Blog Layout

Why do you need to observe encrypted traffic?

In today's interconnected digital world, securing your network has become more critical than ever. With the increasing amount of sensitive information transmitted online, it's essential to have robust security measures in place. One such measure is DPI SSL (Deep Packet Inspection of Secure Socket Layer). In this article, we'll break down what DPI SSL is, how it safeguards your network, and the risks of not using it.


What is DPI SSL?


DPI SSL is a technology used to inspect and secure encrypted internet traffic. When you visit a secure website (those starting with https://) or use any other secure service or application with SSL/TLS, your data is encrypted to protect it from eavesdroppers. While encryption is essential for your privacy, it can also be used by malicious actors to hide their activities.

DPI SSL is like an X-ray machine for your network traffic. It decrypts and examines the data passing through your network in real-time, even if it's encrypted. This process allows your Firewall to identify potential threats, malware, and other suspicious activities that might otherwise go unnoticed.



How Does DPI SSL Protect Your Network?


1. Traffic Intercept: When a user on the network initiates an SSL/TLS encrypted connection (e.g., HTTPS), the traffic is intercepted by the firewall or security appliance. This means that instead of the encrypted traffic flowing directly from the client to the server, it passes through the firewall device.

2. SSL Decryption: The intercepted encrypted traffic is decrypted by the firewall appliance using a SSL/TLS certificate that is issued by the firewall itself. This certificate acts as a middleman, allowing the firewall to decrypt and inspect the traffic without the end user or the server being aware of it.

3. Traffic Inspection: Once the traffic is decrypted, the firewall can apply various security and content filtering policies to the traffic.
This includes:

  • Content Filtering: firewall can inspect the decrypted traffic for specific keywords, patterns, or known malware signatures. If it detects any malicious content or policy violations, it can take appropriate actions like blocking or logging the traffic.
  • Intrusion Prevention: The firewall can apply intrusion prevention techniques to the decrypted traffic, identifying and blocking any potential threats or attacks.
  • Antivirus Scanning: The decrypted traffic can also be scanned for viruses and other malware. If any malicious files or attachments are detected, they can be quarantined or blocked.
  • Application Control: Firewall can identify the specific applications or services being used within the encrypted connection. This allows administrators to control access to specific applications or services based on policies.

4. Re-Encryption: After the traffic has been inspected and any necessary actions have been taken, the firewall re-encrypts the traffic before sending it to its intended destination. It uses the original server's SSL/TLS certificate to do this, so the end server receives the traffic as if it had been encrypted from the client.

5. Delivery to Destination: Finally, the re-encrypted traffic is sent to the destination server, and the server responds in the usual way. The entire process is transparent to both the client and the server, as they are unaware that their communication was intercepted and decrypted by the firewall.

 


The Risks of Not Using DPI SSL

Now that we've covered how DPI SSL protects your network, let's explore the risks associated with not using it:


  1. Hidden Threats: Without DPI SSL, encrypted threats can pass through your network undetected. Malicious software, phishing attempts, and other cyberattacks can go unnoticed, leading to data breaches and significant damage.
  2. Data Leakage: Sensitive information, such as customer data or financial records, may be exposed if not properly inspected. This can result in legal and financial consequences.
  3. Compliance Violations: Failing to inspect encrypted traffic can lead to non-compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements. This can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.
  4. Loss of Control: Without DPI SSL, you lose control over what enters and exits your network. This lack of visibility can make it challenging to manage and secure your network effectively.
  5. Productivity Issues: Inappropriate or non-work-related content can impact employee productivity and lead to bandwidth congestion. DPI SSL helps you filter out such content.


DPI-SSL is an essential feature for ensuring the security of encrypted traffic within a network.

However, it's important to configure and manage it properly.

Neglecting DPI SSL can leave your network vulnerable to hidden dangers, compliance violations, and productivity issues.

To protect your digital assets and maintain a safe and efficient network, consider implementing DPI SSL as part of your cybersecurity strategy.

