An Ironclad Way to Easily Achieve Zero-Trust Network Security

During the pandemic, Singaporean businesses shifted to remote operations at a higher rate than businesses in the rest of the Asia-Pacific. However, nearly 60% of these businesses suffered an unprecedented number of cyberattacks during this time.

An Unprecedented Threat to Corporate Singapore

Cybercriminals exploited the new vulnerabilities that hastily established remote operations created. Though cyberattacks have been increasing in Singapore for years, less than half of Singapore’s businesses were adequately prepared to deal with them.

Many lacked enterprise BYOD authentication, remote access VPNs, and trained cybersecurity staff to oversee a context-aware security infrastructure.

In early spring, workers returned to the office, either full-time or as part of a hybrid schedule. However, the Singapore government soon announced a return to Phase 2 restrictions, including a mandatory work-from-home order, after COVID-19 cases spiked on the island. The new Phase 2 recently ended on June 13, 2021.

Unfortunately, as with the other restrictions, the transition opened employers up to new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. In fact, Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) recently reported that the number of data breach alerts it received tripled from February to March 2021.

Recurring Lockdowns May Become the New Normal — Will Network Security Be the Casualty?

While the current restrictions have been temporary, continued COVID-19 mutations and infection rate fluctuations may result in cyclical lockdowns.

With recurring transitions back to remote work likely for some time, employers face periods of heightened cybersecurity vulnerability, which they must address immediately.

Still, many companies have yet to create a comprehensive strategy for tackling cybersecurity issues. In addition, remote employees may still be running out-of-date cybersecurity software or using unprotected personal devices, leaving employer networks vulnerable.

The final and most troubling concern is that many employers lack the basic protocols and technologies to support a secure network infrastructure.

Securing Your Network with the USG Flex Firewall

If your focus has been solely on sales and revenues, you need to prioritize cybersecurity now. A successful cyberattack can cripple your operations, destroy your brand reputation, and trigger costly litigation. Even in a post-pandemic landscape, a future disaster (such as a fire) may prevent your employees from returning to the office.

So, you must have the resources in place to provide your employees with secure remote access to your network. In addition, you must implement advanced cybersecurity measures to identify and eliminate threats before they compromise your network.

Seamless Deployment of Zero-Trust Network Security

Securing your IT infrastructure in this new normal starts with Zyxel’s USG Flex Firewall. This solution provides zero-trust network security. According to Microsoft, ‘zero trust’ is the assumption that every request must be verified. Essentially, every network request is treated as originating from an open network.

Our USG Flex Firewall requires two-factor or Google authentication for identity verification. The Firewall also features an industry-leading DNS content filter that deploys reputation and category-based filtering protocols to safeguard your network more effectively.

To ensure that your employees can access your network safely, the USG Flex Firewall’s Secure WiFi feature creates a secure tunnel from your Remote Access Point (RAP) back to your headquarters. After entering their credentials, your work-from-home employees will enjoy the same seamless access to your network as they did in the office.

Unified Threat Management at Its Best

That said, the USG Flex Firewall provides more than a secure way in. As a unified threat management (UTM) appliance that combines antivirus/antimalware/antispyware applications, content filtering, network firewalling, and intrusion detection & prevention, the Firewall keeps threats out.

Rather than utilizing multiple applications, vendors, and devices to safeguard your network, you’ll have a centralized view of your security threat analytics through Zyxel CNM SecuReporter. SecuReporter is an intelligent, cloud-based analytics application that provides you with the data you need to investigate anomalies and identify emerging dangers and risks.

The Power of Collaborative Detection & Response

The USG Flex Firewall’s Collaborative Detection & Response (CDR) feature is also a vital tool in your cybersecurity arsenal. When using Nebula’s cloud solutions, as well as the USG Flex Firewall, CDR allows you to not only detect a range of cyber threats but to automatically quarantine compromised devices at the edge of your network.

So, if the malware, virus, or other danger isn’t eliminated, CDR will prevent it from penetrating your network, giving you time to come up with effective mitigation strategies.

Moreover, the Zyxel Security Cloud continually learns from threat information and leverages real-time threat data from multiple cybersecurity organizations to accelerate your threat detection and response times. The USG Flex Series is also integrated with CTIRU (Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit) Web Filtering to restrict access to terrorist materials.

Enjoy Peace of Mind: Protect Your Network and Business Reputation With Zyxel’s Nebula Flex Security Firewall

With the USG Flex Firewall and Nebula’s other cloud solutions, you’ll have the same level of network control and security across all RAPs and remotely connected devices to ensure the security of your network. In addition, you can manage bandwidth usage using the Nebula Security Service Analysis report, provide Secure WiFi access to remote employees, and manage device network access easily from one dashboard.

If your business is in need of industry-leading UTM devices or you’re an MSP that needs them for your clients, contact us today. We’ll help you identify the right USG Flex solutions for your cybersecurity needs.