What Exactly Does “Edge Security” Mean in Cybersecurity?
Edge cybersecurity provides security for computing processes that occur at the farthest reaches of the organization’s network. Frequently, these areas can pose the most significant levels of security risk, as they are not fully encompassed by the organization’s perimeter. Edge computing occurs whenever computations occur closest to the device rather than the network infrastructure. IoT devices, fitness bands, sensors and even self-driving cars are common examples.
The most common edge security risks
A major concern of edge computing is that the device must interact with the network but may not be fully secured by the network. Edge computing demands that the device itself manage data, frequently sensitive data. Because edge computing systems may not be as secure as the network, they could become compromised. If the computing system is compromised, then it may, in turn, compromise the network.
Edge security risks can be mitigated by combining physical and logical security measures. Physical security measures include ensuring that devices are adequately secured and that only authorized personnel can access them. Logical security measures include implementing strong authentication and authorization controls and encrypting data both in transit and at rest.
Cloud networks, IoT and computing on the edge
Edge security is seeing a surge in interest due to the proliferation of edge devices and cloud solutions. As edge devices become more commonplace, organizations must protect themselves against an expanded attack surface — and many organizations are already struggling with the expanded perimeter of the cloud.
What is an example of an edge security device?
Edge security devices may include routers, firewalls, WAN devices and more — designed to protect an organization from IoT edge computing devices that connect to the network. These security devices are intended to preserve the network’s perimeter and protect the network from devices on the edge.
Intelligent edge devices have built-in processes, analytics and even artificial intelligence capabilities and may consequently have embedded edge security. Most medical edge devices have built-in security, sometimes rivaling enterprise networks.
Beyond the perimeter, software firewalls, web filtering, anti-malware solutions, intrusion prevention systems and intelligent threat detection will analyze the behavior of edge computing devices and monitor them for potential threats.
The best practices for edge computing security
As with other forms of cybersecurity, there are best practices to follow when working on the edge. Every edge network will be different, and edge computing devices fall along a vast spectrum. So, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for edge security, but there are general ways to reduce risk.
Implement zero-trust access throughout your organization
Zero-trust access reduces many potential hazards to edge computing by rendering them irrelevant. A zero-trust security model is an approach to cybersecurity that doesn’t rely on predefined trust levels. In other words, all users and devices are treated as not trusted by default. This includes devices inside the network perimeter as well as outside of it.
With a zero-trust security model, organizations verify the identity of users and devices before granting them access to data and applications. Once granted access, user activity is monitored and measured to ensure they remain compliant with security policies. Even if an edge computing device is breached or otherwise used for malicious activity, the organization’s broader network will not recognize its access.
Control and configure edge devices internally or reject their connections
To secure edge devices, they should be configured and controlled by the internal IT department through agents. These agents will keep the device secure and updated and (critically) recognize if the device has been compromised. Devices not correctly configured and controlled will either be treated as public devices or have their connections rejected entirely.
Likewise, organizations should be critical about the edge devices they allow onto their network and do the appropriate research to identify devices most likely to be compromised.
Monitor activity across edge devices, ideally with AI/machine learning tools
Intelligent edge devices are often equipped with sensors and other data-gathering capabilities. These devices generate a large volume of data, which can be monitored for anomalies that may indicate malicious activity. By analyzing this data, organizations can detect threats in real-time and take action to prevent them.
The best way to monitor activity across edge devices is with AI/machine learning tools. These tools can automatically detect anomalies and report them to the appropriate personnel. Using AI/machine learning, organizations can stay ahead of threats and respond quickly to potential incidents.
Isolate edge devices within the public cloud infrastructure
If a zero-trust network is not used, edge devices should at least be isolated to the public cloud infrastructure. This isolation will protect the device from potential threats and prevent it from being used as a gateway into the organization’s network. This is the proper way to connect an edge device to a cloud infrastructure, as it imparts no additional privileges to the device that a stranger to the network would not have.
Protecting your organization against the edge
Edge computing is a $275 billion industry. As technology advances, edge devices become more advanced; soon, powerful artificially intelligent solutions will be scattered everywhere throughout businesses and homes. Companies can’t avoid the sheer power these IoT devices bring to the table, whether augmenting their logistics and shipping services with sensors or developing a new self-driving car.
Edge security is constantly evolving. Organizations may move their networks even more to the edge as we work in a more remote and robust world. We are now in a world where complex artificial intelligence and analytics may operate on a smart television or a smart refrigerator. And now that our cloud services are always accessible and always on, there’s even more of the network to preserve and protect.
Still, while edge computing is becoming essential to many organizations, it can’t be trusted that an edge computing device will be internally secured, nor that its communications with a network should be trusted. As network infrastructure grows in complexity, it becomes prohibitively difficult for any enterprise — even the largest of enterprises — to manage its security entirely on its own. Engaging with a professional security partner is the easiest (and most cost-effective) solution.
