Network edge technologies—such as firewalls, routers, switches, VPNs, and other internet-facing solutions—are designed to protect companies from cyber threats. Yet, they are often overlooked and underappreciated for their critical role in cybersecurity.
Think of it this way: if you discovered a hole in your front door, would you take the time to patch or replace it to prevent intruders? Of course, you would. But here’s the thing: many companies do not take this approach with their perimeter technologies, even when informed about security vulnerabilities.
The Growing Threat Landscape
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has repeatedly warned that “foreign adversaries routinely exploit software vulnerabilities in network edge devices to infiltrate critical infrastructure networks and systems.” The consequences are severe—leading to costly breaches, operational disruptions, and reputational damage for both public and private sector organizations.
A recent example highlights the urgency of this issue.
The Salt Typhoon Incident: A Case Study in Neglect
In 2024, a Chinese hacking group known as “Salt Typhoon” successfully infiltrated several large U.S. telecom companies by exploiting zero-day and n-day vulnerabilities in network edge devices, specifically those running Cisco IOS. Shockingly, Cisco had already released a patch for these vulnerabilities in 2023, yet thousands of devices remained unpatched.
According to an interview with Wired magazine, Cisco had previously published a security advisory detailing the risk. Despite this, over 12,000 exposed devices were identified, and at least 1,000 were successfully compromised by Salt Typhoon.
This attack underscores a hard truth: Even when fixes are available, failure to apply them leaves businesses defenseless.
The Real Risk: Sitting on the Ledge
Many organizations are unknowingly teetering on the edge of a security disaster, exposing their customers and business operations to cyberattacks. Protecting network edge technologies is not optional—it is a fundamental requirement.
Fortunately, a variety of tools and solutions exist to safeguard these critical systems. But security is not just about having the right tools; it requires accountability, well-defined procedures, and a commitment to following cybersecurity protocols.
A Call to Action: Proactive Protection
In this day and age, organizations can no longer afford to delay security updates. A disciplined approach to software upgrades is not just an IT concern—it’s a business imperative. Companies must:
- Establish clear protocols for security updates and patches
- Implement automated patching solutions where possible
- Conduct regular audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities
- Hold teams accountable for securing their infrastructure
By prioritizing these practices, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to security and data protection—building trust with clients and stakeholders while staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.
At Cadent Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses understand software upgrade lifecycle for network edge technologies against the latest vendor-recommended patches and upgrades. Our solutions provide an overview of your infrastructure to allow you to make informed decisions in a timely manner, minimizing risk and exposure. Contact us today to learn how we can help.