What security architecture tools do you use for different domains and layers?

Good article. By the way, a few domains like system, identity, monitoring, and business resiliency are missing. Adding these domains would make it more useful and accurate

For Network Security: Firewalls (e.g., Cisco ASA), IDS/IPS (e.g., Snort), Network Scanners (e.g., Nmap). For Application Security: Static Code Analysis (e.g., Veracode), DAST (e.g., OWASP ZAP), WAFs (e.g., ModSecurity). For Endpoint Security: EPP (e.g., Symantec Endpoint Protection), EDR (e.g., CrowdStrike Falcon). For Cloud Security: CSPM (e.g., AWS Config), Cloud Security Posture Management (e.g., Azure Security Center). For IAM: Identity Providers (e.g., Okta), Azure AD, Auth0. For Data Security: Encryption Tools (e.g., BitLocker), DLP (e.g., McAfee DLP), DAM. For SIEM: Splunk, QRadar, Elastic Security. For Deception Tech: Attivo Networks. For Vulnerability Management: Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS. For Config Management: Ansible, Puppet.

From business domain perspective, business strategic alignment, TCO, ROI, compliance (regulatory and contractual) overlayed on TOGAF / NIST

In business security, strategic, operational, and tactical considerations—governance, policies, risk management, compliance, and auditing—are crucial. Frameworks like SABSA, TOGAF, and NIST define, analyze, design, implement, and evaluate security solutions across the enterprise. Security maturity models (e.g., CMMI-SVC, ISO 27001, NIST CSF) assess and enhance an organization's security, serving as benchmarks for capability improvement. Metrics (KPIs, KRIs, KCIIs) measure and monitor the efficiency of security processes. Navigating the intricate business domain demands seamless integration of these tools, ensuring compliance and fortifying against emerging security threats.

For me security starts with the transport layer: a stable and a secure fiber network that is secure in itself with a min amount of vulnerability points on prem. That's what Passive Optical LAN network offers as of today with its design. The endpoints: ONTs are passive devices - that helps with the security of the whole system. It would be extremely hard to break through them to the OLT (the brain of the network). From here, you can collapse the surrounding services on the PON system including lighting, alarms, TVs, monitors, signage, security cameras, card readers etc... This network becomes a platform, a solid foundation that allows you for clear visibility & management of the whole network on prem, & any services that are attached to it.

To secure your cloud applications, you need to consider the application domain, which includes identity and access management (IAM), a critical component that becomes even more pronounced in the cloud. However, you can also protect your applications in layers with external protections like web application firewalls (WAFs), and application-specific protection with integrity monitoring and hashing of key files and processes. Additionally, you should use native application monitoring and log collection with some kind of intelligent correlation of events to other indicators for WAF or intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).

Securing software applications, services, and APIs goes beyond compliance, involving strategic fortification of digital assets. Authentication, authorization, encryption, and testing are integral to a holistic security approach. Utilizing security design patterns like MVC, proxy, etc. tailors a bespoke defense, ensuring seamless integration and long-term resilience. Vigilant tools identify & understand vulnerabilities, going beyond detection to simulate potential exploitation scenarios. A strategic, adaptive, and proactive approach to application security is the need of the hour. These tools aren't checkboxes; they are strategic assets in an ongoing battle against evolving cyber threats, ensuring fortified safety in digital ecosystems

For the application domain, Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) play a crucial role in protecting web applications from various cyber threats. Example: ModSecurity is an open-source WAF that can be deployed to protect web applications by inspecting and filtering HTTP traffic.

In the application domain, securing software applications is paramount. A practical example is using OWASP top10 for security testing to identify vulnerabilities in web applications, ensuring they are robust against attacks.

Encrypting data with tools like GPG, OpenSSL, or BitLocker is not only about compliance but also a strategic imperative for actively fortifying against potential breaches. Data masking tools, such as Delphix, Informatica, or IBM, are pivotal in proactively mitigating risks associated with sensitive information, emphasizing a nuanced approach to data privacy. Moreover, data backup and recovery tools like Acronis, Veeam, or Druva serve not just as technical solutions but integral components of a comprehensive data resilience strategy in the face of unforeseen events.

In the data domain you need to start with data discovery and classification. The basis defined by the sensitivity of the data and where is resides. Evaluation is also important to understand the data flows, access patterns, and critical vulnerabilities. From the findings, one can lay out policies and technical standards to govern the usage and access. And like always, monitoring with balanced alerting is crucial to an organization.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions are vital in the data domain. They monitor, detect, and block sensitive data from unauthorized access or transmission. For example, Symantec Data Loss Prevention offers content discovery, policy enforcement, and incident response capabilities.

The data domain involves safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality. Tools like BitLocker encrypt hard drives, preventing unauthorized data access, which is essential for compliance with data protection regulations.

In the network domain you need to start with basic layer 2 segmentation. Not only creating VLANs will help separate the logical networks, but it's crucial to have some filtering. This is where on can creative and leverage NGFWs. But of course, one needs to plan the scalability of the current and future growth of the network. Other tools like NAC can help with authorization and authentication of wired and wireless devices. 802.1x helps with enhanced security, centralized authentication, compliance and protect network resources and sensitive data from unauthorized access.

In the network domain, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are essential. They monitor network traffic for malicious activity and can take preventive measures. Example: Snort, an open-source IDS, detects and prevents network intrusions through real-time traffic analysis.

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) fall under the broader domain of modern network security architecture. SASE is a comprehensive framework that integrates multiple security services, including ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access), to provide secure access to applications and resources from anywhere, thereby reducing the attack surface and the risk.

Network security is about protecting the infrastructure. Utilizing Snort as an intrusion detection system allows for real-time traffic analysis and alerts, helping to thwart potential network intrusions

The physical domain is one that is forgotten most of the time. Here is a quick list. 0. Security guard to check on piggybacking and security ID Badges 1. Badge with time-based access or card readers 2. Departments should also have different access per staff 3. Outside building Cameras by the doors ( CCTV, IP Cameras, DVR/NVR Systems. 4. Alarm systems, Glass break sensors 5. Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) 6. Fire Suppression Systems 7. HVAC systems with monitoring capabilities 8. Locked Server room with camera : IDF: MDF (just a few to get started)

Here are some, Threat Intelligence: Feed real-time threat data into your tools for more proactive defense. Talent and Training: Equip your team with the skills and knowledge to use these tools effectively. User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) tools enable the detection of anomalous behavior within the organization, enhancing insider threat detection.

Physical security measures are critical for protecting hardware and facilities. For example, using biometric access controls ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas, reducing the risk of physical breaches.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools are crucial for overall security, aggregating and analyzing log data from various sources. Example: Splunk provides a powerful SIEM platform, offering real-time analysis and correlation of security events.

Beyond these domains, it’s important to consider factors like threat intelligence and user behavior analytics to enhance proactive defense and insider threat detection.