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The comprehensive guide to network security monitoring

Cybersecurity incidents are frequent and they impact organizations daily. While some data breaches are minor, others can result in substantial financial or data losses. This requires business managers to review their current setups to ensure all necessary precautions are taken. 

Network security monitoring is one of the key elements for protecting organizational assets. It’s a process that analyzes network devices and traffic for potential weaknesses and threats. Let’s dive deeper into network security monitoring’s importance, tools, and best practices.

Network security monitoring (NSM) definition

Network security monitoring (NSM) collects and analyzes data to detect and respond to security threats within a network. This process involves using monitoring software and other technologies to gain insights into traffic flow, encrypted traffic sessions, and other vital network performance metrics.

What is network security monitoring (NSM)?

NSM is a specialized approach to ensuring the safety and integrity of networks. It collects, analyzes, and escalates network data to respond effectively to security threats. Direct observation of the entire network helps understand the nature of security events as they occur and minimizes their negative impact.

This gives network administrators and security professionals visibility into current network activity in real-life applications. NSM helps identify security breaches, malicious traffic, and other potential threats by analyzing traffic patterns, log data, and system behaviors. Network administrators get instant notifications through automatic security alerts. However, the network monitoring tool is still helpless against zero-day exploits that cannot be prevented.

Key components of network security monitoring

In the current security landscape, ongoing network monitoring can give your organization higher visibility. Often, this is a much-needed boost to level the playing field—defending against threats without knowing they exist is much harder. Continuous network security monitoring is essential to a successful cybersecurity strategy.

However, constructing an effective continuous monitoring plan is far from straightforward. It involves various complex elements to be taken into account.

1. Determine which data needs to be secured

Given time, resource, and budget constraints, prioritization is vital. The key data and infrastructure must have appropriate security measures and monitoring software.

In a sense, security measures must match the specific risks and threats your organization is exposed to. Appropriate network monitoring tool helps to pave the way for more aligned controls.

2. Establish an amendment plan for security flaws

While continuous network security monitoring helps keep the pulse on the current situation, it needs to be complemented by other security measures and practices. Potential weak points should be closely monitored across the whole network, while sensitive information exchanges should happen over encrypted traffic sessions. However, it’s also necessary to have an action plan to address discovered weaknesses.

It’s a mutually beneficial relationship: monitoring provides the context and information needed to know how the incident response plan should be handled. This positively affects security and network performance, making it easier to address emerging threats.

3. Maintain constant endpoint surveillance

Modern organizations have embraced remote-friendly setups, so many endpoints can connect to internal networks. At the same time, endpoints need to be closely monitored as each can access confidential information. This applies to all desktops, servers, and similar devices (multi-factor authentication should also be encouraged).

If an employee unintentionally endangers the network, it’s important to pinpoint which endpoint was affected quickly. A timely reaction using monitoring software can help mitigate risks quickly. Conversely, prolonged malware presence heightens the risk of much bigger problems.

4. Recognize abnormal user behavior

Continuous network security monitoring provides much information on how users act. This helps to establish typical user patterns within your organization, especially focusing on their interaction with the network’s applications and data.

Normally, employees follow similar usage habits on a day-to-day basis. Hence, deviations from these norms can be indicative of security violations. Sensitive resources should be monitored even more attentively to prevent potential risks before they escalate into actual problems.

5. Perform third-party monitoring

Securing an internal network is paramount for an organization’s security. However, watching the third parties you work closely with is also important. Threats from third-party partners shouldn’t be underestimated—if they get breached, this may also cause danger to your systems.

Third-party vendor security also has strict vendor requirements in terms of compliance. This means that organizations’ security status, as well as compliance, will have to align with third-party partners, as well. Implementing various boundaries and access checks with monitoring software will help establish a functioning system for collaborating with third parties.

Primary use cases for network monitoring

Administrators consistently observe and manage the network’s performance and can avert potential issues and enhance security. Here are the primary use cases for network monitoring.

  1. Performance management. Network security monitoring tools are pivotal in supervising the performance of servers, routers, switches, and other network devices. These tools offer real-time insights into hardware status, bandwidth usage, and application functionality.  Performance management is essential for businesses to ensure their networks meet the demands of end-users and applications without any issues. It aids in identifying bottlenecks, latency issues, and overloaded devices that could adversely affect network performance.

