The role of managed services in ensuring network security for telecom providers
By Vikas Sharma
The technological advancements in different industries have changed the way businesses function, and telecommunications is not an exception. Thanks to the emergence of managed service providers (MSP), telecom providers are able to outsource their IT infrastructure and end-user systems to a third party. These managed service providers perform a defined set of functions so that the customer can focus on improving their services without worrying about service interruptions or extended system downtimes.
Telecom companies provide critical network infrastructure, which includes voice and data transmission, wireless services, and internet connectivity. Sometimes, these systems are prone to cyberattacks, which could lead to the loss of sensitive information, reputation, and finances. Thus, enterprises are required to pay utmost attention to safeguarding their networks. This is where a managed service provider can also ensure network security for telecom providers by implementing robust security measures.
Enabling firewalls with deep packet inspection
The managed service providers help the telecom providers implement firewalls with deep packet inspection (DPI). As firewalls are the first line of defence, they segregate one network from another. For added security, the MSP can enable firewalls with deep packet inspection, which is an advanced way of examining and managing network traffic. This security measure is crucial for the telecom operators as it halts data leaks by enforcing content policies and modifies the flow of the network as per the specific use cases. Moreover, it can be used to throttle the data transfers that could prevent peer-to-peer abuse, thus improving network performance.
Intrusion detection and prevention
In a bid to secure the network from any malicious software or hacker, the telecom providers need to detect an intrusion before massive damage occurs. This is where managed service providers can provide the telecom operators with an intrusion detection system (IDS) as well as an intrusion prevention system (IPS). The IDS can enhance network security by identifying an external intrusion from an external source and reducing the chances of any breach. The data from the event can be further utilised to defend against similar situations in the future. IPS has two functions in action: it detects intruders but also prevents them from launching any attacks.
Performing a network security audit
A network security audit is a critical part of a telecom enterprise’s IT operations as it can help identify potential vulnerabilities in the system. A managed service provider typically analyses all the network devices, infrastructure, and network management. It includes a review of the security mechanisms that are used to protect the network infrastructure. The goal of this whole process is simple: to identify any network vulnerabilities and ensure the system of an organisation is secured and not compromised. The best way for an enterprise to have their network security audited is to consult a third party, which can be a managed service provider who can assemble a professional penetration testing team that can regularly scan and test the networks.
Continuous real-time monitoring
For telecom operators who hold and handle a large amount of data, detecting the breach after the incident can ruin their business. In this regard, a managed service provider continuously monitors the network in a bid to spot any disturbances. From time to time, they also test the strength of the firewall with a combination of both manual and automatic penetration testing methods. They also constantly monitor the behaviour of malware or a hacker and gain insights from the unsuccessful attacks. This information is then used to further protect any vulnerabilities in the network and respond swiftly in case a breach occurs.
All things considered
In organisations such as telecom operators, where networks have a crucial role to play, it is critical for them to secure themselves from any malicious software or a cyberattack. While securing the entire network on their own can be daunting and complex for some organisations, a managed service provider can aid them in safeguarding their networks. They do this by enabling firewalls with deep packet inspection, detecting and preventing intrusion, performing network audits, and continuously monitoring the network. Therefore, in times when the telecom business landscape has become way more dynamic, having a managed service provider for network security is a viable strategy.
(The author is Vikas Sharma – Founder & Director, Hi COM, and the views expressed in this article are their own)
