Table of contents
What is a cybersecurity platform?
A cybersecurity platform is a centralized system that integrates the security and management of a company’s digital infrastructure.
Multiple distinct layers of protection collaboratively defend email, applications, data, users, and networks. Management and reporting features are combined in a central interface, enabling security teams to monitor and control security and data protection policies throughout the organization.
Components of a comprehensive cybersecurity platform
A cybersecurity platform is typically a cloud-native solution that protects all threat vectors using multiple layers of defense:
- Email: Defends against spam, malware, phishing, impersonation, business email compromise, data leaks, malicious links and attachments, and other email attacks.
- Network: The cloud-native Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) defends networks from advanced threats, automated and manual intrusion, malware, spyware, and botnets, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Most network security solutions also provide web security, SSL interception, and multiple secure authentication methods like Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) and time-based one-time passwords (TOTP).
- Data: Business data is protected in secured and encrypted cloud storage that cannot be changed by ransomware or other file-tampering attacks. Multiple data locations can be included in a single backup instance, and files are easily restored through the cloud interface.
- Application: A web application firewall (WAF) is usually included as a cloud service in the cybersecurity platform. The WAF-as-a-Service protects web applications and advanced programming interfaces (APIs) from OWASP Top 10 and Zero-Day attacks, credential stuffing and distributed denial of service attacks, exploits, vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations.
- Web: Users, networks, and other company assets are protected from web-based attacks by a secure web gateway (SWG). This layer of protection typically includes advanced threat protection, deep-SSL Inspection, category-based web filtering, application control, and user-based polices. In a cybersecurity platform, the SWG is tightly integrated with the FWaaS and is often considered part of the network security layer of defense.
Barracuda provides a cybersecurity platform that blocks threats across multiple threat vectors, including email, web applications, and network access with data protection and extended detection and response.
A comprehensive cybersecurity platform also delivers the following features:
- Threat prevention: Security solutions and strategies that prevent unauthorized access, attacks, or damage to the digital infrastructure.
- Threat hunting: Continuous proactive searching through networks, systems, and datasets to identify abnormal activities that might indicate a threat or breach.
- Incident response: Rapid response to attacks and immediate corrective action.
- Vulnerability management: Identifies, prioritizes, and resolves vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure.
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Continuous, contextual, and risk-based verification across users and their associated devices.
- Secure Internet Access (SIA): Enforcement of enterprise-wide security policies that protect remote users from web-based threats.
- Zero-touch deployment: Centralized configuration and deployment of devices like workstations, internet of things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) devices, and cyber-physical systems.
How are cybersecurity platforms effective in ransomware protection?
Cybersecurity platforms are effective in dealing with threats that can come from multiple sources such as ransomware. A ransomware attack is a multi-step process that can touch every threat vector and access points in an enterprise network. It typically begins with infiltration and the delivery of the malware. This is often followed by a “dwell time,” in which threat actors explore the network, steal data, and establish permanence and future attack capabilities. The attack then proceeds to system and data encryption. The ransomware executable will leave a ransom note with instructions on purchasing a decryption key.
Ransomware can cause a widespread system shutdown, and many companies configure and manage their backups with ransomware in mind. Companies with proper data protection in place should be able to restore business systems without paying a ransom. To prevent companies from using their data backups, ransomware attacks search for backup systems to encrypt or otherwise damage. Threat actors will also increase the pressure on victims by threatening to release the stolen data or launching a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack unless a ransom is paid.
A comprehensive cybersecurity platform defends every threat vector from ransomware attacks:
|
Threat vector
|
Ransomware attack
|
Cybersecurity platform defense
|
|---|---|---|
|
Email
|
Phishing email with malicious link
|
Phishing protection, advanced filtering, link protection, attachment scanning, email security gateway
|
|
Network
|
Exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities or misconfigured RDP or VPN accounts
|
Intrusion detection and prevention, patch management, firewall-as-a-service, microsegmentation
|
|
Application
|
Security flaws in web applications
|
Vulnerability management and remediation, intrusion detection and prevention, web application firewalls and waf-as-a-service
|
|
Web
|
Drive-by download from compromised website
|
Malicious websites and traffic blocked by secure web gateway, firewall-as-a-service, endpoint protection
|
|
Data Protection
|
Encryption of backup files
|
Immutable data backups, offsite backups
|
What are the benefits of using a cybersecurity platform?
A cybersecurity platform offers a unified and efficient approach to cybersecurity management. Centralized management and reporting enhance the organization’s ability to protect against cyberattacks, insider threats, and other risks.
Key benefits of using a cybersecurity platform instead of individual solutions:
- Integrated security posture: One comprehensive view of the security landscape across your network, endpoints, and cloud environments.
- Simplified management and operations: A single dashboard is used to manage and monitor security across the enterprise.
- Cost effectiveness: Cybersecurity platforms typically reduce the number of subscriptions, licenses, and other fees associated with multiple individual solutions.
- Advanced threat intelligence: Platforms use data from multiple sources and threat vectors to improve insights around threat activity.
- Faster incident response: Centralized incident response reduces the time needed to detect and remediate threats.
- Scalability: A unified cybersecurity platform is typically easier to scale up or down to meet company needs.
- Streamlined vendor management: Working with a single vendor simplifies vendor communication and support.
Unified platforms also provide a single dashboard with an intuitive interface and consolidated controls. Centralized reporting makes it easier for staff to demonstrate regulatory compliance and security posture.
Learn more about cybersecurity platforms
Related terms
- What is OWASP?
- What is a botnet?
- What is business email compromise?
- What is a phishing campaign?
- Phishing vs Spear Phishing
- What is spyware?
- What are Network Firewalls
- What is ransomware?
Further reading
- Cybersecurity platform
- Building a layered defense strategy with integrated Firewall-as-a-Service and Secure Web Gateway
- The power of segmentation for OT security
How Barracuda can help
Barracuda provides a comprehensive cybersecurity platform to protect organizations from all major attack vectors that are present in today’s complex threats. Barracuda offers best value, feature-rich, one-stop solutions that protect against a wide range of threat vectors, and is backed up by complete, award-winning customer service. Because you are working with one vendor, you benefit from reduced complexity, increased effectiveness, and lower total cost of ownership. Hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide count on Barracuda to protect their email, networks, applications, and data.