Author: Alan Kluba

Your IT Upgrade Starts Here: Contact Us for a Complimentary Assessment

Contact Us

Midleton Flood
By Shane Casey 07 Mar, 2024
We cannot express enough gratitude to Infinity IT for their exceptional Disaster Recovery efforts following the unforeseen flooding of our Credit Union premises. The flooding posed a significant threat to our daily operations and the safety of our members' financial assets. However, thanks to the meticulous disaster recovery planning and swift execution by Infinity IT, we were able to navigate through the crisis seamlessly. Their emphasis on defining Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) proved invaluable, allowing us to maintain data integrity and resume operations swiftly. Infinity IT demonstrated unparalleled efficiency by successfully transitioning our critical systems to our designated Disaster Recovery site within 24 hours. This remarkable feat not only minimised downtime but also reassured our members of the unwavering reliability of our services. We recommend Infinity IT to any Credit Union seeking reliable, comprehensive, and effective disaster recovery solutions. John Fenton, Manager, Midleton Credit Union
By Linda Barry 28 Feb, 2024
We have worked with Infinity IT for a number of years now and I would highly recommend them. The team at Infinity IT have worked with us to upgrade our IT systems; significantly improving our IT security and business continuity plans in that time. They have also been able to identify cost saving measures for us in terms of our email and licensing packages. The Infinity IT support team are quick to resolve any queries for us through their dedicated support desk and the monthly security reports provide great oversight and reassurance that our IT systems are secure and efficient. Liz Hogan, Clinic Manager, Wellington Eye Clinic
Healthcare Technology
By Alan Kluba 08 Feb, 2024
The healthcare industry remains one of the prime targets for external and internal cyber attacks, as protected health information (PHI) is in high demand on the dark web. The frequency and sophistication of attacks continue to rise, posing significant challenges to the healthcare sector. Malware Attacks by Industry - Sonicwall CyberThreat report 2023 Education Healthcare Finance Retail Government Key Challenges facing healthcare Keeping critical infrastructure covered and continuously available Protecting patient privacy from insider risks Preserving the integrity of healthcare data Preventing data breaches originating from ransomware and phishing attacks HSE Attack This attack highlighted the devastating impact of cyber attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Ireland disrupting operations and compromised patient data. MARCH 2021: An email was sent on the 16th of March, opened on the 18th of March 2021 which delivered the lethal blow. MARCH 2021: The HSE antivirus software detected malicious activity on 31st March 2021, monitor only mode. MAY 2021: Mid May HSE operations were finally alerted to the attack by a service provider. JUNE 2021: At least three quarters of the HSE's IT servers had been decrypted and 70% of PC’s were back in use. SEPTEMBER 2021: 90% of systems were recovered. Impact of an Attack The consequences of such attacks extend far beyond financial losses, affecting patient care and safety. Patients don’t get the care they need when healthcare providers are taken offline due to ransomware attacks. Surgeons postpone surgeries because the information necessary to perform a life-saving surgery becomes inaccessible. Failures in diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests result in delayed medical treatment. Emergency Room (ER) bypass causes ambulances to diverge to healthcare facilities miles farther, leading to degraded and irreversible outcomes. What can you do to protect your healthcare organisation from similar attacks: Implementing a multi-layer protection platform can help mitigate vulnerabilities and defend against evolving cyber threats. Healthcare organisations must invest in robust security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, protect patient privacy, and prevent data breaches. Infinity IT and SonicWall have worked with healthcare providers to help build a healthier system. Our innovations and comprehensive strategies have allowed us to meet new expectations regarding improving security, increasing operation efficiencies, and reducing IT costs. Our knowledge and wealth of experience helps us to help Healthcare Organisation’s to avoid surprises and spend more time focused on their primary mission: ensuring the health and well-being of the communities they serve. As threats continue to evolve, the healthcare industry must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing cybersecurity risks. By learning from past attacks and investing in effective security measures, healthcare organisations can better protect their systems, safeguard patient data, and uphold the trust and integrity of the healthcare system. The time to act is now – the health and well-being of patients depend on it. Case Study: “Our improved security performance coupled with simplified security management has reduced costs and time spent on administrative tasks. The whole process has been a very positive experience!” Steve Jackson IT Director Kingdom Services Group
By Alan Kluba 01 Feb, 2024
Recent data breaches across healthcare organisations highlight the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures. In this blog post, we explore the challenges faced by the healthcare industry and how Infinity IT's comprehensive cybersecurity solutions are helping organisations protect their digital infrastructure. The Alarming Rise of Healthcare Cyberattacks: Hacking incidents, particularly targeting network servers and emails, account for over 80% of attacks, posing significant threats to electronic health records (EHR) and personal health records (PHR). Understanding the Impact: The implications of healthcare data breaches extend beyond compromised records. Cyberattacks can lead to severe consequences, affecting the efficiency of medical procedures, increasing mortality rates, and causing long-term financial and mental distress for patients. The evolving tactics of cybercriminals demand a proactive and resilient cybersecurity approach to ensure the safety of patient