In the realm of cybersecurity and network management, visibility is paramount. Understanding network traffic patterns and activities is essential for detecting anomalies, identifying potential threats, and optimizing performance. Exium's Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform, coupled with Autonomous Extended Detection and Response (XDR), already delivers powerful security capabilities. By integrating Netflow data from traditional routers, switches, and firewalls, Exium can further enhance its platform, providing unparalleled network observability and monitoring for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their clients.
¶ Understanding Netflow
Netflow is a network protocol developed by Cisco Systems that enables the collection and analysis of network traffic data. It works by capturing metadata about network flows, including source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, and data volume. Netflow data provides valuable insights into network behavior, allowing organizations to monitor traffic patterns, detect anomalies, and investigate security incidents.
¶ Extending Exium's Platform with Netflow Data
By integrating Netflow data from traditional routers, switches, and firewalls into Exium's SASE and XDR platform, MSPs and their clients gain enhanced visibility and security capabilities:
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How Netflow Data Integration Helps? |
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| 1 |
Comprehensive Network Observability:
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| 2 |
Enhanced Threat Detection and Response:
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| 3 |
Granular Performance Optimization:
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| 4 |
Unified Security Management:
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¶ Key Benefits for MSPs and Clients
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Item |
Key Benefits of Netflow Data Integration |
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| 1 | Enhanced Security Posture: The combination of SASE, XDR, and Netflow data enables organizations to achieve a higher level of security resilience by gaining comprehensive visibility into network traffic and activities. |
| 2 | Proactive Threat Mitigation: MSPs can proactively identify and mitigate security threats by leveraging Netflow data to detect suspicious behavior and potential indicators of compromise. |
| 3 | Improved Network Performance: Netflow analysis helps optimize network performance by identifying and addressing issues that impact bandwidth utilization and application responsiveness. |
| 4 | Streamlined Compliance Management: Integrating Netflow data into Exium's platform facilitates compliance monitoring and reporting, helping organizations demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards. |
¶ Configuring Netflow
For collecting Netflow telemetry data from routers, switches, and firewalls, you will need to have a Multi-interface cyber gateway deployed at the location.
To configure Netflow, follow the steps below.
- Navigate to the MSP admin console -> Client Workspace
- Click on Gateways in the left menu bar → Select the Gateway for the location where you like to collect the Netflow telemetry data
- Expand by clicking the “+” sign on the left to the Cyber Gateway name
- Note the LAN IP (
192.168.42.251in the screenshot example below) - Configure your routers, switches, firewalls, and any other network devices to forward Netflow logs to the LAN IP of the Cyber Gateway on UDP port 2055
¶ Conclusion
By extending Exium's SASE and XDR platform with Netflow data from traditional routers, switches, and firewalls, MSPs and their clients can achieve enhanced cybersecurity and network observability. The integration of Netflow enriches Exium's platform with valuable insights into network traffic patterns, enabling proactive threat detection, performance optimization, and streamlined compliance management. With Exium's integrated solution, organizations can effectively protect their networks, mitigate security risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory mandates.
To learn more about implementing SASE for your organization and explore tailored solutions that meet your unique requirements, contact Exium at partners@exium.net for a consultation or demonstration. If you are ready to get started, check out our testing and onboarding process.