5 Ways to Enhance Network Security and Performance in 2025

1. Adoption of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE, is a technology that merges networking and security into a unified, cloud-based service, streamlining operations and enhancing security measures.

SASE is particularly relevant today, where remote work is common, and the usage of SaaS tools is mainstream.

SASE combines various networking and security functions, such as SD-Wan solutions, firewall-as-a-service, and zero-trust access, into a single service model. This integration allows for more efficient management and stronger security protocols, which are delivered directly from the cloud.

Here are a few benefits of adopting SASE:

• SASE reduces the complexity of having multiple security solutions. It integrates key functions into one platform, making it easier to manage.
• By incorporating zero-trust principles, SASE ensures that only authenticated and authorized users can access the network, significantly reducing potential breaches.
• SASE optimizes the delivery of network resources, enhancing speed and reducing latency, which is crucial for remote and mobile workers.
• Being cloud-native, SASE can easily scale up or down based on the organization’s needs, providing flexibility as the business grows or adapts.

Despite its benefits, implementing SASE can be challenging. It requires a shift in traditional network and security architectures, and organizations may face hurdles in integration with existing systems and training staff to manage this new model.

2. Essential Cybersecurity Training and Access Controls

An organization’s cybersecurity is only as good as its weakest link—humans. Researchers from Stanford University and Tessian found that nearly 88% of all data breaches are caused by an employee mistake.

And so, regular training sessions are still and will always be essential in equipping employees with the knowledge needed to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats, such as phishing emails and ransomware.

Furthermore, effective access management is just as important. This involves setting up stringent controls that dictate who can access what resources within a network. This is critical for minimizing potential attack surfaces and protecting against data breaches.

Here are three key ways to implement strong access controls:

• Role-based Access: Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that employees only have access to the information necessary for their job functions, reducing the risk of accidental or malicious data exposure.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA or 2FA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to network resources, thereby significantly enhancing security.
• Regular Audits: Periodic reviews and audits of access controls help ensure that rights and permissions are appropriate and that outdated access rights are revoked.

Companies need to invest ongoing effort and resources to keep training programs and access protocols up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements.

3. Strategic Network Segmentation and Threat Containment

By dividing a network into smaller, controlled segments, organizations can reduce the scope of potential breaches and improve the overall management of network traffic.

As the name suggests, network segmentation involves dividing a network into multiple segments or subnetworks, each acting as a separate security zone. This approach limits the spread of any security breaches by containing them within a single segment, thereby protecting the rest of the network.

Segmentation reduces network congestion by confining traffic to specific areas, which can improve the speed and reliability of network communications within those segments. For organizations that must adhere to strict regulatory standards, segmentation helps by securing data in specific areas, making it easier to apply compliance measures.

Similarly, effective threat containment strategies help in quickly identifying and isolating threats before they spread across the network. This includes employing technologies and techniques such as:

• Automated Response Systems: These systems detect and respond to threats in real-time, often before human operators are even aware of an issue.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): These tools not only detect potential threats but also take pre-defined actions to prevent the spread of the threat.
• Regular Security Audits: Regular assessments of network security help identify and remediate vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

Together, strategic network segmentation and threat containment are vital components of a robust network security strategy. They ensure that networks are resilient against attacks while being optimized for performance.

4. Network Modernization and Regular Updates

With new threats emerging each day, modernization helps upgrade old hardware and software systems to newer technologies that offer better security, performance, and compatibility with current standards.

Modern systems incorporate the latest security features, and updated networks can handle higher data volumes and provide faster processing times, which enhances overall performance. Newer systems are also typically designed to meet current regulatory requirements, helping organizations stay compliant with legal standards.

As such, it’s always advisable to keep all software—from ERP platforms to sales force automation software—and hardware up to date to ensure the latest patches and updates are applied.

This includes implementing scheduled replacements or upgrades of outdated hardware and software to protect against any new vulnerabilities.

5. Managed Security Services

Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) offer specialized services to manage an organization's security needs. This typically includes monitoring networks, managing intrusion detection systems, and responding to security incidents.

They bring specialized knowledge and skills that may be too costly or complex for businesses to develop in-house. They provide around-the-clock surveillance and immediate response to security threats.

For small-to-mid-sized companies, outsourcing security management to MSSPs can be more cost-effective than maintaining a full-time, in-house security team.

Wrapping Up

Enhancing network security and performance in 2025 demands a comprehensive approach. Organizations need to leverage Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) for streamlined security and network management, which is crucial for remote and hybrid setups. Effective cybersecurity training and strong access controls are vital to reduce human-related breaches and ensure regulatory compliance.

Moreover, network segmentation and threat containment are critical for isolating risks and maintaining network integrity. Regular updates and modernization of networks ensure they meet current security and performance standards. Lastly, employing managed security services provides extra security layers, simplifying complex security management.

By integrating these strategies, organizations can build resilient networks that support business operations while protecting against modern cyber threats.