Choose a network management tool that helps ensure system security

In small and medium-sized enterprises, the administrator responsible for managing the network is generally also the person who guarantees network security. Similarly, the requirements of security management and network management are integrated into a wider field of network operation.

Network management tools are numerous and expensive, but more administrators have begun to recognize 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 a good job tracking network interfaces, server processes, and network data statistics. However, by choosing the right tool and using it to keep the network safe, you can get the most benefit from the network management tool.

Know what you are looking for

When investigating and researching network management tools, it is necessary to remember that the best tools have three key characteristics:

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

The ability to recognize normal operations: Most security-related events occur outside the normal operating parameters of your network. Your network management tool must be able to find out the difference between normal communication and abnormal communication, and it can report this information correctly.

Information that can be used as a basis for action: If you intend to use a tool to manage the security of the network, 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 incidents and use the same tools to deal with the problem.

Find the right tool

At different points in time, 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 still recommend you to use Concord Communication ’s SPECTRUM suite of solutions.

SPECTRUM provides a simple Web-based "one-click" interface and can be customized for a variety of users. Using SPECTRUM, you can build a normal communication mode of your network, and can provide multiple reports of such communication, and can receive relevant notification information when certain 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 performance problems in its network. Using SPECTRUM, the author 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 can close the corresponding port of the switch. Once SPECTRUM confirmed that the communication mode was not normal, the author used its built-in event correlation tool to prevent the virus from infecting the entire network of the enterprise.

Conclusion

In today's corporate environment, budgets and personnel are highly restricted. If your network management tool does not recognize the normal communication on your network, then you should find another tool to give it a try.

No matter what network management tool you choose for your network, it must also be able to provide security management capabilities. Choosing the right dual-use network management tool, you will have more time to devote to the work of ensuring network security.