Infosec glossary entry

CSMA

CSMA:
CyberSecurity Mesh Architecture
Carrier Sense Multiple Access

CyberSecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA) is a modern approach to designing and implementing cybersecurity measures in a way that provides flexibility and adaptability across a distributed IT environment. Unlike traditional security models that often rely on a centralized perimeter, CSMA promotes a more decentralized framework where security controls and policies are applied at various points throughout the network. This architecture allows organizations to protect their assets and data regardless of location, making it particularly suitable for businesses that operate in cloud environments or have remote workforces.

The key advantage of CSMA lies in its ability to create a more resilient security posture. By integrating security measures into the fabric of the network, organizations can quickly respond to threats and vulnerabilities that may arise. This approach enhances collaboration between different security tools and systems, ensuring that they work together seamlessly to provide comprehensive protection. Additionally, CSMA emphasizes the importance of identity and access management, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive resources. Overall, CyberSecurity Mesh Architecture represents a shift towards a more integrated and user-centric model of cybersecurity, aligning with the dynamic needs of today’s digital landscape.

Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) is a network protocol used to manage access to a shared communication medium, such as Ethernet. CSMA allows devices on a network to detect whether the medium is in use before transmitting data. If the medium is clear, a device can send its data; otherwise, it will wait until the medium is free. This protocol helps reduce collisions and improves the efficiency of data transmission in shared networks.


Designed to consolidate cybersecurity management and orchestration across technology environments, a CSMA is comprised of four layers, each playing a specific role in enabling the central configuration and management of a “mesh” of security controls:

  • Security analytics and intelligence: This layer ingests data and insights from security tools to provide threat analysis and trigger responses.
  • Identity fabric: This is where foundational identity capabilities reside, such as identity proofing and entitlement management.
  • Consolidated policy, posture, and playbook management: This layer orchestrates centralized policy, checks and coordinates security posture, and manages and orchestrates playbooks.
  • Consolidated dashboards: These offer an overarching view of the ecosystem for security teams.

Assembling these four layers bolsters a company’s cybersecurity posture in a number of ways, enabling more efficient responses, enhanced detection capabilities, more adaptative and granular access control, and more consistent policies and management.
https://www.mimecast.com/en/blog/cybersecurity-mesh-architecture-what-it-is-and-how-to-build-it/

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By jean-christoph

June 1, 2023

blue team, identity management, Network+, protocol
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