Top 7 Key Network Security Trends to Watch in 2011

Network security is on everyone’s mind as 2010 comes to an end. Adam Powers, CTO of Atlanta-based Lancope, offers insights into expected trends for 2011.

1. IT Consumerization and Internal Threats The introduction of consumer devices into corporate networks is reshaping security strategies. Traditional perimeter defenses like firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are no longer sufficient. Companies must address security for smartphones, MiFi devices, and other consumer mobile devices.

2. Rise of Social Media The growth of social media platforms like Facebook has created new attack surfaces for cyber threats. This development demands heightened awareness and security measures.

3. Utilities as Targets The Stuxnet virus has alerted utilities, particularly those under NERC-CIP compliance, to the need for improved security as SCADA systems transition to IP. This shift demands a significant upgrade in security measures.

4. Information Leakage and Reputation Damage The WikiLeaks incident highlights two critical security issues: leaked proprietary information can severely damage a company’s reputation, and DoS attacks can disrupt essential business operations. This is evident in attacks like “Operation Payback” against WikiLeaks.

5. “HTTP is the new TCP” Web 2.0 technologies are transforming application development. Most new applications use sophisticated HTTP-based communication channels over TCP ports 80 or 443. This trend poses challenges for traditional technologies, such as firewalls, which rely on port numbers for policy enforcement.

6. Smartphones and Advanced Mobile Devices IT staff now face the challenge of managing sophisticated operating systems on smartphones (e.g., Windows Phone 7, Android OS, iOS, BlackBerry OS) in addition to desktop and laptop OS management.

7. Cloud Adoption Decisions Virtualization and moving critical business processes to cloud-based platforms remain major concerns for modern CIOs and CISOs.

Lancope, a privately held, venture-backed company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, sells the StealthWatch System for flow-based network performance and security monitoring.

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