Network and application protection
Robust security through network and application protection
Network security is crucial for businesses and brands today, as it protects their reputation and bottom line. The key to protecting your services lies in identifying risks, using safeguards, and consistently applying them to your services.
Network and application protection challenges
One major challenge to network and application security is the fast-changing nature of cyber threats. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, making them harder to predict and defend against. Companies have complex IT systems, combining both on-site and cloud solutions, which need different security strategies. Plus, to stay compliant with strict regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, these companies are required to closely monitor and update their systems to maintain data security. Specialised, compliant security solutions offer strong protection and can adapt to new threats, making them a powerful defence.

Improving network security
Network firewall protection
The shift towards hybrid environments has brought about new challenges for businesses, as maintaining consistent network firewall protection across on-premises and cloud infrastructure demands more resources and advanced solutions. Deploying firewalls across different cloud environments is a major challenge due to the dynamic nature of cloud resources. Without proper firewall protection, businesses become vulnerable to security threats.
Application protection in the cloud
As enterprise applications become more accessible through APIs and web interfaces, they become prime targets for cyberattacks. Companies have a hard time keeping their applications safe from threats such as bot attacks, data exfiltration, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Without specialised security for these endpoints, sensitive data and website uptime could be compromised.
Secure VPN access
With more people working remotely and in different locations, businesses need reliable VPNs that let employees securely access company networks and cloud resources from anywhere. The growing number of remote connections, combined with evolving security threats, has made it more and more difficult to manage them securely and efficiently.
Most common network use cases
Web server protection
Web attacks like SQL-injections, cross-site scripting (XSS) or cross-site request forgery (CSRF) are becoming more common, and traditional firewalls alone cannot adequately protect web servers. Moreover, many regulatory frameworks require you to implement specific safeguards on your website.
APIs protection
Modern software architecture heavily relies on APIs. Client applications and interfaces need APIs to work properly and connect seamlessly with various cloud services, including across hybrid-cloud setups. Security is key as these applications need to be protected.
BOT management
The growing use of bots means we need to bolster our security measures. This could involve solutions that can distinguish humans from bots, block malicious bots, or even limit the activity of legit bots to prevent server overload.
Network firewall/Secure gateway
As a standard feature in network architecture, firewalls prevent unauthorised access and protect network data. It serves as a gateway to your private area, managing all incoming and outgoing network traffic. Modern firewalls can block malicious activity, like network-based attacks and intrusions.
Secure IPsec site-to-site VPN connection with OVHcloud infrastructure
Secure communication through encrypted tunnels protects data transfers between remote offices and cloud resources. This is a top option because it provides a cost-effective means of interconnectivity.
Secure TLS/SSL VPN connection to my OVHcloud services
Establishing a secure TLS/SSL VPN connection to OVHcloud services provides a trusted, encrypted pathway for employees accessing company resources. With a secure VPN, companies can prevent sensitive data from being intercepted, guaranteeing private and protected communication against potential cyber threats.
Partner ecosystem for enhanced security
OVHcloud infrastructure security guides
Deploying Stormshield SNS EVA on Public Cloud instances
Ensure security for your network resources on OVHcloud infrastructure with Stormshield Network Security Elastic Virtual Appliance
Deploying UBIKA WAAP Gateway on Public Cloud instances
Secure your applications and APIs on OVHcloud infrastructure using UBIKA WAF/WAAP Gateway.
Using security appliances in cloud ecosystems
Flexible deployment options
Security appliances are versatile and can be used in a variety of cloud environments. They are compatible with a wide range of deployment options (physical servers, virtualised environments, and private and public clouds), providing businesses with extensive security capabilities.
Comprehensive ecosystem security with vRack
Once deployed, these appliances utilise vRack, OVHcloud’s private network, to secure your cloud ecosystem. The setup connects different types of servers, including Public Cloud, Hosted Private Cloud, and Bare Metal, protecting data and traffic across them.

Load balancing for optimal performance
Web Application Firewalls (WAF) and other demanding applications rely on load balancing for seamless performance. Within the OVHcloud ecosytem, Octavia balances load in the Public Cloud, IP Load Balancing (IPLB) boosts performance, and IP Anycast provides more reliable global access.
Tailored security options
Cloud platforms have a range of security options, which means businesses can choose what works best for them. To build trust and meet regulations, companies factor in vendor expertise, features, and compliance with industry standards like ISO/IEC 27001 or SOC 2.
Related Security Services and Products

Public Cloud Compute
Enjoy high performance and flexibility with our scalable virtual machines. Customise configurations and seamlessly integrate them within OVHcloud environments to support your applications and services.

vRack Private Network
Isolate your sensitive data and traffic from the public internet by creating a private network within OVHcloud. This will facilitate secure communication across different parts of your infrastructure.

Additional IP
Use dedicated IP addresses for better resource control, separate different tasks, and create advanced security features like VPNs.

Public Cloud Load Balancer
Distribute incoming traffic evenly across different instances, and guarantee secure SSL/TLS encryption for higher availability and minimal application overload.

IP Load Balancer
This solution uses advanced load balancing with global IP Anycast routing to boost performance, security, and redundancy across services in different locations.
Layered protection: solution for robust and resilient defence
Also known as in-depth defence, multi-layer protection provides a robust framework for network security. It typically involves specific defences, or security tools and techniques, designed to address specific threats.

Application firewalls
Designed to detect the most advanced threats, this layer provides the deepest analysis of application traffic and behaviour. It functions within the application layer (Layer 7 of the ISO/OSI model) and is typically tailored to the specific application it serves.
For example:
- Game DDoS Protection - our bare-metal Game servers are protected by a specialised DDoS shield, a go-to solution for game hosting companies, designed to deliver seamless gameplay. It is compatible with popular game protocols and defends against various threat levels.
- Web Application Firewall - these are solutions designed to shield websites or more advanced web services from cyber threats. They typically offer features such as webpage visitor location-based, IP reputation checks, or even the ability to distinguish between human users and automated bots.
Network firewalls
More specific services are needed to filter incoming traffic to each network perimeter. They provide access control mechanisms to block unauthorised data from reaching critical resources.
Anti-DDoS Infrastructure
Distributed globally, our anti-DDoS service mitigates attack by responding close to their origin. They protect against large-scale attacks, especially Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, to keep them from reaching the service provider’s network. It substantially boosts the efficiency of DPI/firewall services deployed in datacentres.