. PIOLINK TiFRONT AS5700 Deployment and Configuration
   • 802.1X Authentication:
     • Deployed 802.1X across all access ports on the AS5700 switches, enforcing strict authentication requirements before devices could connect to the network.
     • Integrated 802.1X with the client’s Active Directory, enabling centralized user authentication and management, simplifying access control across the network.
   • Content Filtering:
     • Implemented content filtering policies at the switch level, blocking access to known malicious websites and filtering out harmful content based on predefined security rules.
     • Configured dynamic updates to content filtering lists, ensuring that the network was protected against the latest threats without manual intervention.
   • Port Security:
     • Enabled port security features on the L2 switches to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the network. This included MAC address filtering and limiting the number of devices per port.
2. Security Enhancements
   • Access Control:
     • Strengthened access control by ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users could connect to the network, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
     • Configured role-based access control (RBAC) to further segment access permissions, ensuring that users could only access network resources relevant to their roles.
   • Malware Prevention:
     • Deployed advanced content filtering to block malware at the network edge, preventing it from reaching end-user devices.
     • Integrated the switches with the client’s existing antivirus and endpoint protection solutions, creating a multi-layered defense against malware.
3. Network Optimization and Management
   • High-Performance Switching:
     • Utilized the high throughput capabilities of the TiFRONT AS5700 switches to manage traffic efficiently, ensuring minimal latency and high availability for critical business applications.
     • Configured Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize traffic for essential services, such as VoIP and ERP systems, ensuring consistent performance even during peak usage.
   • Simplified Management:
     • Centralized management of 802.1X policies, content filtering, and port security through the TiFRONT AS5700’s user-friendly interface, reducing the complexity of network administration.
     • Provided detailed documentation and training to the client’s IT staff on managing the deployed solution, ensuring ongoing security and performance optimization.

Implementation Phases:

1. Assessment and Planning:
   • Conducted a thorough security assessment of the client’s existing network infrastructure, identifying key vulnerabilities related to unauthorized access and malware infiltration.
   • Developed a deployment strategy that would meet the client’s security and performance objectives, while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
2. Deployment and Integration:
   • Installed and configured the PIOLINK TiFRONT AS5700 switches at the client’s headquarters and branch offices, followed by the implementation of 802.1X authentication, content filtering, and port security.
   • Integrated the switches with the client’s Active Directory and security infrastructure to enable centralized management and real-time monitoring.
3. Optimization and Fine-Tuning:
   • Monitored the deployment during the initial weeks to identify any performance bottlenecks or security issues, making adjustments as needed to optimize both network performance and security.
   • Provided post-deployment support, including training and documentation, to ensure the client’s IT staff could effectively manage and maintain the solution.

Skills Gained:

• Expertise in deploying and configuring PIOLINK TiFRONT L2 switches for advanced network security.
• Advanced skills in implementing 802.1X authentication and content filtering for network access control and malware prevention.
• Proficiency in integrating network security solutions with existing IT infrastructure for enhanced threat detection and response.

Results and Impact:

• 60% Reduction in Unauthorized Access: The enhanced access controls led to a significant decrease in unauthorized devices and users gaining network access.
• 70% Decrease in Malware Incidents: The deployment of content filtering and multi-layered security measures resulted in a substantial reduction in malware infiltration and associated risks.
• Improved Network Security Posture: The project significantly strengthened the client’s overall network security, protecting sensitive data and reducing the likelihood of security breaches.

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