In today’s interconnected IT, Operational Technology (OT), and Internet of Things (IoT) environments, seemingly harmless hardware devices can pose significant security risks. One such device that is often overlooked is the unmanaged switch. These ethernet switches may appear to be simple plug-and-play solutions, but they carry inherent vulnerabilities that can jeopardize an organization’s cybersecurity.
In this article, we’ll explore the threats associated with unmanaged switches, the vulnerabilities they introduce, and effective strategies for mitigating these risks.
Unmanaged Switch: Overview
Unmanaged switches are basic networking devices designed to connect multiple Ethernet devices within a Local Area Network (LAN). Unlike managed switches, they lack configuration options, meaning they operate as-is, providing no visibility into network traffic or device management. While their simplicity can be advantageous for small networks or temporary setups, their security implications can be severe.
- Lack of Configuration: Unmanaged switches lack configuration capabilities. This absence means network administrators cannot segment traffic or enforce security policies. As a result, unmanaged switches are a poor choice for environments that require robust switch security controls.
- Ease of Use: Although easy to set up, this ease of use comes at the cost of security. Unmanaged switches do not provide any means to control who can connect to the network or how devices communicate.
The MITM Attack Vulnerability
An unmanaged switch can inadvertently create a separate, unmanaged link to the public internet bypassing the organization’s defense layers. When a malicious computer connects to this switch, it can establish a concealed link. This link can give the attacker full access to the organization’s IT network and data.
Such setups become fertile grounds for Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks. In these attacks, the attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties who believe they are communicating directly.
- Bypassing Security Layers: When a malicious computer connects to the switch, it can effectively bypass the organization’s security layers, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Data Interception: MiTM attacks can result in stolen credentials, sensitive data leaks, and significant reputational damage. Organizations must recognize the importance of securing unmanaged switches to protect against these threats.
MAC Spoofing and Reconnaissance
Moreover, unmanaged switches can be employed in the reconnaissance phase of MAC spoofing attacks. In MAC spoofing, attackers imitate a legitimate MAC address to bypass network security measures. The absence of management features in these switches makes detecting such activities challenging.
Challenges in Unmanaged Switch Detection
The subtlety of unmanaged switches lies in their lack of invisibility to traditional cybersecurity systems. These switches lack identifiable characteristics at layer 2 and above, making them and any device behind them undetectable. For instance, an unmanaged hub switch doesn’t have an associated MAC address, making it “MAC’less” (moving target defense).
Sepio’s Solution Unique Approach
Recognizing this silent threat, Sepio’s solution uses physical layer data obtained from the physical layer of the network infrastructure to identify MAC’less devices. By alerting the security teams about such risky configurations, organizations can take proactive measures to secure their network infrastructure.
- Physical Layer Visibility: By monitoring the physical layer of the network infrastructure, Sepio can detect MAC-less devices and alert security teams to potentially risky configurations. This proactive approach enables organizations to take necessary measures to secure their networks.
- Alerting Security Teams: Organizations can set up alerts to notify security personnel whenever an unmanaged ethernet switch is detected, allowing for rapid response to potential threats.
Closing the Security Gap of Unmanaged Switches
While unmanaged ethernet switches offer convenience, they come at the price of potential security vulnerabilities. Being aware of these risks and utilizing advanced detection tools like Sepio’s can help organizations close this well-known gap of security compensation control.