  2. Security surveillance. Given the rise in cybersecurity threats, network monitoring has become instrumental in safeguarding organizational data. Network security monitoring tools track unauthorized access, potential breaches, and suspicious activities. In case of an anomaly, these systems instantly alert administrators, enabling them to implement necessary security protocols to protect sensitive information.

  3. Compliance and reporting. Many industries are subject to strict data protection and network security compliance standards. Network security monitoring tools help companies follow these regulations by providing detailed logs and network activity reports. These records are imperative for audit trails and demonstrating compliance with industry standards and legal mandates.

  4. Disaster recovery planning. Network security monitoring plays a significant role in developing and executing disaster recovery plans. Administrators can quickly respond to and recover from unexpected events, such as hardware failures or data breaches, by monitoring the network’s health and performance. The continuous collection of network data also supports effective strategies for future disaster mitigation and response system.

Best practices for effective monitoring

Simply having monitoring tools in place isn’t enough. The efficiency and effectiveness of monitoring depend largely on the strategies and practices you adopt. Following best practices is crucial to achieve optimal results. Here are some examples.

  • Set clear objectives. Identify the primary goals of your monitoring activities. Clear objectives guide the selection of monitoring tools and strategies, focusing your efforts on collecting data that supports decision-making and problem-solving.

  • Select appropriate tools. Numerous monitoring tools are available, each designed for specific use cases. Select tools that align with your objectives and are compatible with your system infrastructure. Opt for solutions offering customization, scalability, and user-friendly interfaces.

  • Configure alerts wisely. Effective alerting is central to timely issue identification and resolution. Configure alerts based on thresholds that indicate abnormal activity, but avoid setting them too sensitively to prevent alarm fatigue among your team.

  • Continuously update. As your operational environment evolves, so should your monitoring approach. Regularly review and adjust your strategy to accommodate new objectives, tools, and baseline metrics. This iterative process helps maintain monitoring effectiveness over time.

  • Train personnel. Equip your team with the necessary skills and knowledge to use monitoring tools effectively. Training should cover tool configuration, data interpretation, and response procedures, ensuring that everyone can participate in monitoring activities productively.

  • Document your monitoring practices. Documentation is a reference for your monitoring strategy, tools, and procedures. It is invaluable for training new team members and provides a framework for auditing and improving your monitoring practices over time.

  • Act on insights. Monitoring is not just about collecting data. It’s also about acting on the insights gained. Develop procedures for responding to alerts and anomalies and regularly analyze collected data to identify opportunities for improving operational efficiency.

Real-world benefits of network security monitoring

NSM brings several real-world benefits beyond the obvious advantage of guarding against cyber threats.

Protection against financial losses

The financial implications of a network breach can be staggering, ranging from immediate financial losses due to fraudulent activities to long-term reputational damage. With NSM, potential threats can be identified and mitigated before they escalate.

Regulatory compliance

Many industries are bound by regulations that mandate certain security standards, such as GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the U.S. NSM supports compliance by continuously monitoring the network for security gaps that could lead to violations, thus avoiding legal penalties.

Cost efficiency

Proactive monitoring often proves less expensive in the long run than reactive measures taken after a breach. By investing in NSM, organizations can save on potential future costs associated with data breaches, litigation, and damage control.

Adaptability to evolving threats

As cyber threats continuously evolve, so does NSM. Modern NSM tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and adapt to new threats, ensuring that networks remain fortified against even the most modern cyber-attacks.

The increasing complexity of threats has made it essential to advance NSM developments. Even now, we can anticipate emerging trends in the near future.

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning. Traditional threat detection methods rely on already-known attack patterns. However, AI and machine learning can predict new, unknown threats by analyzing the data at hand. With these technologies, security systems will be able to adapt and evolve with emerging threats, enabling quicker responses and reducing false positives.

  • Increased emphasis on Zero Trust architectures. The Zero Trust model operates on the principle that no user or system is trusted by default, regardless of whether they’re inside or outside the organization’s perimeter. As remote working and cloud-based services expand, implementing Zero Trust architectures will be paramount. This model will ensure continuous verification and validation of connections, making security more dynamic and less reliant on perimeter defenses.

