Overview:
The digital transformation of the global economy is significantly increasing the number of potential attack surfaces. Cybersecurity mesh architecture (CSMA) is a new approach to network security that focuses on the protection of individual users and devices rather than relying solely on perimeter defenses.
It is gaining popularity as the current rate of digital acceleration and the rise of hybrid workspaces have rendered traditional network infrastructure obsolete, posing the most difficult challenge for businesses.
A new approach to security:
Data is becoming less centralized due to the multi-cloud approach and deploying security systems consisting of multiple integrated security solutions, which in turn increases the complexity of the entire security architecture. CSMA provides a common, integrated security structure and posture to secure all assets in data centers or in the cloud.
In CSMA, security is built into the fabric of the network itself. It treats every user, device, and application as a potential security perimeter, enabling them to defend themselves and others. This is achieved through the implementation of security controls and policies at the individual level, allowing each entity to establish its own security posture based on its specific needs and risk profile.
Key technologies that enable CSMA include identity and access management (IAM), zero trust architecture, software-defined perimeter (SDP), and secure access service edge (SASE). IAM ensures that only authorized users and devices can access resources, while zero trust architecture verifies and validates every access request, regardless of the network location. SDP and SASE provide secure and direct access to applications and services, regardless of the underlying network infrastructure.
CSMA requires careful planning and coordination. It involves integrating various security technologies, ensuring interoperability, and establishing consistent policies and controls across the network.
Current market landscape:
The cybersecurity industry has been shifting its focus from traditional perimeter-based security models to more dynamic and distributed approaches, and cybersecurity mesh has gained attention as a potential solution to address these changing needs. Several technology vendors and industry leaders have started exploring and adopting the cybersecurity mesh concept.
CSMA market is led by some globally established players such as IBM, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point, Zscaler, and Fortinet. These players have adopted various growth strategies, such as partnerships, agreements, collaboration, acquisitions, and product developments, to increase their market presence.
IBM provides IBM Security Verify and IBM Security Verify Trust, powered by AI. It offers smart identity and access management for hybrid, multi-cloud deployments. It enables protection against insider threats and delivers a zero-trust framework.
Another important player in the cybersecurity mesh market is Appgate. In the CSMA space, it offers the Appgate SDP. It serves use cases, including remote access, hybrid enterprise, and cloud access.
Industry consortiums and standards organizations are actively working to define frameworks and guidelines for cybersecurity mesh. These initiatives aim to establish industry-wide standards and best practices to ensure interoperability and facilitate the adoption of cybersecurity mesh across different organizations and technologies.