Traditional security methods often fall short due to the increasing complexity of operational networks and the growing prevalence of cyberthreats. Relying on multiple point security products can lead to higher costs and complexity, creating potential gaps in defenses. As organizations digitize their operations and connect more devices, a more integrated approach that embeds security into networking devices is necessary to provide comprehensive visibility and protection.

To achieve visibility, organizations need to first obtain an accurate inventory of all devices on their network. This involves using technologies like Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to decode communication flows and gather asset information. By embedding DPI capabilities into networking equipment, organizations can monitor traffic locally and gain insights into all connected assets without the need for additional hardware, thus minimizing costs and operational overhead.

Implementing zones and conduits allows organizations to restrict communications between assets based on their security requirements. This segmentation helps prevent attacks from spreading across the entire network. By defining zones for different operational areas and using conduits for controlled communication, organizations can improve security and network performance. Tools like Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) can automate policy enforcement, making it easier to manage these segments without relying solely on firewalls.