Branch Networking PDF

?Branch networking When one hears about the term Branch Office, they probably associate this term with a physical building at which the company or organization has a well-defined office space. As we say today, to branch out is to establish new operations at new locations simultaneously retaining the...

?Branch networking When one hears about the term Branch Office, they probably associate this term with a physical building at which the company or organization has a well-defined office space. As we say today, to branch out is to establish new operations at new locations simultaneously retaining the existing links with the parent branch in different places. As the company grows, people feel like it is high time outsourcing become an important aspect in any organization that wants to expand. Branch networking is a common element of schools IT environments and chain stores or restaurants and basically every company that has their offices separated by running a mile or two away from each other or right within the same campus or building. The networking infrastructure laid down in differnt bank braches complies the branch office network. It encompases the network security measures geared towards protecting each bank branch as well as the entire bank network. What is a branch office? Parallel entities are those forms with in a large organization that participates in the goal of the larger organization. Branches support the central organization or are an extension of or a smaller version of a central administration as most large enterprises, banks and governments have almost always operate as such is evident. What is network security for a branch office? When it comes to security for a branch, protection of data and communication that has to go from one part of the office to the other, head office, data centers, clients, learners, other businesses, etc. is afforded. It also means protecting the remote operator and the related equipment against hackers and other security violations or attacks. Essential elements for securing branch office networks To ensure security and safety of the physical network, a transparent corporate resource protection infrastructure for the local networks needs to be established, with appropriate provision for internet and cloud applications security solutions; protection against zero days threats and implementing controls on user’s activities to the maximum extent possible. All these have to be taken into account when building security designs or even when purchasing and implementing a "branch in a box" solution in which several security functions are consolidated in a single physical box. 1. Establishing transparency Being proactive at the cutting edge of network security in a branch network environment is important in order to reduce the level of risk to the system. If the network system allows all internal users to connect and have full visibility of these users and their devices as well as the assets, essentially they can do away with ‘working in the blind’, because malicious activities originating from inside the network will be shortened to near zero. 2. Securing corporate resources Digital assets are data or documents owned by a corporation which can include: customer data, dependency on and support infrastructure with custom applications, and computer systems used to control vital aspects of a company's business, products or services. This data can be very sensitive and securing it is mandates for Information Technology (IT) branch office security at every level of the network. Regardless of whether the network in use incorporates cloud-based resources, or on-premises, or even both, the responsibility for securing these assets resides with the branch network security personnel. 3. Provide secure internet and cloud applications In some network configurations, those that operate as a SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) boundary and those that are SD-branch (software defined branch) cloud applications, including the data and applications running in the cloud, usually play a crucial role. Thus, their data protection becomes important and also at the top of the list. 4. Mitigate zero-day threats As per cyber security awareness, the term Zero-day refers to the kind of threats new to the organisations threats landscape which are not considered in any cyber security systems. However when there are so many branch offices, it is important to consider that Zero-day threats at some point can pose a significant risk to the branch offices. 5. Prevent user circumvention Countless individuals are taken in by the many other amenities and advantages of these workplaces. Once attuned, the threats of intrusions are at high levels. However contrary to this outcome; protective measures are developed to never allow users to escape utilizing the security technologies and standards. To aid in dealing with the situations created above, enhanced security measures should be put in place.