Cyber security threats are constantly evolving, presenting new challenges for organisations and their IT teams.  

The traditional approach to cyber security, which once relied heavily on firewalls and perimeter defences, is no longer sufficient to combat these emerging threats. Ransomware attacks, supply chain compromises, social engineering and cloud security risks are just a few examples of the modern-day cyber challenges businesses face.  

As cyber criminals become more resourceful, organisations must adopt advanced cyber security measures, such as a zero-trust architecture, to protect their data and assets. Here, we take a closer look at the limitations of firewalls, offering alternative security solutions that go beyond the capabilities of these traditional cyber security measures… 

The limitations of traditional firewalls 

Originally designed to protect a well-defined network perimeter, firewalls have long been the cornerstone of network security — acting as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks. 

However, the cyber threat landscape has outpaced the capabilities of traditional firewalls. And now, thanks to the changing nature of IT environments, these measures face significant limitations. 

One of the primary challenges is the dissolution of the traditional network perimeter. With the rise of cloud computing, remote work and the internet of things (IoT), the boundaries of organisational networks have become blurred. Employees are accessing company resources from various locations and devices, often outside the reach of traditional firewalls. This shift has rendered perimeter-based defences less effective, as threats can originate from within the network, bypassing the firewall entirely. 

Social engineering has also become a prevalent attack vector — one that firewalls are powerless against.  

Cyber criminals can use phishing emails, fake websites and other deceptive methods to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software. These attacks bypass traditional security measures, which focus on monitoring and controlling network traffic, leaving organisations vulnerable to breaches. 

Given these limitations, it is clear that relying solely on firewalls is no longer sufficient. Although it is still important for companies to use firewalls, other security controls are required in addition to firewalls. Businesses must adopt a more comprehensive approach, incorporating advanced measures that address the diverse and dynamic nature of today’s cyber security threats. 

Zero-trust architecture and other modern security measures

To effectively safeguard against evolving cyber security threats, organisations must deploy advanced measures that go beyond the capabilities of traditional firewalls.  

Four key approaches businesses should consider are zero-trust architecture, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR). 

 1. Zero-trust architecture 

Unlike traditional security models that assume trust based on network location, zero-trust architecture operates on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify.’ This approach requires continuous authentication and authorisation of all users, devices and applications — regardless of their location within or outside the network. 

In a zero-trust model, every access request is treated as a potential threat until it is verified. This means that even if a user is within the corporate network, they must still prove their identity and have the appropriate permissions to access resources.  

By implementing zero-trust architecture, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access, even if an attacker manages to bypass the firewall. 

2. IDPS

Intrusion detection and prevention systems are essential tools for monitoring network traffic and identifying suspicious activities. These systems use advanced algorithms and machine learning to detect anomalies that may indicate a cyber-attack. When a potential threat is detected, IDPS can automatically take action, such as blocking traffic, alerting security teams or isolating compromised systems. 

Unlike firewalls, which are primarily concerned with controlling access to the network, IDPS focuses on identifying and responding to threats in real time. This proactive approach is crucial in mitigating the impact of cyber-attacks and preventing criminals from gaining a foothold in the network. 

3. EDR

Endpoints, such as laptops, smartphones and IoT devices, are often the weakest link in an organisation’s security chain. Endpoint detection and response solutions provide continuous monitoring of these devices to detect, investigate and respond to advanced threats.  

EDR tools collect and analyse data from endpoints, looking for signs of malicious activity, such as unauthorised access or unusual behaviour. By deploying EDR, businesses can gain greater visibility into their endpoints and respond more quickly to potential threats. This is especially important in a remote work environment, where employees may be using personal devices or accessing company resources from unsecured networks. 

4. XDR

Extended detection and response takes the concept of EDR to the next level by integrating data across multiple security layers, including network, endpoint, server and email. XDR provides a holistic view of the organisation’s security, allowing security teams to detect and respond to threats more effectively. 

With XDR, businesses can correlate data from various sources to identify complex attack patterns that may go unnoticed in isolated systems. This comprehensive approach enables organisations to stay ahead of sophisticated cyber security threats and reduce the time it takes to detect and mitigate attacks. 

At Burning Tree, we understand the challenges organisations face in navigating evolving cyber security threats. Our consultancy services are designed to help you implement robust cyber security solutions, such as zero-trust architecture, to strengthen your security posture. Contact us today at 01252 843 014 or info@burningtree.co.uk to find out how we can help protect your business.