Introduction
Recent guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), alongside other global cybersecurity agencies, highlights significant vulnerabilities in telecommunications infrastructure exploited by malicious actors, such as state-sponsored cyber threats. The risks include unauthorized configuration changes, weak access controls, and insecure protocols. By implementing the solutions offered by SolveForce and The Telecom Broker, businesses can mitigate these risks and strengthen their cybersecurity posture effectively.
This article explores how SolveForce and The Telecom Broker align their practices to address specific points raised in the CISA report on enhanced visibility and hardening guidance for communications infrastructure.
Risk 1: Unauthorized Configuration Changes
The CISA report emphasizes the need to monitor and restrict unauthorized configuration changes on network devices, such as switches, routers, and firewalls. These changes, if left unchecked, can serve as an entry point for threat actors.
Mitigation with SolveForce and The Telecom Broker
SolveForce’s Proactive Threat Detection and Response system includes comprehensive monitoring tools that:
- Scrutinize configuration changes in real-time.
- Alert administrators of anomalies or unauthorized access attempts.
- Store configurations centrally, ensuring devices are not the sole source of truth.
The Telecom Broker enhances this by offering managed network security services that automate routine administrative tasks, enforce strict configuration management, and limit access to trusted devices and zones.
Risk 2: Weak Access Controls
CISA recommends implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to reduce risks associated with compromised credentials or excessive permissions.
Mitigation with SolveForce and The Telecom Broker
- SolveForce integrates phishing-resistant MFA solutions as a standard practice, ensuring that all access attempts are verified using hardware-based PKI or FIDO authentication.
- The Telecom Broker provides Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) solutions to limit user access to the minimum permissions required, reducing the attack surface.
These practices align with CISA’s recommendation to restrict lateral movement and protect sensitive systems.
Risk 3: Insecure Protocols and Cryptographic Standards
The CISA report highlights the importance of disabling insecure protocols (e.g., Telnet, FTP, and SNMP v1/v2c) and using strong cryptographic standards like AES-256 and TLS 1.3 to secure data in transit.
Mitigation with SolveForce and The Telecom Broker
- SolveForce ensures that all network solutions use modern encryption protocols such as TLS 1.3 and AES-256 by default. They also assist in configuring VPN gateways with secure cryptography.
- The Telecom Broker collaborates with clients to disable legacy protocols and implement secure network configurations that comply with best practices.
These measures protect communications infrastructure from being exploited by attackers who target weak encryption and outdated protocols.
Risk 4: Lack of Visibility into Network Activity
CISA underscores the need for enhanced visibility into network traffic, user activity, and data flow to quickly detect and respond to threats.
Mitigation with SolveForce and The Telecom Broker
SolveForce employs Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to:
- Correlate logs and alerts from multiple sources for rapid threat detection.
- Establish baselines of normal network behavior and flag anomalies.
- Encrypt logging traffic and securely store log data for auditing purposes.
The Telecom Broker’s managed services complement this by ensuring centralized monitoring and network flow analysis at key ingress and egress points.
Risk 5: Poor Patch Management and End-of-Life Equipment
According to CISA, many vulnerabilities arise from unpatched devices or the use of outdated hardware and software.
Mitigation with SolveForce and The Telecom Broker
- SolveForce emphasizes the importance of timely patch management, helping businesses establish patch schedules and monitoring for vendor announcements.
- The Telecom Broker assists in identifying and replacing end-of-life equipment, ensuring that organizations are not exposed to vulnerabilities from unsupported hardware or software.
These practices minimize the risk of exploitation through known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The CISA report provides critical insights into mitigating cyber threats against telecommunications infrastructure. SolveForce and The Telecom Broker’s solutions directly address these risks by implementing robust cybersecurity measures such as configuration monitoring, access control, encryption, and patch management.
By partnering with SolveForce and The Telecom Broker, organizations can achieve enhanced security, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry best practices.
Contact Us
To learn more about how SolveForce and The Telecom Broker can help secure your telecommunications infrastructure, contact SolveForce toll-free at 888-765-8301 or visit SolveForce Cybersecurity Solutions.