Security does not come in a box! NO one product that you purchase will defend your network. Security is a way of doing business and a mindset. You cannot secure a device against an authorized user. The MORE secure a resource is- the LESS useable it is. The only secure computing resource is one that is unplugged…

These are all common phrases in the security industry, and they are all true.

The defenses available to IT departments to protect against a litany of daily threats to their enterprise networks are wide and broad. Unfortunately there is little to no automated coordination between defensive IT security technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection/protection systems (IDS/IPS), network-based anomaly detection (NBAD) devices, patch management systems, VPN appliances, etc. This fragmented approach to IT security along with an exponential increase in the number of threats/exploits has given rise to the status quo of helter-skelter attack mitigation.

The status quo of attack mitigation is unfortunately a less than organized and structured process. An exploit enters the enterprise. It propagates quickly, infecting a large number of servers, desktops, laptops and eventually, mobile end-points. Large IT firms issue warnings, identify the exploit signature and send out hot fixes or patches to the industry. IT departments spend the next several days cleansing systems in an attempt to bring the corporate network back to normal operating performance. During this process IT staff are distracted until the exploit is contained, patched and the systems cleansed. Depending on the severity of the exploit, IT staff can be totally consumed with patch management and system cleansing. This is a lengthy and reactive process with little or no warning and is often accompanied by disorder. In short the status quo does not scale and it’s woefully inadequate to fix the IT security problem which is only getting larger with more severe consequences.

The status quo is a dangerous place to be. If a corporation does not take action to defend against cyber exploits then it pays a triple price:

	The aftermath damage price of clean- up and lost business.
	The full weight of the federal government’s ability to investigate, prosecute and fine a corporation.
	The tarnishing of its brand and reputation as it becomes known as an unsecured establishment with which to conduct business.

The cost of the status quo attack mitigation is in real operational dollars, loss of revenue, loss of opportunities, lost productivity and corporate credibility and potentially, regulatory non-compliance.

Integracon offers a variety of different and complimentary products, services, and policies that are tailored to your business with the result of securing your resources and assets from both internal AND external threats. Integracon’s engineers have consulted and been employed by DOD, federal agencies, numerous financial institutions, manufacturing, healthcare, and many other industry segments for security solutions and services. With over 50 years experience providing information security, Integracon is ready, willing, and able to help its clients avoid the pitfalls and business risks that arise as new threats and technologies evolve.