Inside the Network: How Corelight’s NDR Is Shattering the Illusion of Perimeter Security

When it comes to cybersecurity, most organizations still cling to the idea that strong perimeters keep attackers out. But as breach after breach makes headlines, experts warn that the real enemies are often already inside - and invisible. At the recent ICT Security Forum, Jean-Pierre Carlin, Corelight’s Regional Sales Manager for Southern Europe, lifted the lid on Network Detection and Response (NDR), exposing how this technology is rewriting the rules of digital defense.

Beyond the Perimeter: The Case for NDR

Security perimeters are riddled with blind spots. As Carlin put it, “Even if you think your endpoints are protected, attackers can slip past and move laterally inside your network.” That’s where NDR comes in. Unlike traditional tools that focus on endpoints or log aggregation, NDR scans the entire network, flagging suspicious behaviors, attacks, and policy violations as they happen. Every byte of traffic - whether on-premises, in the cloud, or in operational technology (OT) environments - is scrutinized.

The Zeek Legacy and Open Source DNA

Corelight’s secret weapon is Zeek, a network analysis framework created decades ago by the company’s founders. Zeek is the de facto standard for network logging, adopted by giants like Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Defense. Its open-source nature means Corelight’s platform speaks a “common language” across the cybersecurity ecosystem, making integration seamless and analysis consistent.

Multilayered Detection, AI, and Smart Optimization

Corelight’s appliances - physical or virtual - combine signature-based detection, behavioral analytics, threat intelligence, and machine learning. The platform’s “Smart PCAP” captures only the most relevant network data, slashing SIEM storage costs and noise. AI-powered triage translates technical alerts into human language, empowering analysts to act fast - even across multilingual teams.

One Platform, Total Visibility

Corelight’s NDR solves key pain points for security teams: incomplete visibility, tool sprawl, and soaring costs. Its sensors reveal east-west movement inside networks, consolidate detection capabilities, and integrate natively with major SIEMs and EDRs. In a world where cloud and hybrid architectures introduce new blind spots, Corelight’s flexible sensors extend coverage everywhere threats can hide.