Cybersecurity Mesh (CSMA): Architecture, Benefits, and Implementation

What Is Cybersecurity Mesh? 

A cybersecurity mesh is a network security approach that enables the definition of security perimeters around individual devices or users rather than the entire network. It is an architectural framework that decentralizes policy enforcement and security service delivery. The concept of cybersecurity mesh is fundamentally about allowing identity to define the security perimeter, in line with zero trust security principles.

The cybersecurity mesh model challenges the traditional concept that security is built around a centralized, monolithic structure. Instead, it embraces a more flexible, adaptive approach, where security controls are distributed and operate at functional levels.

This approach allows for better visibility into network activity, more granular control over access rights, and a more robust defense against cybersecurity threats. The cybersecurity mesh is a response to the evolving complexities of today’s IT landscape and the growing sophistication of cyber threats.

Related content: This is part of an extensive series of guides about information security.

The Need for Cybersecurity Mesh 

Enterprises today operate in an environment where data and services are increasingly distributed across multiple platforms and devices. This distribution creates a complex landscape that traditional, centralized security models struggle to protect effectively. The cybersecurity mesh approach, with its emphasis on decentralization and flexibility, is better equipped to handle this complexity.

One of the primary advantages of cybersecurity mesh is its ability to offer tailored security controls. Traditional security models tend to apply blanket policies across the entire network, which can lead to unnecessary restrictions or overlooked vulnerabilities. By contrast, cybersecurity mesh allows for individualized security controls that are carefully calibrated to the specific needs and risks of each device or user.

Furthermore, cybersecurity mesh supports the trend towards remote working, mobile devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As more devices join the network, and as employees access corporate resources from various locations, the need for a decentralized, adaptable security model becomes increasingly apparent. Cybersecurity mesh meets this need, providing a framework that can grow and adapt with the evolving digital landscape.

Related: Read our guide to cyber kill chain.

Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA) Layers 

Gartner introduced the concept of a cybersecurity mesh architecture (CSMA), which includes several security layers:

Security Analytics and Intelligence

This layer is crucial for proactive threat detection and response. It involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to identify potential security threats. This layer provides the insights needed to understand the security landscape and to make informed decisions about risk management.

Distributed Identity Fabric

The distributed identity fabric is the backbone of the cybersecurity mesh approach. It allows for the decentralization of identity and access management, enabling individual devices or users to have their own unique security perimeters. This layer is essential for enabling the granular, tailored security controls that are central to the cybersecurity mesh model.

Consolidated Dashboards and Visualization

This layer provides a unified view of the security landscape. Despite the decentralized nature of cybersecurity mesh, it is still important to have a centralized overview of the overall security posture. This layer provides that overview, offering visual representations of security data that make it easier to identify trends and anomalies.

Consolidated Policy and Posture Management

This final layer is where the security policies are defined and enforced. This layer provides a central point of control for managing the various security perimeters within the cybersecurity mesh. It ensures that all devices and users are complying with the established security policies, and it enables quick response to any detected security incidents.

Key Benefits of CSMA 

Interoperability and Integration

In the era of mobility and IoT, where a myriad of devices of different make, model, and operating systems coexist, interoperability is a significant challenge. Traditional security systems often fail to provide seamless integration between various devices, leading to potential security loopholes.

However, the cybersecurity mesh, with its decentralized approach, allows for better interoperability and integration. Each device or node in the mesh can operate independently yet securely. This means no matter how diverse the digital ecosystem is, each part can effectively communicate and synchronize with the others, all under a secure umbrella.

Context-Aware Security

The cybersecurity mesh provides context-aware security. This means that the security measures are not just about the device or the data; they also take into consideration the context in which these are being used. For instance, a device accessing sensitive data from an unknown location or at an unusual time could trigger a security alert.

This context-awareness adds another layer of security, helping to detect and prevent potential threats that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s a more proactive approach to security, understanding and adapting to the changing dynamics of the digital world.

Identity-Centric Perimeters

Traditional network security focuses on protecting a defined physical or virtual perimeter. However, in today’s highly interconnected and mobile world of distributed workforces and resources alike, this approach is no longer effective. The cybersecurity mesh moves away from this concept and focuses on identity-centric perimeters.

