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The Case for Network Detection and Response in Cybersecurity

| Chris Sullins

Why Traditional Security Tools Aren’t Enough

Network Visibility:  

Cyberattacks are evolving, as attackers get smarter at slipping past traditional security tools like firewalls and antivirus software. Blocking threats at the perimeter or relying solely on endpoint security is no longer sufficient. Every device connected to your network and every user interaction creates an opportunity for an attack. Yet, conventional security solutions are often blind to what’s happening within the network itself. 

Companies need a way to detect and respond to attackers who have already slipped through the cracks. Whether they are using modified malware to bypass signature-based detection or exploiting vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched, today’s threats need a smarter approach. 

The Future of Cybersecurity is in the Network 

Lack of network visibility is one of the biggest cybersecurity challenges that businesses face. If you can’t see what’s happening on your network, you can’t protect it effectively. Attackers will always find ways around firewalls and endpoint security, but they can’t hide their activities on the network. That’s why network detection and response (NDR) is becoming the last line of defense. 

NDR solutions provide real-time, network-wide visibility, allowing security teams to pinpoint threats that bypass perimeter and endpoint defenses. By continuously monitoring network traffic, NDR can detect malicious activity before a breach turns into a full-scale incident. 

Every Action Leaves a Trail—If You Know Where to Look 

Every action on a network—whether legitimate or malicious—leaves behind evidence. Hackers create a digital footprint through lateral movement, data exfiltration, and suspicious access patterns. The challenge is knowing where to look and how to interpret this activity. 

NDR leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analytics to distinguish between normal and suspicious network behavior. It continuously adapts to what’s normal for your network and flags deviations, enabling security teams to act before damage is done. 

IoT and OT Security: A Growing Visibility Challenge 

Endpoint security tools monitor individual devices by installing software agents on each one, but this approach falls short when it comes to Internet of Things (IoT) devices and operational technology (OT) systems. Many IoT devices—such as security cameras and printers—lack the processing power and operating systems needed to run endpoint security software. 

Similarly, OT systems, which include a wide range of devices with proprietary operating systems, are often incompatible with traditional security tools.  

This means that most security solutions can’t see the activity on these IoT and OT networks, but NDR solutions can if the devices operate over standard IP protocols. Since NDR analyzes all network traffic without requiring agents, it can detect anomalies in IoT and OT environments, such as unexpected data transmissions or unauthorized device communications. 

Why CYBERSPAN is a Smart NDR Solution for SMBs 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are prime targets for cyberattacks but often lack dedicated security teams. By focusing on network activity—where threats inevitably leave traces—CYBERSPAN ensures that SMBs can detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats before they become full-blown incidents.  

CYBERSPAN offers an intelligent, easy-to-use NDR solution that provides enterprise-grade protection without requiring a large security budget or staff. Here’s why CYBERSPAN stands out: 

  • Agentless Deployment – No need to install software on every device; CYBERSPAN passively monitors network traffic. 
  • AI-Powered Detection – Uses advanced machine learning models to detect anomalies, identify threats, and predict future attacks. 
  • Comprehensive Visibility – Secures IT, OT, and IoT environments, covering devices traditional endpoint solutions can’t monitor. 
  • Actionable Insights – Provides clear, easy-to-understand threat reports with recommended mitigations. 
  • Minimal Maintenance – Designed for businesses without dedicated cybersecurity teams; CYBERSPAN requires little upkeep. 

The Bottom Line 

Traditional security tools alone cannot keep up with modern cyber threats. NDR solutions like CYBERSPAN provide the real-time visibility, as well as advanced analytics, and proactive defense needed to protect businesses from evolving threats.