How Secure Is Your Enterprise Network Equipment?

Mobile devices such as Wi-Fi-enabled mobile devices that are used in your organization may be the most significant security threat in your network. Enterprise network equipment is built in such a way that your infrastructure remains secure, but Wi-Fi connected mobile devices can present such risk.

Phishing emails, physical tampering, and malicious apps can still get malware onto the device even if Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) software is in place.

A major vulnerability comes from email-based attacks. More than 94% of known malware is delivered via email, according to Verizon’s Data Breach investigations report. Mobile users are uniquely susceptible to attacks from phishing emails, social media scams and fake websites. Once an infected device joins the enterprise network, it could disperse malware through all connected devices and data centers.

The challenge for IT departments is tracking these risks. Many organizations don’t have complete visibility into the software running on every employee’s device. Are they using the latest security patches? Is the operating system up to date? When employees manage their own devices, these questions become difficult to answer.

How Compromised Mobile Devices Threaten Your Network

If a mobile device is compromised, the intent of the attacker will determine how much damage it can cause. Some of the biggest risks include:

• Malware spread: Infected mobile devices can distribute malware across different platforms, including Windows-based enterprise systems.
• Backdoor access: Devices with both LTE and Wi-Fi capabilities can be used to extend unauthorized access into the corporate network.
• Long detection times: According to Verizon, 25% of data breaches take up to six months to detect. By that time, the damage could already be extensive.

Strengthening Security With Cellular Networks and VPNs

So what role can business owners take to reduce these risks? One answer would be to leave mobile devices on the enterprise Wi-Fi, and instead connect them to a good cellular network. Coupled with the app-based VPN, this well reduces the exposure to possible attacks massively.

An added benefit to app-based VPNs is that mobile endpoints are only allowed to connect to specified internal servers, thus preventing exposing the whole enterprise network. This inhibits the transmission of malware and creates an additional layer of encryption between mobile devices and corporate platforms.

VPN can also work with intrusion detection and prevention systems, allowing for the identification and blockage of threats before they can succeed.

The Role of Universal Wireless Strategy

As the number of mobile devices in the workplace increases, enterprises are shifting toward a “Universal Wireless” strategy. This approach integrates mission-critical LTE coverage with Wi-Fi to provide a more secure and efficient mobile experience. When combined with app-based VPNs, LTE mobility investments help IT teams mitigate security risks associated with semi-managed devices connecting to enterprise Wi-Fi.

But security isn’t the only reason businesses are prioritizing in-building cellular improvements. There are additional benefits, such as:

Better Connectivity in Energy-Efficient Buildings

Many modern buildings, especially those built to LEED standards, block outdoor cellular signals. Installing an in-building cellular network ensures reliable connectivity while maintaining green building compliance.

Improved Bandwidth Management

Offloading mobile devices from Wi-Fi to LTE helps free up bandwidth. This is especially beneficial in environments like hospitals, where patient care devices compete for network resources. Guests streaming content and medical staff using mission-critical applications often experience network congestion. Moving mobile devices to LTE ensures that high-priority applications function without disruption.

Reduced IT Costs and Burden

Employees constantly inundate IT teams with complaints of bad Wi-Fi performance, dropped calls, and authentication problems. Of course, moving mobile devices to LTE eases the IT burden and reduces licensing fees for enterprise firewalls and network access controls.

Organizations that are heavily dependent on Wi-Fi for mobile connectivity can find themselves exposed to pain points that go beyond the visible costs of acquiring and deploying mobile devices.

These costs also include additional network hardware, software licenses, and IT troubleshooting. This move can not only reduce these expenses, but also improve the security of an enterprise’s network.

Why Securing Enterprise Network Equipment Should Be a Priority

Given the rapid evolution of cyber threats, businesses cannot afford to neglect the security of their enterprise network equipment. While mobile devices appear innocuous, they can be targeted and weaponized to penetrate enterprise networks, if the right security is not in place. With cellular infrastructure and a VPN-based security solution, you will have a solid investment to protect your business better, run faster, and allow for less operational spending.

A report revealed that 62% of business executives are already planning to embrace 5G and Wi-Fi 6, a figure that’s projected to jump to 93% in the next three years. Therefore, it is recommended that organizations focus on enterprise network equipment security, as technology is gradually evolving toward less but better quality equipment.

Secure Your Enterprise Network Equipment With Link US Online

At Link US Online, we understand the importance of secure, high-performance networking solutions. Our extensive 10+ years industry experience allows us to source only the best in enterprise network equipment, from leading brands including Cisco, Meraki, HPE, Ubiquiti and more. From upgrading your infrastructure to in-building connectivity or security, we have the hardware to build a reliable and secure network.

Don’t leave your enterprise vulnerable to security risks. Contact Link US Online today at (919) 825-0900, and let our team help you source the right networking equipment for your business.