State and local government networks have become more complex as they adopt new IT solutions and build out their networks, so it is increasingly important to simplify the security architecture by achieving integration and consistent policy management across the board. Consolidation of solutions within security and between IT and security is one route to go. For example, look for a security solution that offers firewall, ZTNA, and SD-WAN functionality all in one product rather than buying separate point products for each function. Leveraging consolidation combined with convergence of networking and security can be powerful. Cloud security and SASE can help secure users regardless of location and still provide firewall protections, secure web gateways, ZTNA, and threat detection functions. Multi-factor authentication is also a necessary solution to provide a much more secure way for authorized users to access the network resources they need, especially for government organizations that work with contractors or third parties.
Where “flat” or non-segmented networks and a lack of security integration opens a door for threat actors into one organization, the absence of interoperability of threat data can open the door into multiple organizations or even an entire sector. Attackers often move from one victim to the next and often use the same tactics to gain access to information. But an attack against the power sector can easily move to wastewater or transportation. A more strategic approach to security is needed to get ahead of attackers and sharing threat data needs to be part of that approach. Solutions like applying AI and automation at scale can help turn the attack surface from a liability to a source of intelligence that is shared across organizations. Not only that, but coordination with other agencies can reveal best practices for deploying security solutions and sharing data and insights. It can help you solve your immediate problems and avoid being stuck in Groundhog Day, where you're going to face the same issues the next day.