Why Layer 1?

Hardware Assets Control solution for Physical Layer 1

Sepio’s Hardware Access Control HAC-1, provides 100% hardware device visibility.

HAC-1 enables Hardware Access Control by setting rules based on the devices characteristics.

HAC-1 instantly detects any devices which breach the set rules and automatically block them to prevent malicious attacks.

The Physical Layer (L1) is the lowest layer of the OSI model and provides hardware security. This layer is responsible for the actual physical connection between the devices by identifying the equipment involved in the data transfer. Layer 1 defines the hardware equipment, cabling, wiring, frequencies and pulses. The information is contained in the form of bits and transmitted from one node to another.

The problem is that hardware security goes neglected; existing security software solutions do not cover Layer 1 of the OSI model. Without Layer 1 visibility, the physical specifications of the network are not captured. Hence, network implants – Rogue Devices which operate on the Physical Layer – are not detected. Similarly, spoofed peripherals – Rogue Device manipulated on the Physical Layer – are identified as legitimate HIDs. Without Layer 1 visibility, enterprises are at risk of Rogue Devices infiltrating their network and conducting harmful attacks. As Layer 1 is the first of the OSI layers, it is crucial to have protection at this level to stop the attacks originating from Rogue Devices at the very first instant; before being carried out.

The idea is to Verify and then Trust that those assets are what they say they are.

Sepio’s HAC-1 brings the ultimate solution to zero trust adoption by providing 100% hardware device visibility for Healthcare Industry

With greater visibility, the zero-trust architecture can grant access decisions with complete information.

Thus, enhancing the enterprise’s protection within, and outside of, its traditional perimeters.

The Hardware Access Control capabilities of HAC-1, block Rogue Devices as soon as they are detected.

Traffic-based visibility solutions, such as NAC, IDS and IoT Network Security, lack Layer 1 visibility. Such blind spot allows unmanaged switches, passive taps, and out-of-band devices to fly under the radar while spoofing devices get recognized as legitimate devices. Layer 1 visibility provides a panacea to such security challenges by identifying all devices for what they truly are through their Physical Layer information. Asset management efforts are ineffective if you don’t know what assets you actually have.

When you can see everything, you can protect everything.

Cybercrime syndicates and state-sponsored actors are fully aware of the Layer 1 visibility challenge and focus their efforts on exploiting this blind spot. There is a range of attack tools available on the market that operate on Layer 1. In doing so, these tools, collectively known as Rogue Devices, evade detection, allowing bad actors to covertly carry out their attacks, whether that be data theft, malware injection, or DDoS, to name a few. Without Layer 1 security, organizations can’t accurately determine what (or who) is operating within their infrastructure, which is a major security risk.

Physical Layer 1

Your existing cybersecurity investments are not a waste of money. Organizations still need their current solutions. However, they, alone, cannot protect the organization from the myriad of threats faced. In fact, nothing out there, on its own, can enable complete protection. Yet, Layer 1 information provides the foundation for a more effective cybersecurity approach. Hence, when integrated with Layer 1 visibility, existing solutions such as NAC, EPS, SIEM and SOAR, are put to better use, and the organization achieves a stronger security posture.

The first layer is your sixth sense – but you still need the others.

Layer 1 visibility is not something out of a fairy tale. Sepio’s Hardware Access Control (HAC-1) solution works on the hardware level to provide the required visibility, down to Layer 1 data. Sepio’s solution goes deeper and lower than any other solution has gone before to ensure that your devices are trusted and are not just claiming to be by validating Layer 1 information. Lastly, with HAC-1’s complete visibility, organizations can effectively enforce their access control measures through Zero Trust Hardware Access.

Now that you know why Layer 1 visibility is so vital, let us help you achieve it. In just 24 hours you can see what assets you really have and achieve a stronger cybersecurity posture. Going deeper doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Additionally, our HAC-1 solution stops an attack at the first instance, not even allowing such devices to make network access requests.

Lastly, embracing Zero Trust Hardware Access in Physical Layer 1 is key for maintaining a good cybersecurity posture.