care. Infinity IT and SonicWall have joined forces to address this challenge. For the past three decades, SonicWall has been at the forefront of cybersecurity, working closely with healthcare providers to enhance security, and operational efficiency, and reduce IT costs. Our Boundless Cybersecurity approach integrates security, central management, advanced analytics, and unified threat management across their entire security solutions portfolio, forming the robust Capture Cloud Platform. Essential Cybersecurity Solutions for Healthcare Organisations: In the face of advancing threats and government-backed ransomware assaults, our cybersecurity solutions emerge as a vital lifeline. These solutions strengthen networks, secure IoT medical devices, and safeguard patient data. Our portfolio comprehensively addresses the intricate security requirements of the healthcare sector, providing a crucial defense against cyber threats. To Summarise: Healthcare organisations must prioritise cybersecurity to ensure patient safety and the uninterrupted delivery of care. Our Cybersecurity approach and comprehensive solutions offer a strategic advantage, empowering healthcare providers to proactively defend against evolving threats and secure the future of healthcare delivery. As the healthcare industry navigates the challenges of an increasingly digital landscape, SonicWall stands as a trusted partner, dedicated to closing the cybersecurity gap for enterprises, governments, and SMBs worldwide. Case Study: “The SMA device rapidly allowed our newly deployed workforce complete access to their internal applications. We now have physicians working from home without problem. We extended our physicians reading environment to their homes, and we’ve moved our scheduling department from in-house to at-home workers.” Michael Brown, IT Director, Women’s Center for Radiology
By Linda Barry 29 Jan, 2024
Fantastic experience with Infinity IT for the on-boarding of their Managed IT Support Service! Smooth and efficient on-boarding process! Credit to the team for their impeccable organisation and attention to detail. They made the transition seamless, ensuring no disruption to our daily operations. Exceptional communication throughout the on-boarding journey. The Infinity IT team was always responsive and kept us informed at every step. We are thoroughly satisfied with the on-boarding experience and are confident that Infinity IT is the right partner for our Managed IT Support. Looking forward to a long and successful collaboration with a team that truly understands our IT needs. Andrew Higgs, CTO, Community Credit Union
By Linda Barry 29 Jan, 2024
Here at Byrne Wallace, we have found that Infinity IT’s prompt response to any technical challenges we face has minimised disruptions and allowed us to focus on serving our clients and running the business effectively. This was highlighted when they worked with us during the Covid outbreak to ensure we could keep all our staff working safely from home from day one and to ensure we could keep on advising our clients without any disruption. Some of the IT team members had experience with Infinity IT in previous companies and quickly brought them in as part of a key IT provider. What sets Infinity IT apart is not only your technical expertise but also your commitment to customer satisfaction. Your team takes the time to listen to our concerns and tailor solutions that align with our business goals. Over the years, Infinity IT has proven themselves with their proactive approach to security measures and has helped us stay ahead of potential threats, giving us confidence in the integrity of our data. In a fast-paced industry, your reliability and dedication to staying updated with the latest technological advancements have been invaluable. Byrne Wallace is proud to be associated with Infinity IT, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come. John Kelly, Head of IT, Byrne Wallace.
By Linda Barry 29 Jan, 2024
Johnson Stevens has been working with Infinity IT over the last 20 years and throughout this time they have supported us to grow and expand our business. One aspect that stands out prominently is the consistent effort your team puts into staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements. This commitment to continuous learning is reflected in the innovative solutions they provide, keeping my business on the cutting edge of technology. It's this forward-thinking approach that reassures me that I've made the right choice by entrusting my IT needs to Infinity. I wholeheartedly recommend Infinity IT to any business seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and customer-centric IT services. Dermot O’Connor, Director – Johnson Stevens
By Linda Barry 29 Jan, 2024
Killarney Credit Union recently decided to re-establish our relationship with Infinity IT as they have a unique focus on the needs of a dynamic Credit Union. From their Helpdesk staff to senior management, Infinity IT provides a bespoke service that has been built on years of experience in serving the Credit Union Sector. We have already completed several projects with Infinity IT. While implementing these they worked closely with other credit union vendors and this process has been very efficient from start to finish. We look forward to working with them in the coming years. Mark Murphy, CEO, Killarney Credit Union.
By Linda Barry 23 Jan, 2024
Infinity IT is delighted to announce that we are attending the prestigious Technology in Healthcare Leaders' Summit on 22 February 2024 at Barberstown Castle, Co. Kildare. Together with Daniel Carr from SonicWall , we are looking forward to discussing the latest advancements in Multilayered CyberSecurity, which protect Healthcare organisations. We are a multi-award-winning MSSP provider and understand the unique challenges faced by the Healthcare industry. The Infinity IT AI-Powered Cyber Protection Platform provides real-time 360-degree visibility into your Network, allowing us to detect and respond to potential threats quickly and effectively. Join us at the summit to explore how our innovations can elevate your organisation's security posture. Let's secure the future of healthcare together! Big thanks to Investnet and Future Health Summit 2024
Sinking Company Ship
By Alan Kluba 22 Nov, 2023
Loose Lips Sink Ships
Show More
Share by: