As organizations become increasingly digital, cyberattackers find more opportunities to exploit security vulnerabilities at every level of the network. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), cybercriminals are launching smarter, more evasive attacks that adapt in real time. To stay ahead, it\u2019s crucial to consider your organization\u2019s entire threat landscape \u2013 from edge to core to cloud \u2013 and build a strategy that leverages AI-driven, proactive security solutions to anticipate and stop threats before they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The global shift to a distributed workforce and the growing use of edge computing are creating new security challenges. With more devices and data processing happening at the edge, the attack surface has expanded dramatically, providing more entry points for cybercriminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IoT devices like smart home tech and assistive tools now number over 18 billion globally<\/a>. These devices often lack strong security protocols, making them attractive, easy-to-infect targets for attackers to infiltrate private networks or even use as part of botnets in large-scale DDoS attacks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A distributed workforce adds further complexity. Personal and company-issued devices, unsecured home networks, and remote access points create a sprawling web of potential vulnerabilities. Without strong Identity and Access Management (IAM), every connection to corporate resources becomes a risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Compounding these issues, cybercriminals are using AI to orchestrate and train faster, more adaptive attacks that can bypass traditional defenses. AI-driven DDoS attacks are becoming more sophisticated, harder to detect, and more damaging, with 2024 witnessing an 81% surge<\/a> in attack frequency compared to 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Zero Trust Network Architecture<\/a> (ZTNA) offers a compelling framework to address these threats, implementation is a major hurdle. As Ed Loveless, Head of Product for Managed Edge and Cybersecurity, notes, \u201cZero Trust is becoming the new \u2018cloud.\u2019 It works great in a PowerPoint…It\u2019s really hard to implement.\u201d Without proper execution, ZTNA can leave critical gaps in your security posture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To combat these evolving threats, organizations need a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that secures devices, users, and networks across all environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The core network is the backbone of your infrastructure, connecting servers, databases, and devices while ensuring seamless access to critical resources and services. However, it’s also a prime target for modern cyber threats, and any attack on the core could disrupt the entire network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, companies face growing risks, such as ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and aging legacy systems that are ill-equipped to handle sophisticated threats. The core network often houses high-value data, making it a lucrative target for attackers. If the core is compromised, the ripple effects can take down systems critical to operations, and lead to massive financial (and reputational) impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The interconnected nature of the core network also increases its vulnerability. Weak security in surrounding areas can provide attackers with a pathway to the core. Privacy risks in data transit and threats like route hijacking further amplify the need for robust protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To thrive in today\u2019s landscape, organizations must secure their core networks by addressing legacy vulnerabilities, protecting data, and defending against modern threats. A secure core isn\u2019t just important; it\u2019s the foundation of resilience and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proactive Fiber Monitoring: <\/strong>Detecting vulnerabilities before they become problems, such as those identified by AI-enabled solutions, can stop threats like unauthorized access or tampering, keeping your connectivity secure and uninterrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private Networks and Dark Fiber: <\/strong>For the ultimate level of network security and control, Private Networks<\/a> and Dark Fiber<\/a> minimize interception points, reduce latency, and provide peace of mind, perfect for industries where data protection is non-negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advanced DDoS Protection: <\/strong>Upstream network-based DDoS protection intercepts threats at the edge and safeguards your infrastructure, ensuring operations run smoothly, even under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strategic Network Segmentation: <\/strong>Isolate critical assets like servers and databases with customized policies, firewalls, and access controls, adding layers of defense to protect what matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encryption for Data in Transit: <\/strong>Encryption protocols like SSL\/TLS and Layer-1 encryption protect sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality and integrity every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resilient Infrastructure:<\/strong> Ethernet<\/a> and Wavelengths<\/a> provide dedicated, internet-independent connections, ensuring reliability, reduced risk, and optimal performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n While the Cloud offers organizations unmatched scalability, flexibility, and innovation, it also introduces new vulnerabilities that attackers are quick to exploit. Running on multiple cloud platforms adds complexity, increasing the number of potential attack surfaces and making it harder to maintain consistent security practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cloud environments are a prime target for cybercriminals, especially when it comes to sensitive data. Weak access controls, poor encryption for data in transit and at rest, misconfigurations, and vulnerabilities in third-party applications or APIs often open the door to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shared responsibility model further complicates matters. While cloud service providers (CSPs) secure the underlying infrastructure, customers must take charge of protecting their data, applications, and configurations. Any gaps in this shared effort can lead to security breaches, regulatory non-compliance, and costly penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As organizations increasingly move workloads to the cloud, building a resilient and secure cloud environment requires a combination of smart practices, strong protections, and strategic planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every business\u2019s network is unique \u2013 there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all approach to network security. This blog has explored the options and key considerations for securing your network at every level \u2013 from edge to core to cloud. Zayo\u2019s security solutions, including DDoS Protection and SASE, offer comprehensive protection tailored to ensure your network stays resilient against evolving threats while maintaining performance and reliability.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nImplementing Security at the Edge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nSecuring the Core<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Importance of Safeguarding the Heart of the Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Keep the Core Secure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Securing the Cloud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Building Resiliency Against Cloud-Based Threats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Making Security a Priority in Cloud Environments <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nIntegration and Collaboration for Security from Edge to Core to Cloud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n