Cisco Security Architecture for System Engineers

Perimeter-based network security is no longer sufficient because of the increase in the number of devices and the growing number of vulnerabilities. The proliferation of devices means that there are more entry points into a network, making it challenging to secure all possible perimeters. Additionally, more vulnerabilities mean greater risks of potential exploits, making traditional perimeter defenses inadequate in providing comprehensive security.

To manage data access policies consistently, Cisco pxGrid and Cisco Cloudlock are used. pxGrid provides a unified framework for securely sharing context, event, and policy information between various Cisco security and network solutions, thus enabling consistent policy management. Cloudlock is a cloud-native cloud access security broker (CASB) that helps organizations protect their data in cloud environments by providing visibility and control over cloud data usage, thereby ensuring data access policies are enforced.

Stealthwatch is a security solution designed to provide network visibility and protect various layers within an IoT environment. The 'Endpoints' layer is integral to IoT security as it includes devices that communicate data and execute processes, making them critical points for potential breaches. The 'Control Layer' entails systems and protocols that manage and govern IoT devices—securing this layer is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of IoT systems and to protect sensitive controls from attacks. Therefore, Stealthwatch focuses on safeguarding both the Endpoints and the Control Layer in an IoT environment.

Two key Cisco IoT use cases are Industrial Security and Connected Health. Industrial Security focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of industrial environments through IoT technology. Connected Health involves the use of IoT devices and systems to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes by enabling remote monitoring, telehealth services, and enhanced data analytics. These use cases demonstrate the varied applications of IoT technology in both industrial and healthcare sectors.