Conclusion

NSM is an evolving field that plays a significant role in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets and increasing network visibility. As security threats rise, a robust NSM system can help to detect, prevent, and counteract them.

It is key to employ the best NSM practices, stay updated on future trends, and understand its applications. With these considerations, network administrators can get the most out of their network security monitoring efforts.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

NordLayer feature release: Cloud Firewall

NordLayer released one of the biggest product updates this year, a cloud-based Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) solution. The new capability is one of the fundamental components of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) frameworks. 

The Cloud Firewall enables organizations to create new workflows with granular access control and to make existing business processes more secure. A unique new feature works at the Gateway level to improve the robust NordLayer security offering, especially when combined with a dedicated server or servers.

Feature characteristics: what to expect

  • Available for Premium plan subscribers

  • Effortless setup and compatibility with cloud infrastructure

  • Compatible with virtual private gateways configured on the NordLayer Control Panel

Problem to solve: Cloud Firewall (FWaaS) reduces the need for onsite appliances and instead administers security from the cloud to every endpoint.

How it works?

Cloud Firewall integrates into your company’s infrastructure with a few clicks. Network security as a cloud service provides companies with easy deployment, maintenance, and scalability. Our cloud-based firewall reduces the need for onsite appliances and instead administers security from the cloud to every endpoint.

Businesses can customize Cloud Firewall to specific security requirements based on their needs. The service reinforces resource access protection across remote, hybrid, and on-site environments.

Cloud Firewall rules apply to the organization unit defined by the Admin (member, group of members, team, or few teams at once) during the connection to the organization’s Virtual Private Gateway. Hence, based on the rule priority, every user can operate only within their network perimeter that is allowed and defined by their organization owner.

Cloud Firewall offers simple scalability, seamless and cost-effective deployment, and intuitive use instead of requiring hardware to get the benefits of a traditional firewall.

Solving a key challenge

Hardware firewall provides protection strictly within the company perimeter, like the headquarters or branch office where the appliance is physically installed. Cloud firewall extends security scope to hybrid company environments, whether it’s a physical location or a cloud.

NordLayer Cloud Firewall allows organization owners to create rules for their preferred virtual private gateway. Select Allow or Deny internet access to destinations defined within a set of rules. This configuration applies to members connected to the company’s virtual private gateway.

Using Cloud Firewall rules, organization owner defines who can access organization’s cloud resources over the internet based on the following criteria:

  • Traffic source: any member or team accessing the virtual private gateway

  • Destination: traffic routed through allowlisted IPs or subnets

  • Services: traffic is routed via specific protocols or ports

By integrating this service, IT admins can reduce the need for hardware appliances and centralize security inspection to a single cloud-based Control Panel. Detached from a single location and physicality, Cloud Firewall is easier to operate, configure, maintain and implement changes on the spot.

Security by design

The Firewall as a Service is a unique NordLayer portfolio component heavily backing up the product development direction. SSE and Zero Trust practices can be delivered with even better network security practices to NordLayer users utilizing FWaaS.

NordLayer’s Cloud Firewall solution can only be configured and used together with a Virtual Private Gateway and a dedicated server. The Cloud Firewall works in tandem with our other security solutions, such as ThreatBlock, DNS filtering by category, and Deep Packet Inspection (Lite), offering robust multi-layered network protection.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

Essential ingredients for a successful first round interview

With so many companies having wildly different recruitment processes, preparing for the first interview can be tricky. What to expect? What should you talk about? In this article, my aim is to help you prepare for your first interview with Nord Security.

Purpose of the first round interview 

The whole recruitment process at Nord Security is a two way street. It’s never just the company that selects a person. It’s also you, as a candidate, selecting us. Therefore, each recruitment process should aim for an equal exchange of information, and the first interview is where that begins.

The aim of this initial interview is for you to learn more about the company, our work processes, our goals, etc. Hopefully you will come out with a clearer understanding of the role, the team, the challenges, the opportunities, and everything else the position entails.

At the same time, the recruiter will want to get to know you, your professional experience, your expectations, and see if there’s a mutual match.

This exchange of information allows both sides to better evaluate a potential match, then make a conscious decision on proceeding to further steps or not.

Recruiters should:

It’s the recruiter’s responsibility to properly prepare for the first interview by reviewing your profile or CV. The recruiter should be aware of your professional experience to make the conversation effective and informative.

