As digital transformation accelerates, businesses are increasingly exchanging vast amounts of sensitive data with partners and customers. However, this interconnectedness has also expanded the attack surface, leaving businesses vulnerable to cyber threats. In this high-risk environment, securing the network edge becomes a critical priority for ensuring the integrity of B2B operations.

IBM's Sterling Secure Proxy (SSP) is a robust solution that addresses these challenges, offering advanced security for file transfers and protecting the network edge from external threats.

Understanding the Role of a Secure Proxy

A secure proxy acts as a gateway between an organisation’s internal network and the external world, ensuring that sensitive systems and data remain isolated. It prevents direct connections between external users and internal systems, significantly reducing the risk of breaches.

For businesses relying on B2B data exchanges, a secure proxy is essential for:

• Reducing the attack surface: Protecting the internal applications by preventing initial access vectors

• Enhancing Compliance: Meeting regulatory and compliance standards for data protection.

• Enabling Virus Scanning for Incoming Files and Data Loss Prevention for Outbound Files.

Challenges in Securing the Network Edge

Businesses face multiple challenges in protecting their network edge:

1. Increasingly Sophisticated Attacks: Hackers use advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in file transfers.

2. Growing Data Volumes: Larger data exchanges increase the complexity of securing transfers.

3. Regulatory Pressure: Compliance with stringent regulations like GDPR and HIPAA requires robust security measures.

4. Decentralised Operations: With hybrid and remote work models, securing endpoints becomes more difficult.

Why IBM Sterling Secure Proxy is the Answer

IBM's Sterling Secure Proxy is designed to fortify the network edge and enable secure, efficient file transfers. Here’s how it helps:

1. Prevents Direct Connectivity :- SSP prevents external entities from directly accessing internal servers by acting as an intermediary. This isolation ensures that even if an external system is compromised, the internal network remains protected.

2. Robust Authentication Mechanisms :-

• Supports multifactor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users can access the system.

• Integrates with enterprise identity providers for seamless and secure authentication.

3. Protocol Inspection:-

• Inspects communication protocols to detect and block malicious traffic.

• Enforces policies that ensure all data exchanges meet security standards.

4. SSL/TLS Session Breaks :- SSP terminates and re-initiates SSL/TLS sessions, eliminating the risk of attacks such as SSL renegotiation exploits.

5. Enhanced Data Privacy :- Ensures compliance with data privacy regulations across industries.

---

Real-World Applications of IBM Sterling Secure Proxy

Case Study: A Financial Institution

A global bank needed to secure its B2B file transfers to comply with GDPR and protect customer data. By implementing SSP:

• They achieved 100% encryption of all external file transfers.

• Blocked 97% of unauthorized access attempts.

• Reduced compliance audit preparation time by 50%.

Case Study: A Manufacturing Company

A manufacturing firm handling sensitive designs and supply chain data wanted to prevent data breaches. With SSP, they:

• Secured all partner connections without disrupting existing workflows.

• Detected and mitigated multiple protocol-based attack attempts.

• Improved operational uptime by 30%.

The Importance of Zero Trust in B2B Security

The Zero Trust security model emphasizes "never trust, always verify," and SSP is a key enabler of this approach. By ensuring no direct access to internal systems and validating every connection, SSP:

• Reduces attack surfaces.

• Minimizes the impact of insider threats.

• Ensures secure collaboration with partners.

Key Features of IBM Sterling Secure Proxy

1. DMZ-Based Deployment: Protects the network edge by acting as a buffer zone between external systems and the internal network.

2. Defence in Depth: Reduces potential initial access vector by adding different layers of security checks.

3. Comprehensive Logging: Provides detailed logs for auditing and troubleshooting.

Why Secure Proxy is Non-Negotiable for B2B Operations?

In today’s digital-first world, the cost of a data breach extends beyond financial losses—it damages reputation, disrupts operations, and leads to regulatory penalties. By deploying a secure proxy, businesses can:

• Protect their brand: Avoid the reputational fallout of a security breach.

• Enhance customer trust: Demonstrate commitment to data security.

• Ensure compliance: Avoid fines and penalties by adhering to regulations.

Taking the First Step Toward Network Edge Security

Fortifying the network edge is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. IBM’s Sterling Secure Proxy provides businesses with the tools they need to protect sensitive data, maintain compliance, and enable seamless B2B collaboration. With SSP, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of modern B2B operations, knowing their network edge is secure.

Discover the power of IBM Sterling Secure Proxy and transform the way you secure your B2B operations. 

Would love to learn more? Contact your IBM software sales rep or IBM business partner, or reach out to me directly.