Devices like printers are implemented into nearly every organisation’s corporate infrastructure, yet often little thought is put into considering the security risks
Network devices like firewalls and switches serve as the front line defense against unauthorised access, and so their secure configuration is essential for protecting data
What Challenges Can Be Addressed By Network Device Configuration Reviews?
Insecure Protocols
Network devices can utilise a range of different protocols, and not all of them are secure. Certain protocols may transmit traffic in plain text, allowing attackers to intercept and read sensitive data. Other protocols may use weak authentication mechanisms which an attacker can abuse to gain access to unauthorised resources.
Out of Date Firmware and Software
Hardware manufacturers regularly release security updates for their products to remediate newly discovered vulnerabilities. Not applying these updates can leave devices vulnerable and at risk of compromise by an attacker. Network device configuration reviews ensure that all devices are up to date and free from known vulnerabilities.
Weak or Default Passwords
The management interface for network devices is usually secured through the use of a password, and as such, ensuring this password is adequate is essential for preventing unauthorised modification of the device’s configuration. Default passwords are known by attackers and are frequently abused, and weak passwords can easily be guessed.
Vulnerabilities in Network Protocols
Firewall rules are a critical component of network security, acting as gatekeepers to control incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security policies. However, when these rules are incorrectly implemented—either too broadly, allowing unnecessary access, or too restrictively, blocking legitimate traffic—they can compromise the network’s security posture and operational efficiency.
Weak Encryption Configurations
Weak encryption configurations can significantly undermine the security of data transmission, making it easier for attackers to decrypt sensitive information. Using outdated encryption algorithms or improperly configured encryption protocols can leave data exposed and vulnerable to interception or breaches.
Inadequate Logging and Monitoring
Logging and monitoring misconfigurations in network devices can significantly undermine an organisation’s security posture. If logs are not properly secured, they can be accessed by unauthorised individuals, potentially exposing sensitive information about the network’s configuration and activity. Furthermore, inadequate logging levels may result in missing critical alerts about malicious activities or system errors, while excessive logging can overwhelm storage resources, leading to important information being overwritten or ignored.
Why Choose Us?
Experience, Qualifications and Expertise
All Forfend consultants are highly experienced and qualified penetration testers who hold the highest industry certifications. Experts in a comprehensive portfolio of testing methodologies, we identify system vulnerabilities and offer practical remediation advice, in a manner that is understandable and digestible by everyone from management to developers.
Personalised Consultancy Services
We deliver highly personalised, professional consultancy services; the consultant carrying out the engagement being involved throughout the entire process, from initial scoping to testing, reporting, and responding to questions that may arise once the remediation process is underway.
Value For
Money
As a small cyber security consultancy with limited overheads, we’re able to offer prices that are very competitive when compared to the rest of the industry, yet still deliver a high quality engagement. Forfend consultants are well versed at identifying vulnerabilities missed by other consultants.
Experience In A Range Of Industries
Our consultants have experience working in a range of different industries, from central government departments, critical national infrastructure, and councils, to legal, finance and technology sectors. Forfend consultants understand the threats and challenges faced by each industry, and are suited to offer testing types tailored to each sector’s needs.
