The DMZ’s Role
The DMZ has been a cornerstone of network security for decades, designed to isolate public-facing services from internal networks and limit the impact of a cyber attack. If a server in a DMZ is compromised, then that breach can be contained and not spread to the internal network. Network DMZs have been in use for at least 30 years, though they might be referred to as a “perimeter network” or a “screened subnet.”
Zero trust architecture is challenging the traditional role of DMZs. However, instead of seeing a drop off, we’re actually starting to see more cases of them expanding into internal networks—a concept known as micro-segmentation and overlay networks. This approach is sound, but, like many existing security methods, it can introduce unwanted complexity, cost, and risks. So many people try microsegmentation and/or overlay networks, only to abandon them as the extra work and costs of implementing them become clear. Simultaneously, we are seeing a shift back towards more traditional security methods, like network DMZs, firewalls, and virus scanners to protect workstations and computers. It seems like we are going in circles; stuck in a cycle of security approaches while constantly being forced to adapt to evolving threats and technologies and never quite succeeding.
The Rise of AI-Powered Attacks
At the same time, bad actors have had a lot of success, reaping the benefits of AI and robot attacks that can work away at systems 24/7. These automated threats are fueling the growing numbers of attacks and privacy breaches. AI and robots scan the Internet's attack surface, which includes hundreds of millions of open ports, resulting in daily headlines of breaches and cyberattacks.
How do these attacks happen? The answer is often simple: a small vulnerability in the defenses on the network’s attack surface serves as an entry point. From there, things can unfold in several ways:
- By social engineering or further exploitation of software vulnerabilities
- From pre-auth network attacks (although a service has authentication and only allows authenticated connections, this mechanism can be sidestepped, and access can be gained without ever being authenticated)
- Via brute force attacks that use time as an attack vector and try guessing passwords and usernames over a long period of time (unless they get lucky quickly!)
The NoPorts Solution
NoPorts offers a unique approach to traditional DMZ security by addressing its inherent limitations.
- No Open Ports: Traditional DMZs require managing open ports to allow access, creating a static and vulnerable attack surface. NoPorts removes the need for open ports entirely.
- Identity-Based Access: Traditional DMZ rely on IP-based filtering. NoPorts uses cryptographic identities for secure access and eliminates the risk of IP spoofing or bypass attempts.
- Direct, Encrypted Connections: NoPorts facilitates direct, encrypted connections between devices, eliminating the need for firewalls, VPNs, NAT, and other complex security layers. This significantly reduces the complexity of network management and eliminates the constant need for patching, updating, and managing multiple security products.
By deploying NoPorts to secure devices within a DMZ, you can:
- Remove their attack surfaces: Close all open ports and use identity-based access for enhanced security.
- Prevent unauthorized access: Protect your data from cyber threats.
- Simplify your security posture: Reduce complexity and stop relying on multiple security layers.
- Improve efficiency: Streamline network management and reduce operational costs.
Break the cycle and try NoPorts today!