You should expect the recruiter to present the company for you as well as answer relevant questions. This ensures that you have “the big picture” of life at Nord Security. The recruiter can tell you more about our:

Expect the recruiter to provide you with additional information about the position. We can tell you more about the team’s responsibilities, what challenges or roadmaps they have, and where you would fit in. The recruiter can outline the team structure and how work is organized between them, what methodologies or technologies they’re using, and how tasks are prioritized. While we can’t give you a very in-depth view of the team, it should be sufficient enough to give you an idea of where you’re getting yourself into. Lastly, if the recruiter isn’t sure about something, we’ll make a note and obtain this information directly from the team.

You’re encouraged to ask questions. We want to make sure that you have sufficient information about the position and have a strong initial impression of what to expect if you do end up joining us (which I hope you do). 🙂

Candidates should:

In most cases, the recruiter will be interested to learn more about your current responsibilities and contributions. When introducing yourself, we highly encourage you to focus on 1-2 past workplaces. Development and technologies change quite a bit, so there’s no need to go through your whole career in detail. Focusing on the most recent or meaningful achievements makes it easier for us to understand your level of competence and knowledge.

Describing your previous workplace allows the recruiter to better understand what you’re actually focusing on these days, your level of ownership and contributions. Your current workplace experience showcases your most up-to-date skills, knowledge, and expertise and is the clearest indicator to us about your suitability for the role.

Another important aspect to remember is your personal contributions. Company achievements can be useful, but they are mostly interested in you specifically. Emphasizing your personal contributions provides a more comprehensive understanding of your abilities, soft skills, and impact. It helps you stand out as an individual candidate with unique skills and achievements.

Highlighting your individual contributions allows us to identify your impact on the team and how much it relates to the position at hand. Also, talking through your personal experiences gives an indication on your soft skills which are equally (if not more so) important. At Nord Security, we emphasize teamwork. Providing examples and talking about how you dealt with certain situations in a team context is invaluable for your recruiter.

Examples of concrete situations enhance your credibility, demonstrate your skills and problem-solving abilities, leave a lasting impression, support your claims with tangible results, facilitate storytelling and engagement, and promote clarity and understanding. Including examples throughout the interview can really increase your chances of standing out.

Information provided by recruiter & candidate

Tips for maximizing your interview impact

A few points to be mindful of before the interview.

Keep it brief: Being concise and to the point in your responses ensures that your message is clear and focused. Being concise allows for a balanced conversation where the interviewer can ask all the questions they have within the allotted time. It ensures that both parties have a fair chance to contribute and engage in a meaningful discussion.

Prioritize key points: Identify the most important aspects of your experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the role, and focus on those during the interview.

Technical issues: If you encounter issues like poor internet connection, background noise, or other factors that affect the interview quality, reach out to the interviewer and ask for the call to be rescheduled. We understand the importance of a smooth interview experience and will be accommodating in rescheduling the call.

Conclusion

In essence, the first interview with Nord Security is a holistic process where information exchange, effective communication, and alignment of values and skills converge. Approached with authenticity and readiness, this interview serves as the foundation for a potential partnership built on mutual understanding and shared goals.

You, as a candidate, should use this interview as an opportunity to gain insights into the company’s culture, objectives, and the role itself. By focusing on recent and relevant experiences, you can showcase your individual contributions and skills. Sharing specific examples of achievements, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills can create a lasting impression on recruiters.

Recruiters, on the other hand, are tasked with thorough preparation. They should be equipped to present the company comprehensively, address your queries, and provide detailed information about the role, team dynamics, challenges, and methodologies. Encouraging open dialogue and offering a platform for you to ask questions fosters transparency and helps you make informed decisions.

And remember, at the end of the day – it’s just a conversation.

Good luck!

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

NordLayer subscription plans explained

In today’s world, each business, despite its shape and size, faces challenges in safeguarding its digital assets. 

Some organizations need nothing more than the basics, a minimalistic layer of internet security, to keep the digital wolves at bay. Others demand a robust fortress, a comprehensive solution that could weave a web of protection around their entire network infrastructure.

With its cutting-edge technology, NordLayer seamlessly threads into the fabric of clients’ infrastructures, whether cloud-based or reliant on hardware. NordLayer is all about convenience and ensuring that security effortlessly flows through an organization’s network. Our product evolution reflects NordLayer’s common goal – to enable all ways of working.

