Clavister launches the next-gen virtualised solution for securing 5G networks, NetShield Virtual

10 May 2021

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Clavister, a globally renowned company in high-performance cyber security solutions, has announced the launch of the latest generation of Clavister NetShield Virtual, highly regarded as one of the world's fastest virtualised solution for securing 5G networks.

With data rates of over 600 Gbps on a single Intel Xeon-based server, Clavister sets a new high-water mark for 5G Security capacity.

Virtualised solution for 5G networks

With the proliferation of virtualisation, there has been a steady increase in traffic levels

The demand for more applications and services and the adoption of 5G means more virtualisation and containerisation of the network, as many of the 5G standards call for these technologies. Simultaneously, with the proliferation of virtualisation, there has been a steady increase in traffic levels.

According to telecommunications research firm, TeleGeography, peak internet traffic worldwide increased about 30 percent per year from 2016 to 2020; in 2020, as much of the world was under lockdown, the demand shot up 47 percent.

Cloud storage

Moreover, cloud storage and the related uploading and downloading, as well as online video gaming and video streaming require significant and increasing bandwidth. As of 2019, cloud giants - Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft consumed 64% of the global bandwidth capacity.

As the volume of data flowing through networks increases, so do security risks. More data means more camouflage for malware. As the volume of data rises, mobile operators find it increasingly difficult to analyse traffic, as it enters and exits the network.

Cyber security solutions

Cyber security solutions that can keep up with this increased data consumption are a key concern for mobile operators. The security mechanisms deployed need to effectively prevent unauthorised intrusion, repel Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and prevent attackers from injecting malware into the mobile network.

All of this across multiple interfaces and in a vastly distributed infrastructure, and without disrupting the service. In this environment, the ability to more securely deploy and manage solution elements in a cost-effective way is paramount. Service providers can address this dilemma with a Services-Based Firewall (SBFW).

A SBFW is designed for virtualised environments and enables rapid scalability, high data throughput, and easy management. It can also bring functionality such as application management and load balancing.

Clavister NetShield Virtual

Clavister NetShield Virtual is a Services-Based Firewall, which enables a high rate of packet forwarding

Clavister NetShield Virtual is a Services-Based Firewall, which enables a high rate of packet forwarding, while keeping data more secure.

It runs on Intel Xenon scalable processor- and Intel Atom processor-based systems. And as packet inspection demand grows, Clavister NetShield Virtual scales to match. It is manageable with a single tool, capable of managing tens of thousands of instances.

Clavister NetShield Virtual operates using either VMware vSphere or KVM hypervisors. The software can run on a minimum of two CPU cores with only 2 GB of RAM in its most basic configuration, which makes it one of the least resource-demanding 5G security products. For larger applications, NetShield Virtual can fully utilise modern multi-core CPUs.

Telecom system integrators

Clavister NetShield Virtual is proven in commercial deployments with several tier-1, 5G and 4G operators in live operation under massive load, and deployed both as virtual and bare metal.

The solution is available through leading telecom system integrators, including Nokia, under the brand Nokia NetGuard Firewall.

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Physical access control: Critical steps to ensure a smarter future

