Evolving Network Demands Improved Security, The

A decade ago, a company could effectively secure its network through perimeter protection such as a firewall. At that time, networks had definitive borders, making it easier to safeguard critical internal assets with perimeter security technology.

However, as organizations recognized the business benefits of extending network access to customers, partners and vendors, the once-distinct perimeter quickly dissolved. With this increase in credentialed users now accessing the network from the outside, safeguarding internal assets with security technology located solely at the perimeter proved insufficient. Nonetheless, within many organizations, internal security still placed second in priority to increasing business process efficiency.

There is an inherent trade-off between security and accessibility, but many organizations have sought to strike a balance between making it easy for people to access the systems they need while still remaining secure. Yet many organizations, including CRM centers, are still exposed to more risk than necessary because they have not addressed the security ramifications associated with extending their network to third parties. For an organization to be truly protected today, it must continue to mind the perimeter, but it must also turn its focus inward and secure the internal network.