But in the world of cybersecurity, one size never fits all. Each business has unique ways of operating, specific challenges, and requirements. And so, NordLayer introduces four distinct plans: Lite, Core, Premium, and Custom. Each plan serves as a fine-tuned tool designed to address specific challenges that businesses face.

About the plans

Each plan is a calibrated digital mechanism for solving your business security challenges. Plans adapt gradually, incorporating additional features as the challenges become more complex.

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Plan Lite gives you essential internet access security. It is designed to enforce basic threat prevention when browsing the internet. Accessing sites worldwide is important for testing, quality assurance, and giving users a great experience everywhere.

Plan Core takes what plan Lite offers and enhances internet access security with additional capabilities. It is a suite of combined solutions incorporating internet accessibility for broader security coverage and basic network access control solutions.

Plan Premium contains a complete set of features. It’s a powerful blend of network access control solutions. This offering covers everything from plan Lite to Core and even more. It provides a more granular network segmentation, which means better security. Moreover, plan Premium has the ability to interconnect different sites and devices for the complete enablement of all ways of working.

Finally, plan Custom is a tailored network access solution for specific clients’ network access security requirements.

Use cases of each plan

Discover the diverse range of applications that NordLayer offers across its plans, from basic browsing protection to advanced access control and automation.

Each use case addresses specific business needs, ensuring that NordLayer is a tailored approach to network security and connectivity.

Let’s explore the possibilities, discover insights from our team’s experts, and learn how to find the right plan to fit your organization’s unique needs.

NordLayer Lite: a gateway to secure internet access

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NordLayer Lite is your solution for secure internet access and threat prevention when you browse online. This plan gives businesses versatile tools and features that protect traveling employees. It prevents online threats, lets you access geo-specific content, masks IP addresses, monitors VPN usage, and ensures the VPN connection is always enabled.

With NordLayer Lite, you can work and connect securely from anywhere, knowing that an effective solution shields your employee identities.

Internet threat prevention

Safeguard against online threats and malware while browsing the internet, providing a secure digital environment for your organization.

Geo-specific content access (for Q&A & marketing)

Enable employees to access region-specific content for marketing or Q&A purposes, ensuring they can engage with global audiences.

IP address masking

Hide the true IP addresses of your organization’s user identities to enhance online privacy and security.

VPN usage monitoring and reporting

Keep track of VPN usage within your organization and generate comprehensive reports to ensure compliance and security.

Continuous VPN connectivity

Ensure that employees are always connected to the VPN, maintaining a consistent and secure network connection at all times.

NordLayer Core: start your network security journey

Plan Core incorporates features of NordLayer Lite and enhances it with advanced capabilities.

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NordLayer Core is the essential plan that takes your internet access security to a new level and helps you with the first steps towards protecting your company’s network.

This plan helps you enforce strict content and application access policies and implement IP allowlisted access to work tools and resources to streamline hybrid cloud management. Additionally, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on the company’s devices by checking them against predefined security rules.

With NordLayer Core, you gain the tools and visibility needed to create a resilient and secure network environment for your business.

Content filtering

Compared to the Lite plan, Core adds online content filtering. This acts as a protection against your employees visiting dangerous websites or opening suspicious emails. Moreover, content filtering can help optimize your network performance by blocking high-bandwidth sites.

Device Posture Monitoring

In addition to online content filtering, you get Device Posture Monitoring. This helps you with network visibility by allowing you to remotely check the status of desktop and mobile devices with popular OSes and the NordLayer app installed.

The check uses predefined security rules like the proper OS or NordLayer app version. It can also show jailbroken or rooted smartphones. All rules can be tailored to your organization.

Network access control

What’s more, with our Core plan, you’re getting a couple of useful network access control tools that we’re offering for the first time.

Network segmentation

The first one is network segmentation, which lets you divide your network into smaller sub-networks for easier control and better protection against breaches. This comes from the reduced attack surface, meaning fewer entry points in a sub-network for the threat actors to exploit.

IP allowlisting

Then we have IP allowlisting. IP allowlisting is a form of access control that ensures only data traffic from specified static IP addresses can access a given destination, such as a website; the destination itself blocks any other incoming traffic.

