Telecom Security IP Network Infrastructure Security
Core Network Infrastructure
IP Network Infrastructure Security
Hardening the routers, transport links, and software-defined systems that carry every call, message, and data session across your network.
Overview
Introduction
Every service a telecom operator or ISP delivers ultimately rides on IP infrastructure — core and edge routers, transport links, DNS systems, and increasingly, software-defined and virtualized network functions. This layer is often treated as a solved problem because it is mature technology, yet it remains one of the most consequential layers to secure, since a single compromised router or misconfigured routing protocol can affect traffic for an entire region.
ALCON Cyber Security assesses IP network infrastructure end to end, from physical and routing-layer configuration through to the SDN controllers and NFV platforms that now sit at the heart of modern telecom backbones.
Impact
Why This Service Matters
IP network infrastructure is the connective tissue between every other layer of the telecom stack — signaling, core network functions, and subscriber services all depend on it functioning correctly and securely. Attacks against routing infrastructure, whether through protocol manipulation, misconfigured access controls, or compromised management interfaces, can cause widespread outages, enable traffic interception, or provide a foothold for lateral movement into more sensitive network segments.
As operators adopt SDN and NFV to increase agility, the security model shifts from physical hardware protection to software and orchestration-layer security — a change that many network teams are still adapting to. Getting this layer right is what keeps the rest of the network trustworthy.
The Landscape
Current Industry Challenges
- Routing protocol manipulation: BGP and other routing protocols remain vulnerable to hijacking and misdirection if not properly secured and monitored.
- SDN controller exposure: Centralized SDN controllers represent a high-value target — compromise can affect an entire network segment at once.
- NFV platform misconfiguration: Virtualized network functions inherit the security posture of the underlying hypervisor and orchestration layer, which is frequently under-hardened.
- Legacy device exposure: Aging routers and switches may run outdated firmware with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
- DNS infrastructure risk: DNS remains a frequent target for cache poisoning, amplification abuse, and traffic redirection.
- Management plane weaknesses: Poorly segmented or weakly authenticated management interfaces provide an easy path to network-wide access.
Our Approach
How ALCON Helps
ALCON's network infrastructure specialists assess routing architecture, transport security, DNS resilience, and SDN/NFV configuration against both established best practice and real-world attack techniques. We look beyond individual device hardening to evaluate how the network behaves as a system — how segmentation, access control, and monitoring work together to contain an incident if one occurs.
Findings are delivered with concrete configuration guidance your network engineering team can implement directly, rather than abstract recommendations that require further translation.
Architecture
Network Segmentation & Trust Zones
A simplified view of how transport, routing, and monitoring controls contain risk within defined boundaries.
Deep Dive
Specific Core Features
Routing & BGP Security
Assessment of routing protocol configuration and monitoring to detect hijacking and route manipulation.
SDN Security Review
Testing of SDN controller access controls, API exposure, and network segmentation.
NFV Platform Hardening
Review of hypervisor, orchestration, and virtual network function configuration for isolation weaknesses.
DNS Security Assessment
Evaluation of DNS infrastructure resilience against poisoning, amplification, and redirection attacks.
Network Segmentation Review
Assessment of segmentation between management, control, and data planes to contain potential incidents.
Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
Structured testing of network devices and infrastructure to uncover exploitable configuration and firmware issues.
Strengthen the Backbone of Your Network
Talk to our network infrastructure specialists about routing, SDN, and NFV security.
Talk to Our Experts