Steven Kenny, Axis Communications, looks at the benefits of physical access control systems within smart environments, and how knowledge gaps and dated methods can inhibit adoption. Physical security is becoming more dynamic and more interconnected, as it evolves. Today’s modern access control solutions are about so much more than simply opening doors, with digitalisation bringing multiple business benefits, which would simply not be possible using traditional models. Digital transformation While the digital transformation of processes and systems was already well underway, across many industries and sectors, it is the transformation of physical security from a standalone, isolated circuit, to a network-enabled, intelligent security solution that brings many benefits to the smart environment. Yet, with more organisations now looking to bring their physical security provision up to date, there are many considerations that must be addressed to maximise the potential of access control and video surveillance. Not least of which is that connecting physical security devices to a network presents risk, so it is increasingly important for IT teams to play a role in helping to facilitate the secure integration of physical and network technologies, as these two worlds increasingly converge. Improved access control in smart environments These urban constructs are capable of reducing waste, driving efficiencies and optimising resources The smart city offers significant benefits, reflected in the US$ 189 billion that is anticipated to be spent on smart city initiatives globally by 2023. These urban constructs are capable of reducing waste, driving efficiencies, optimising resources and increasing citizen engagement. Technology, which is increasingly being incorporated to protect access points within the smart environment, can take many forms. These range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems, using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. Frictionless access control During the COVID-19 pandemic, frictionless access control has provided an effective ‘hands free’ means of accessing premises, using methods such as QR code readers and facial recognition as credentials to prove identity. Frictionless access control brings health and safety into the equation, as well as the security of entrances and exits, minimising the risk of infection, by removing the need to touch shared surfaces. Such systems can be customised and scaled to meet precise requirements. Yet, an increasing integration with open technologies and platforms requires collaboration between the worlds of physical security and IT, in order to be successful. Barriers to adoption Traditional suppliers and installers of physical security systems have built up a strong business model around their expertise, service and knowledge. Network connectivity and the IoT (Internet of Things) present a constantly shifting landscape, requiring the traditional physical security vendor to learn the language of IT, of open platforms, IP connectivity and software integration, in order to adapt to market changes and remain relevant. Many are now beginning to realise that connected network-enabled solutions are here to stay Those who cannot adapt, and are simply not ready for this changing market, risk being left behind, as the physical security landscape continues to shift and demand continues to increase. With end users and buyers looking for smarter, more integrated and business-focused solutions from their suppliers, it is clear that only those who are prepared will succeed in this space. Time will not stand still, and many are now beginning to realise that connected network-enabled solutions are here to stay, particularly within smart constructs which rely on such technology by their very nature. The importance of cyber hygiene Connecting any device to a network has a degree of risk, and it is, therefore, imperative that any provider not only understands modern connected technologies, but also the steps necessary to protect corporate networks. Cameras, access control systems and IP audio devices, which have been left unprotected, can potentially become backdoors into a network and used as access points by hackers. These vulnerabilities can be further compromised by the proliferation of connected devices within the Internet of Things (IoT). While the connection of devices to a network brings many advantages, there is greater potential for these devices to be used against the very business or industry they have been employed to protect when vulnerabilities are exploited. Cyber security considerations Cyber security considerations should, therefore, be a key factor in the development and deployment of new security systems. Access control technologies should be manufactured according to recognised cyber security principles, incident reporting and best practices. It is important to acknowledge that the cyber integrity of a system is only as strong as its weakest link and that any potential source of cyber exposure will ultimately impact negatively on a device’s ability to provide the necessary high levels of physical security. 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Wire-free, mobile first and data rich? The future of access control is within almost anyone’s reach

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A recent report from IFSEC Global, AAOS and Omdia reveals the extent to which the advantages of wireless are cutting through. Responses to a large survey of security professionals — end-users, installers, integrators and consultants serving large corporations and small- to medium-sized organisations in education, healthcare, industrial, commercial, infrastructure, retail, banking and other sectors — suggest almost four locations in ten (38%) have now deployed wireless locks as a part or the whole of their access solution. The corresponding data point from AAOS’s 2014 Report was 23%. Electronic access control Electronic access control is less dependent than ever on cabling Without doubt, electronic access control is less dependent than ever on cabling: Even after a year when many investments have been deferred or curtailed, the data reveals fast-growing adoption of wireless locks, technologies and systems. Is mobile access control — based on digital credentials or ‘virtual keys’ stored on a smartphone — an ideal security technology for this wire-free future? In fact, the same report finds mobile access is growing fast right now. Among those surveyed, 26% of end-users already offer mobile compatibility; 39% plan to roll out mobile access within two years. Before the mid-2020s, around two-thirds of access systems will employ the smartphone in some way. The smartphone is also convenient for gathering system insights Driving rapid adoption What is driving such rapid adoption? The convenience benefits for everyday users are obvious — witness the mobile boom in banking and payments, travel or event ticketing, transport, food delivery and countless more areas of modern life. Access control is a natural fit. If you have your phone, you are already carrying your keys: What could be easier? IBM forecasts that 1.87 billion people globally will be mobile workers by 2022 Less often discussed are the ways mobile management makes life easier for facility and security managers, too. Among those polled for the new Wireless Access Control Report, almost half (47%) agreed that ‘Mobile was more flexible than physical credentials, and 36% believe that mobile credentials make it easier to upgrade employee access rights at any time.’ IBM forecasts that 1.87 billion people globally will be mobile workers by 2022. Workers in every impacted sector require solutions which can get the job done from anywhere: Access management via smartphone offers this. Site management device The smartphone is also convenient for gathering system insights. For example, one new reporting and analytics tool for CLIQ key-based access control systems uses an app to collect, visualise and evaluate access data. Security system data could contribute to business success. 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