NordLayer Premium: advanced network access control and security

Plan Premium incorporates features of NordLayer Lite and NordLayer Core and improves it with cutting-edge capabilities.

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NordLayer Premium provides your organization with advanced network access control and security features. It also includes network connectors, such as Site-to-Site and Smart Remote Access.

With this plan, you get granular network segmentation. You can establish connections with remote devices and securely bridge remote and on-site networks.

Moreover, you can restrict network access for non-compliant devices and automate user management with SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management) tools. And how about using NordLayer right in your browser? For that, you’ll have our extension that works with Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

NordLayer Premium elevates network access control and security to a new level, enhancing the organization’s efficiency and protection in today’s digital landscape.

Granular network segmentation beyond teams

Gain fine-grained control over network segmentation, going beyond team-based permissions, and tailor access policies to your organization’s needs. You can select a specific employee, protocol, or port for unprecedented customization.

Smart Remote Access

Seamlessly connect two remote devices directly, allowing control and safe file sharing. In a nutshell, Smart Remote Access is a virtual Local Area Network (LAN) that lets you connect to on-premises hardware and establish a remote desktop protocol (RDP) session with full access and no additional third-party tools.

Site-to-Site

Bridge the gap between remote and on-site networks with secure and reliable access to on-premises resources from remote locations. This includes not only desktop and mobile devices but servers, routers, and printers, too.

Restricting access for non-compliant devices

Strengthen security by enforcing access restrictions for devices that don’t meet your organization’s security policies. This way, you effectively upgrade your network access control strategy to a device level.

Browser-level NordLayer deployment

Implement NordLayer Browser Extension for better performance and flexibility when working with web-based resources. This means zero issues with OS compatibility and a super fast setup. You also won’t need to route all your traffic to another country if you need that only on a browser level.

Automating user on/offboarding with SCIM tools

While you can easily manage your team without SCIM, there’s a bonus for using it together with NordLayer. We have integration with the most popular providers, so you’ll get automated user provisioning in this case. Among other things, this means adding or removing users from Okta or Azure AD platforms without NordLayer’s Control Panel.

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Comparison of the NordLayer plans

Different NordLayer plans cater to different organizational needs. Lite offers essential internet access security with basic threat prevention features. In the meantime, Core is a suite of advanced internet access security and basic network access control solutions. Finally, the Premium plan is a powerful blend of network access control solutions with more granular network segmentation and the ability to interconnect sites and devices.

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Each plan is a piece of the puzzle. It allows businesses to choose the perfect fit for their specific security and network needs. Dive into our comparison to discover which NordLayer’s plan aligns best with your organization’s objectives.

Lite vs. Core

NordLayer Lite is a plan that brings essential internet access security and connectivity features within easy reach. If you all need a reliable VPN, this is the plan for you. NordLayer Lite will encrypt your traffic, hide your IP address, and let you connect to multiple locations, avoiding geo-blocking.

Meanwhile, NordLayer Core is at a whole other level. Everything starts with adding a Dedicated IP, which enables all the advanced features described below. Therefore, Core is for you if you need more than just internet access security.

This plan is all about network security and segmentation while having more control over content filtering. With dedicated servers, extensive gateway locations, and granular control features, Core offers the tools to fortify your digital infrastructure and adapt to the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

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Key considerations

Lite: ideal for businesses with employees who often use Wi-Fi and need to avoid geo-blocking for marketing and Q&A purposes. It’s suitable for organizations of all sizes with straightforward networking needs. Choose this plan if you seek essential internet access security with basic internet threat prevention features.

Core: designed for businesses that need comprehensive network security, customization, and control. It’s suitable for organizations with more complex networking requirements. Core and its Dedicated IP unlocked security functionalities are also for those who want to start segmenting their network and control what cloud tools and hybrid-cloud resources their employees can access.

When choosing between Lite and Core, consider the level of threat protection and the number of advanced features you need.

Core vs. Premium

NordLayer Premium represents the pinnacle of network security and connectivity within our solution’s ecosystem. This comprehensive plan easily integrates the features of both the Lite and Core plans. Moreover, the Premium plan adds state-of-the-art features to offer a holistic solution that covers essential security and advanced network access control.