In an identity-centric model, the security parameters are defined by the identity of the user or device. This approach ensures that no matter where the user is or what device they’re using, the security protocols remain intact. It’s a significant shift from the “trust but verify” approach to a zero trust “never trust, always verify” architecture or model, providing a more robust and reliable security model.

Proactive and Near Real-Time Defense

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, reactive security measures are no longer enough. There is a need for proactive and near real-time defense, and that’s what the cybersecurity mesh offers.

The decentralized and interconnected nature of the mesh allows for faster detection and response to potential threats. Each node in the mesh can independently monitor, detect, and respond to threats, providing a near real-time defense mechanism. Moreover, the proactive nature of the security measures means the system is constantly on the lookout for anomalies, rather than waiting for a breach to occur.

4 Considerations for Implementing Cybersecurity Mesh 

1. Creating an Integrated Security Framework

While the cybersecurity mesh offers numerous benefits, implementing it requires careful planning and consideration. One of the key aspects to consider is creating an integrated framework where different security solutions can work together in synergy.

Remember, the goal of the cybersecurity mesh is to secure each individual node or device. But, these nodes are diverse, so a one-size-fits-all security solution won’t work. Instead, you need a framework where different security solutions can coexist and work together, each complementing the others.

2. Choosing Security Solutions with an Open Policy Framework

Another important consideration is to choose security solutions that have an open policy framework. An open policy framework means that the security protocols can be customized according to the specific needs of each node or device. As an example, a service account has different needs than credentials for the developer, and the policies that govern their behavior are vastly different.

This flexibility is crucial for the cybersecurity mesh to function effectively. Each node in the mesh has its unique requirements, and an open policy framework allows for the necessary customization without compromising the overall security.

3. Audit Process in Line with Zero Trust Principles

Implementing a cybersecurity mesh requires a robust audit process aligned with zero trust principles. This process involves continuous monitoring and validation of security measures at each node in the network. It’s not just about having security controls in place; it’s also about ensuring that these controls are effective and are being adhered to consistently.

In this context, the audit process should focus on verifying the identity and access controls at each node. This means regularly reviewing who has access to what data and why, and ensuring that these access privileges are strictly necessary for the individual’s role or device’s function. The process should also include regular checks for anomalies or deviations from established security protocols, enabling the organization to quickly identify and address potential vulnerabilities or breaches.

4. Choosing Security Tools Open to Customization

When selecting security tools for a cybersecurity mesh, it is essential to choose solutions that offer customization. The diverse nature of devices and user roles in a mesh network means that security needs can vary significantly from one node to another. Tools that are rigid in their functionality may not provide adequate security in such a varied environment.

Customizable security tools can be tailored to the specific needs of each node, providing the right level of security without impeding functionality. This includes the ability to adjust security protocols, define unique access controls, and integrate with a variety of systems and applications. Customization ensures that the security mesh can adapt as the organization’s needs evolve, maintaining a strong security posture without hindering operational efficiency.

Cybersecurity Mesh with Exabeam

The three most important features of overseeing your cybersecurity mesh are cooperative data sharing with a common information model, log enrichment upon ingestion, and clear security analytics. 

The Exabeam Security Operations Platform supports over 650 integrations with leading IT and security products to help analysts work smarter. Providing inbound integrations with data sources from third party vendors easily allow analysts to ingest as much data as possible along a common information model developed and shared by Exabeam with other security vendor partnerships.

Exabeam enrichment capabilities deliver powerful benefits to several areas of the cybersecurity mesh. Exabeam supports enrichment using three methods: 

• Threat intelligence: Armed with the most up-to-date IoCs, our Threat Intelligence Service adds enrichments such as file, domain, IP, URL reputation, and TOR endpoint identification to prioritize or update existing correlations and behavioral models. 
• Geolocation enrichment: Improves accuracy with location-based context added that is often not present in logs. 
• User-host-IP mapping enrichment: Adds user and asset details to logs which is critical to building behavioral models for detecting anomalous activity.

Related: Read more about Exabeam Security Analytics.