In today’s hybrid world, users and the apps they love have evolved. People aren’t tied to their desks and apps don’t necessarily live in data centers – technology has helped break this static relationship – bringing a new-era of hybrid environment. Today’s users and applications reside and operate in a dynamic, hybrid universe, and the network is the thread that connects everything and everyone, everywhere. While enabling all of this helps organizations boast of a great experience, security is a top concern for all leaders.
Contextualizing the hybrid landscape for the enterprise user
Modern users and applications live in a world of endless possibilities. Today’s enterprise user can be literally anywhere — working from a co-working space near home, a café overseas, an international conference they’re attending, or even on the train en route to a client. The applications they use, similarly, are no longer confined to on premise data centers. They’re thriving in various environments—on-premises, in the public or private cloud, or within hybrid systems.
Such fluidity brings the challenge of seamless integration. As users become increasingly mobile—switching devices, networks, and locations at whim—the paramount question arises: How can we ensure they remain secure, retain visibility, and enjoy a consistent user experience that aligns with business outcomes?
The network: your connectivity & security lifeline
Underlying the modern users’ needs is an intricate web of connection permutations and combinations.
A user, for example, might connect to an office wireless network, which routes through the internet service, hopping over cloud infrastructures, before finally reaching the desired application. On the other hand, the same user might connect to a public wireless service, use a VPN, and access the same application.
These multiple connection avenues not only introduce complexities but also open the door for potential threat vectors.
The network, which serves as the bridge connecting hybrid users to their hybrid applications, becomes central to keeping threats at bay. We must recognize the network as the sole control point with a comprehensive view of every connection. It’s not just a bridge, but a sentinel—your first line of defense in the digital space.
How Cisco delivers secure networking to enterprises
At the heart of this defense strategy lies the robust foundation of an enterprise network fabric. The key elements that make up this fabric – where networking meets security is where Cisco shines – are:
- Single identity for users, devices, or things
- Identity driven policy for applications/network access
- Enforcement of the policies applied for specific identities
- End to end visibility for identity and policy enforcement
Cisco’s approach to secure networking delivers great results, particularly for hybrid enterprises. It is anchored in zero-trust principles, integrating federated identity, policy, visibility, and enforcement. Together, they play a pivotal role in managing risks and offering a seamless user experience. With Cisco, identities are recognized and tagged; policies are clearly defined, and enforcement is watertight. This unique integrated approach sets Cisco apart in the market.
So, how does Cisco accomplish this? By harmoniously merging networking and security, ensuring that no matter where you are in the world, the user experience remains consistent.
For most enterprises, there are three fundamental requirements:
- Diverse Connectivity: No company relies solely on internet access
- Mixed Application Environment: A blend of SaaS, Public Cloud, and Private Apps
- Diverse Users and Devices: A multitude of users, devices, and things, each with their distinct requirements
Many enterprises use solutions provided by multiple vendors to build their network and security fabric, but this leads to complications when it comes to integrating them together. Cisco simplifies this conundrum, offering an integrated stack from a vast portfolio designed with integration at its core.
Essentially, with Cisco, you get integrated solution: a solution that every employee at Cisco itself uses and swears by. It’s a testament to our product’s efficacy, embodying the philosophy of secure networking.
Get smart with secure networking
The reality is that no vendor in the industry that can provide a complete security solution in this new era. Competitors are patching solutions together through acquisitions and haphazard integrations, but Cisco stands out with an integrated offering that covers secure connectivity, identity and policy, end-to-end visibility, enforcement, and cloud security.
Contrary to what some might believe, the network hasn’t turned into a relic of the past. In fact, in today’s digital age, it’s more relevant than ever. It is the singular element that sees everything, making it the most formidable security asset for any organization; the first line of defense, and sometimes the last time of defence.
In the face of a rapidly evolving digital universe, if it is connected with Cisco, it is protected.