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Key considerations

Security needs: assess the complexity of your security requirements. Core is suitable for organizations with fundamental cloud security needs, while Premium is ideal for those requiring advanced protection for both cloud and on-site resources. Moreover, Premium gives remote access to devices and on-site networks. Also, if you have a bigger team and automated user provisioning for onboarding and offboarding, then Premium is the right choice. It also has NordLayer Browser Extension if your infrastructure doesn’t support popular OSes.

Connectivity flexibility: consider your connectivity needs. Premium offers more diverse network connectors, catering to organizations with varied remote access requirements.

User management: if your organization relies on Okta or Azure AD for user management, Premium’s user provisioning capabilities may streamline your processes.

Support requirements: organizations with critical operations may benefit from Premium’s priority support, ensuring faster response times and dedicated assistance during critical incidents.

Finally, the choice between Core and Premium depends on your organization’s scale, complexity, and specific needs. Both plans offer robust network security and control, allowing you to tailor your selection to align perfectly with your goals and aspirations.

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How to choose the most fitting NordLayer plan?

Choosing the right NordLayer plan is a critical decision that directly impacts your organization’s network security and connectivity. By considering security needs, scalability, and control factors, you can make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your unique business requirements.

Talk to us today and learn about the most suitable NordLayer plan for your business.

FAQ

1. What are the main factors to consider when choosing a NordLayer plan?

Consider your security needs, scalability requirements, and connectivity preferences. Next, evaluate the complexity of your network and the level of control you desire. Finally, check which plan meets your needs best.

2. What are the primary differences between NordLayer Lite, Core, and Premium plans?

Lite offers essential internet access security with basic internet threat prevention features. Core includes all Lite features and provides comprehensive network control and security. Premium includes all Lite and Core features, plus advanced security options like Cloud Firewall and Device Posture Security. Plus, it enables remote access with advanced network connections and adds NordLayer Browser Extension.

3. How do I assess my organization’s security needs?

Examine your industry’s compliance requirements, the sensitivity of your data, and the potential impact of security breaches. Your security needs should align with your risk profile and regulatory obligations.

4. What factors should I consider when thinking about scalability?

Consider your infrastructure growth first and whether your chosen plan can accommodate increasing network demands. Scalability is essential to ensure that your network can adapt to changes. Ultimately, you can always start with NordLayer Lite and move up when the time comes.

5. How do I determine the right level of control for my network?

Consider your IT team’s expertise and the complexity of your network infrastructure. More control may be necessary for large, intricate networks, while simpler networks may benefit from a user-friendly approach.

6. What features are suitable for remote work scenarios?

Core and Premium plans offer features like Smart Remote Access, Always On VPN, and Site-to-Site connections, making them ideal for supporting remote work and secure connectivity. Premium also adds NordLayer Browser Extension, which helps avoid geo-blocks and enhances poor internet connections.

7. Are there additional resources to help with the decision-making process?

Yes, NordLayer provides the Decision Maker’s Kit, which includes whitepapers, guides, and resources to help assess your organization’s network security needs.

8. Can I switch NordLayer plans if my needs change in the future?

Yes, NordLayer plans offer flexibility, allowing you to upgrade or downgrade your plan based on your evolving requirements. Contact our support for assistance with plan adjustments.

9. How can I get a personalized assessment of my organization’s needs?

Reach out to NordLayer’s expert team for a Custom plan. We can help you determine the most fitting plan based on your specific network and security requirements.

10. What level of support is available with each NordLayer plan?

Lite and Core plans include around-the-clock available support, while Premium offers priority support 24/7 for faster response times and dedicated assistance with critical issues.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

How ACE Online ensured intellectual property protection in the education sector

ACE Online is a higher education course provider in India, focusing on preparing students for government examinations or higher level education, including engineering certification. A wide range of comprehensive exercises from ACE Online help graduates enhance their qualifications for better employment opportunities. 

The startup provides on-demand videos and interactive Live Classes. It also offers an online mock test series, expanding learning possibilities. It’s a digital platform of ACE Engineering Academy which is one of the leading coaching institutes in India. ACE Engineering Academy was established in the year of 1995.

However, creating and managing interactive learning and online content posed certain problems. The provider must consider secure access to the platform, protecting intellectual property, and gerunding a digital setting for potential students. Shashank Kumar, Engineering Lead at ACE Online, shares a story of how the startup tackled data protection challenges.

