IT Security

What is IT Security?

IT security is becoming increasingly important. The goal is to protect computers, networks, and data from unauthorized access. Threats and potential security breaches can have a catastrophic impact on an organization. These attacks can come in many forms, including malware, ransomware, phishing scams, and more.

Types of IT Security

There are many different types of IT security and depending on the perspective, there are different categorizations. Also, the expansion of networks through the cloud and other new technologies brings more categories. At Callista, we distinguish between five main categories:

Network Security

In this section, we talk about the security of interaction between different devices in a network. This includes both the hardware and the software. The goal is to protect the underlying network infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, destruction, or unauthorized disclosure. Network security creates a platform for computers, programs, and users to perform their permitted functions in a secure environment.

Internet Security

In particular Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TSL) are forms of encryption and authentication used by companies for their online platforms. When interactions take place, public and private keys are created, ensuring the integrity of the data. Other common security measures for the internet include firewalls, tokens, anti-malware/spyware, and password managers.

Endpoint Security

Every new connection in a company’s network increases the threat potential. Endpoint security targets security threats at the device level, e.g. laptops, cell phones, and tablets. It controls applications, users, data, and encryption. Encryption ensures the integrity of transmitted data, while application control protects against dangerous downloads on the user side.

Cloud Security

Cloud security is needed as enterprises implement their digital transformation strategy and incorporate cloud-based tools and services as part of their infrastructure. Cloud technology helps companies extend their capabilities outside the confines of on-premise infrastructure. But it can also have negative impacts if not done securely. Finding the right balance requires understanding how modern enterprises can benefit from the use of cloud technologies while adopting cloud security best practices.

Application Security

This area describes security measures at the application level. Security vulnerabilities are identified or minimized at the hardware, software, and process level. For example, a hardware application security measure might include a router that prevents someone from viewing the IP address of a computer, from the internet. Many security measures are usually built into the software as well, such as an application firewall that strictly defines what activities are allowed and prohibited. Processes can include measure names such as logs and regular tests.

Identity & Access Management (IAM)

What is IAM?

Identity & Access Management (IAM) is an essential component of general IT security. The area manages digital identities and user access to data, systems, and resources within a company. It defines the policies, programs, and technologies that reduce identity-related access risks within an organization. IAM makes it possible to mitigate risks, improve compliance, and increase efficiency across the enterprise.

Types of IAM

The types of IAM a company needs depend on factors such as company size, industry, and local guidelines and legislation. We distinguish between four basic types of IAM:

Workforce IAM

Employees use a variety of applications in their daily work. Depending on the employee, these applications can vary widely. An IAM solution is required to ensure user-centric authentication and authorization. A goal-oriented workforce IAM provides integration with all the different applications, as well as synchronization of their security and identity management, under one roof. It also accelerates secure access to various applications and resources, through single sign-on (SSO), passwordless authentication, smart authentication, etc.

B2B IAM

IAM for other companies and organizations often uses third-party vendors because they are very specialized and complex systems. This is because large multinationals and tech giants work with different backend technologies. The specific solutions enable these organizations to promote identities and secure digital user credentials quickly on any technology stack or application authentication.

Customer IAM

Customer Identity & Access Management (CIAM) improves the customer experience while providing access control and identity security. When organizations deploy customer-facing applications with digital identity-based authorization and authentication, CIAM solutions can provide the best service. These can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise.

Cloud-based IAM

These are next-generation IAM solutions that provide a holistic shift of the entire identity management infrastructure to the cloud. It leverages various security mechanisms such as identity governance, single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, smart authentication, privileged access management, and more. Cloud-based IAMs are also advantageous in terms of cost, scalability, and management. Companies do not need to purchase on-site hardware or infrastructure to support such IAM solutions.