Select a network management tool that helps ensure system security

In small and medium-sized enterprises, administrators responsible for network management are also responsible for ensuring network security. Similarly, the requirements of security management and network management are integrated into a broader field of network operations.

Network management tools are numerous and expensive, but more administrators have begun to realize the value of using these tools to promote security. However, using network management tools to enhance security is a brand new concept for most vendors.

Most management tools do well in tracking network interfaces, server processes, and network data statistics. However, by choosing the right tool and using it for network security, you can get the biggest benefit from the network management tool.

Know what you are looking

When investigating and researching network management tools, remember that the best tools have three key features:

A simple interface: all the information you need should be on one interface, and you should not switch between different screens. For any administrator who needs to see this information, this interface should be Web-based and customizable. By providing a customized view that system superusers, managers, and department leaders can rely on, these tools can become another set of monitors for your network operations.

Ability to recognize normal operations: most security-related events occur outside the normal operation parameters of your network. Your network management tool must be able to identify the differences between normal and abnormal communications, and report such information correctly.

Information that can be used as a basis for action: If you plan to use a tool to manage network security, you must be able to take action based on the information obtained from a screen. In other words, you should be able to detect related security events and use the same tool to handle problems.

Find the right tool

At different time points, I have used several of the most famous tools, including HP OpenView, SolarWinds Network Management Toolset, and Cisco Network Management Toolkit. These are all feasible options, but I recommend you use the SPECTRUM suite of solutions of Concord Communication.

SPECTRUM provides a simple Web-based "one-click" interface and can be customized for multiple users. With SPECTRUM, you can build a normal communication mode for your network, provide multiple reports for this communication, and receive related notifications when some abnormal communication occurs.

In addition, the information provided by the SPECTRUM interface is quite meaningful. It allows you to further explore the problem and find a quick solution.

For example, a company recently asked the author to solve the performance problems in its network. With SPECTRUM, I can quickly find that the virus is consuming most of the network bandwidth.

This is a large network, but SPECTRUM can identify the MAC address of the infected computer and disable the corresponding port of the switch. Once SPECTRUM confirms that the communication mode is abnormal, the author uses its built-in event Association tool to prevent virus infection of the entire network of the enterprise.

Conclusion

In today's corporate environment, budget and staff are highly restricted. If your network management tool cannot identify normal network communication, you should try another tool.

No matter what network management tool you choose for your network, it must also provide security management functions. If you select an appropriate dual-purpose network management tool, you will have more time to devote yourself to ensuring network security.