Security Architecture & Design
Bridging the Gap Between the Security Office and IT Department
Security should not be complicated. BNC simplifies the implementation of your security policies by acting as an interface between technical specialists and the security office. Our expertise in Security Architecture & Design helps you put your IT security strategies into practice. BNC provides clear, actionable solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your systems are well-prepared against threats.
We understand the specific needs of the Security Office and CISO teams, allowing us to develop tailored solutions that are directly aligned with your security requirements.
Our over 25 years of experience in implementing IT projects ensures that we utilize proven strategies and technologies to make your security architecture robust.
With a broad range of experience in networks, security, and data management (NET/SEC/DM), we offer you independent consulting services.
How Engineering and Security Communicate Effectively
The engineering team often faces unclear requirements from the Security Office or the CISO. Governance documents are frequently very general and written in technical jargon, making them difficult to understand. Engineers need a clear interpretation tailored to their specific situations. Our consultants act as a bridge between departments, translating requirements into understandable measures and assisting with the necessary documentation.
Zero Trust: A Long-Term Shift
The full implementation of the Zero Trust principle requires more than just purchasing security solutions; it demands a fundamental change in the mindset of all stakeholders. Therefore, it is advisable to plan a multi-year timeframe for implementation, gradually embedding the Zero Trust mentality into each system and application. We support you in defining the initial steps and developing a clear roadmap for your Zero Trust journey.
Consistent Security in Hybrid Environments
Traditional networks often use a zoning concept to define security measures for different systems. However, this approach is frequently not applicable to cloud environments, especially with SaaS services. Therefore, BNC offers a protection requirement concept that provides a clear and easily understandable methodology for defining security requirements. This enables consistent implementation while maintaining the necessary flexibility in design.
Secure OT Environments
The security methods applicable to IT clients and servers are often not transferable to OT (Operational Technology) systems, as software agents cannot be installed there. Additionally, patch management is significantly restricted. Together, we work on concepts to protect your OT environment according to the principles of Zero Trust, without disrupting business operations. This approach reduces both the attack surface and the risk of operational disruptions and industrial espionage.
Conclusion: BNC - Expertise for Thoughtful Security Architecture
BNC helps you develop an effective security architecture that links security requirements with technical implementation. We promote understanding between security and engineering, support the gradual implementation of Zero Trust, and offer flexible security solutions for hybrid and OT environments. Trust in our expertise to minimize risks and future-proof your security strategy.
FAQ Security Architecture & Design
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It is not possible to install anti-malware agents on our OT systems. What alternative measures can we take to enhance security?
There are numerous ways to control access to OT systems, monitor their behavior, and detect data leaks early on, all without the need for software agents. Appropriate isolation strategies can also help contain the spread of attacks. Depending on your specific environment and its unique characteristics and requirements, BNC can assist you in planning and implementing the appropriate measures.
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What is the difference between ZTNA and Zero Trust?
Some manufacturers promise to make your network Zero Trust compliant with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). However, this is quite limited, as it only regulates network access. In the past, this was referred to as Remote Access (RAS) or Client VPN. Yes, these ZTNA solutions can control a bit more than traditional offerings, but largely they are just old wine in new bottles. A Zero Trust concept goes much further by incorporating traffic relationships within the network across all applications and to all cloud services, while also considering access from suppliers and service providers. SASE suites can make a good contribution here, but without the right concept, they will behave like nothing more than better firewalls.
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What is a protection requirement concept?
In the protection requirement concept, we succinctly document the consolidated results of a protection needs analysis based on risk assessment and the Zero Trust approach. It is important for us to convey a clear and applicable principle that can easily be applied to heterogeneous environments and is open to technological advancements. Depending on the classification of the processed information and the user’s access rights, necessary protective measures are abstractly defined.
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How does an Information Security Management System (ISMS) contribute to our security?
Often, we find that technically oriented employees do not understand the value of an ISMS and would prefer to implement a new security system rather than engage with abstract policies and directives. An ISMS serves as the foundation for a systematic approach to balancing risk acceptance, protection needs, security budgets, and user behavior. This enables strategic decisions to be made about which measures effectively improve security, rather than being driven by marketing claims from various vendors or media hype.
Our consulting services accompany you on the path of this decision-making process and ensure a consistent implementation.
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Our security budget is limited. How can we use the available resources more effectively?
Fortunately, budget constraints are not only your concern but are also faced by all your competitors in the security field.
We support you in effectively utilizing your limited budget by strategically strengthening the weakest link in your security chain. Additionally, we can help you prepare relevant evidence for management awareness, so that in the future a larger portion of the available budget is allocated to improving your security environment.