Data transfer is a key component of every company's day-to-day business. We know that learning…
Think of your network security as the backbone of your disaster recovery (DR) and high availability (HA) solutions. In order for data to be backed up for DR, or replicated for HA, this data must first be transported securely through your network.
The Essentials of Network Security
The primary goal of network security is prevention. By preventing threats from affecting your network, this should ensure its usability and reliability, as well as the integrity of data being transmitted.
These threats include:
- Spyware and adware
- Zero-day exploits/attacks
- Denial of service (DOS) attacks
- Hacker interception and data theft
- Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses
To keep your network safe and efficient, you need to employ multiple hardware and software security components, including:
- Anti-virus and anti-spyware software
- Virtual private networks (VPNs) or direct lines
- Firewalls to block unauthorized network access
- An intrusion prevention system (IPS) to prevent denial of service (DOS) attacks, and unauthorized access
The difference between VPNs and direct access lines is particularly relevant to disaster recovery and high availability. Let’s take a closer look.
VPNs or Direct Access Lines: Which Should You Choose?
A VPN is a type of secure, privatized network carved out of your public internet connection (in this article, we look at the differences between IPSec and SSL VPNs specifically). They’re established by creating encrypted tunnels within the public network, and provide:
- Data authentication;
- Data confidentiality;
- And data integrity.
Since VPNs are carved out of the public internet, they are also subject to the same network congestion that your normal internet is. This also means you can’t manage the path between source and destination, which could be an issue if you need to troubleshoot certain hardware problems.
On the other hand, direct access lines give you a dedicated, fixed connection from source to target. Direct access lines also provide secure, encrypted data transport, but with the added benefit of immunity to public network congestion. This means that your backup and replication processes will be faster and more reliable, something that would definitely come in handy during a disaster scenario. Unlike VPNs, they also allow you to troubleshoot issues between the source and the target. That being said, they are undoubtedly a more costly option.
The Bottom Line
If minimizing your budget is a high priority, consider just using a VPN. If you want to have a dedicated network and can afford to go the extra mile, dedicated access lines could be a better option for your company’s disaster recovery and high availability needs.
For more information on network security for your disaster recovery (DR) and high availability (HA) solutions, contact us today at 317-707-3941.