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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Before the pandemic, the conventional office setup was the only method of working. This changed with the advent of the pandemic, making working from home the predominant trend. While these two options stand at opposite ends, currently, most businesses find themselves somewhere in the middle.

More than ever, businesses are embracing hybrid work models, combining the flexibility of remote work and structured arrangement of office setup. This is frequently done as a perk and a necessity to maintain operational resilience. While this trend benefits everyone, it’s also something that has created both opportunities and threats for managed service providers.

This article delves deep into secure remote network solutions, touching upon the challenges of changing work habits and identifying the use cases when a hybrid model truly shines.

Key takeaways  

• Hybrid work models blend the flexibility of remote work with operational efficiency of traditional office setups.

• Hybrid work expands the network perimeter to home and public networks, leading to varied security risks.

• Data privacy challenges arise from its storage on personal devices or using non-approved cloud services and software.

• External collaboration tools are the new main targets for hackers as sensitive information is shared and exchanged on these platforms.

• Businesses need to adopt modern cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety of their remote workforce

The rising tide of hybrid work: challenges and threats

Many companies have adapted to hybrid working models where employees split their time between working from home (or another remote location) and working from the office. This is a mix of both remote and in-office work.

It’s expected that by the end of 2023, 71% of the workforce will be made up of individuals who either work entirely remotely or adopt a hybrid model, according to Gartner.

Two primary reasons mainly drove this:

• Flexibility. It caters to different personal preferences and situations, allowing employees to choose how they want to work.

• Productivity. Many businesses found that employees can be just as productive from home while having fewer people in the office can reduce utilities, office space, and resource costs.

It’s a mix of keeping employees happy and benefitting the business financially and operationally. However, this mixed environment is both a threat and an opportunity for MSPs.

Network security

Traditional security models operated under the assumption that most assets and users would be within a defined corporate network. With hybrid work, the network perimeter extends to home and public networks, making it harder to define and defend.

Employees’ home networks vary greatly in terms of security configurations. Some might have outdated routers, weak passwords, or other devices connected to the network that could be compromised. This variability presents potential points of entry for attackers.

Data privacy

Where and how data is stored, backed up, and handled can be a concern. Employees storing data on personal devices or using non-approved cloud services could expose them to unnecessary risks.

Employees might also use unapproved software or applications to complete their work. These unauthorized tools can pose significant data privacy risks if they don’t adhere to company data privacy standards.

Collaboration tools

Employees scattered across various locations require collaboration tools to move forward with projects. This also means that hackers rather than targeting organization’s internal systems, can focus on vulnerabilities of these collaboration tools. As these tools are beyond the control of the organization, there is always a risk that the vulnerabilities can be exploited to retrieve sensitive company data.

As the use of these tools increases, so does the need for enhanced security to prevent data breaches and phishing attacks.

Endpoint security

Not all remote setups have the same security standards as corporate networks. Personal devices might lack up-to-date security patches, firewalls, or other security measures, making them more vulnerable to attacks.

There’s a higher risk of data leakage in a hybrid work setup, especially if employees use personal devices to access corporate data. Without proper endpoint security, sensitive data can be exposed or transferred to insecure locations.

The evolution of work habits

COVID-19 has changed work habits that have seen people opting for various remote working setups. From working in summer residences to exotic destinations, the notion of a ‘workplace’ has expanded immensely. This has spawned a few main trends that have to be kept in consideration, especially from the perspective of MSPs.

Work from anywhere (WFA)

Employees now have more liberties regarding their work location. Companies can reduce office costs, and employees save on commuting. WFA also opens up a global talent pool, offers a better work-life balance, and reduces environmental impacts. The pandemic proved its effectiveness, with many businesses seeing stable or increased productivity.

Digital nomadism

The pandemic has given rise to the digital nomad culture, where individuals work while constantly traveling. To maintain productivity and remain secure, they heavily rely on network solutions.

The focus has shifted from hours worked to actual output. Work and life blend, encompassing travel, leisure, and job duties. As businesses operate globally, physical presence becomes less vital. This lifestyle encourages personal growth and cultural exposure. Many cities support digital nomads with coworking spaces for work and networking.

Essentials for securing remote teams

Remote work has presented new cybersecurity challenges for businesses. To counteract them, businesses must keep up with the times. Here are some considerations that are relevant for MSPs.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods. The user must authenticate through two checks to access an account or system.

Without MFA, attackers can use brute force methods to guess passwords. With MFA, even if the password is guessed, the attacker would need a second form of authentication. MFA is a powerful and relatively simple solution to many of these challenges and is an essential tool in the modern cybersecurity toolkit for remote teams.

VPN solutions

The primary function of a VPN is to encrypt data being sent between the remote worker and the company’s internal network. This encryption ensures that even if hackers intercept the data, they cannot easily decipher its contents.

With a VPN, remote workers can securely access files, databases, and applications on the company’s internal network from anywhere. This access is often facilitated through secure authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication, ensuring only authorized individuals gain access.

Regular security training

Cybersecurity coaching is essential for all employees but especially critical for remote teams. Many security incidents occur due to a lack of awareness. Employees may not know the latest phishing techniques or understand the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks. Training sessions keep these issues front of mind, reminding employees of best practices.

With regular training, companies can set clear expectations for employees regarding what behaviors are acceptable and what are not. This clarity helps reduce mistakes and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Device management

As the number of remote workers has risen dramatically, so too have the security challenges associated with managing and maintaining devices that are not physically present in a central office.

Device management systems allow IT teams to control all company-issued devices. This ensures that the devices adhere to corporate policies and compliance standards, regardless of physical location.

How can NordLayer help?

Secure remote network solutions are vital in today’s changing work environment. As businesses continue to adapt to new ways of working, ensuring the safety of their data and systems remains a top priority for MSPs.

By recognizing the challenges and potential threats, companies can better prepare themselves, ensuring seamless and secure operations. Yet, for that, turning to trustworthy partners might be necessary.

NordLayer helps growing teams seamlessly transition into hybrid models by providing network and resource access management solutions. The Zero Trust approach at the core of our offerings allows us to protect online resources and ensure easy access for employees. Virtual Private Gateways offer top-tier security with dedicated servers. They encrypt your online data, are highly customizable, and let you control access with role-based privileges. They also work smoothly with major login providers.

Benefit from premium VPN protection, enhanced security with multi-factor authentication, and continuous network monitoring. Plus, there’s no hardware needed, and it’s easily tailored to your business.

Interested in becoming a partner? Protect your clients and broaden your market opportunities with NordLayer.