The Cisco Security Wheel
Implementing a comprehensive security stance is critical in successfully defending one's network and services infrastructure. To do so, Cisco recommends a cyclical, evolutionary approach depicted by a wheel (as shown in Figure 1.3) known as the Cisco Security Wheel.
This approach incorporates the following repetitive methodology:
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Corporate Security Policy Instantiate a solid security policy.
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Secure Secure all existing networks and systems.
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Monitor and Respond Monitor the infrastructure and respond accordingly to events.
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Test Regularly test security systems, including human response capabilities.
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Manage and Improve Effectively manage and continually improve the security stance.
Use of this methodology can help provide a holistic and evolving security plan that keeps pace with the ever-changing threats present in today's technical environment. Each of these steps is discussed in detail in this section.