The challenge

Finding ways to protect copyrighted content

ACE Online consists of diverse teams that include engineers, marketers, salespeople, and a production team that creates learning content. It is all about better productivity in the context of hybrid work and small teams. Yet, for a startup that provides examination materials, data security is crucial for business continuity.

“Different team collaboration, content access for online students, and security of intellectual property require different layers of security to establish overall platform protection.”

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The company needed to ensure that remote workers connecting from home to internal resources and systems were their authorized employees. Thus, the startup needed a solution that allowed employees to work from a distance and ensured secure connections.

Another challenge arises from the market in which ACE Online operates in. Although the company has a number of competitors, they are one of the industry leaders in India. Therefore, content protection, the main source of the company’s income, must be protected from a leak or a breach.

“Since the online courses are sufficiently secure, copyright enforcement is vital to maintain this delicate kind of content.”

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As the source of capital and business growth, educational content quickly became the center of security demand. The approach focused on ensuring an understanding of who logs into the platform. From content creators to technical teams—whoever needs to connect to the internal database and anything else work-related.

The solution

Secure and authenticated connection to the learning platform

NordLayer’s solution was the first VPN incorporated into ACE Online’s infrastructure. With a virtual private gateway setup, the startup kicked off network security for the entire organization, especially remotely working staff.

“Remote employees have to use NordLayer to the full extent. VPN setup is mandatory regardless of the communication method utilized.”

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The service has no disruptions and was extremely simple to roll out. An easy-to-use, approachable solution from the very beginning gives a good start. More importantly, with NordLayer, users don’t experience latency, although you can expect that from using a VPN tool.

“Internet speed isn’t that good in India. But with the NordLayer solution, ACE Online users don’t experience latency or service disruptions.”

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But how did the startup discover NordLayer? First, they were using the consumer VPN product NordVPN and found that there was a business alternative for securing company network access. Their positive experience with using the best in the market virtual private network tool led them to try out NordLayer, which proved to be the right choice.

Why choose NordLayer

NordLayer fulfilled ACE Online security requirements provided by the tech team. It had to secure but not interrupt the company’s daily operations. And it had to be compatible with our business use cases and provide security for different scenarios.

“Using the VPN ensured there were no security issues—our code and database are not exposed over the public Internet.”

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The startup has established rules that users and teams on what circumstances must be connected to the private network when working outside the office.

Hybrid connection enablement and security with NordLayer

It also depends on the task and exceptions, but VPN usage usually applies to those who work remotely. It allows teachers to stay at home and start classes for online students without the need to be present in the studio.

The outcome

Safeguarding intellectual property with a click

Cybersecurity is crucial in the online training market and, generally, in the education industry. However, in India, digital security isn’t that established yet. Cybersecurity is still adapting to the nation’s evolving technological landscape. This prompted the government recommendations for organizations to use VPN solutions as a cybersecurity measure.

“From an education provider’s point of view, the most important thing is to protect the content from being misused. It’s about the trust and credibility you provide to your students and institutions that seek qualified personnel.”

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Learning software that requires putting in a lot of work, time, and expertise is a valuable catch for competition, and in a matter of moments, you can be left without anything. Using NordLayer, the company can protect its content with a simple and intuitive solution setup.

“You can create very good software, but it won’t make sense if it’s not secured.”

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Therefore, securing your intellectual property matters for a successful business model, Shashank Kumar, Lead of Engineering at ACE Online, notes. And NordLayer provides user-friendly and robust security measures to accomplish it.

Pro cybersecurity tips

Identifying the right technological solutions and best engineering practices is a daunting task, often overwhelming. Yet, the insights of seasoned professionals are invaluable. That’s why Shashank Kumar, the Lead of Engineering at ACE Online, agreed to share some tips.

Protecting intellectual property and ensuring seamless team productivity are paramount for businesses. NordLayer’s secure network access solution embodies this commitment by offering an advanced VPN with Virtual Private Gateways. This fortifies the protection of sensitive intellectual assets and guarantees uninterrupted daily operations.

Furthermore, the integration of the NordLynx protocol showcases NordLayer’s dedication to speed and efficiency, ensuring peak team productivity without disruptions. When it comes to blending security with operational efficiency, NordLayer stands out as a beacon of modern digital protection—reach out to our team to learn more.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.