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Segmentation is key to your defense
In a landscape where threat actors employ sophisticated phishing, malware, and penetration techniques to target high-value users and assets, traditional defense strategies are no longer enough.
AIS helps you prioritize security across your entire organization by shifting potential risks and vulnerabilities away from core operations to a concealed, segmented infrastructure—preventing your IT resources from being overstretched in defending a limited set of vulnerable users and applications.
Strengthen your security posture by identifying and segmenting vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Enterprise environments are under constant siege as threat actors relentlessly exploit vulnerabilities to compromise high-value targets. In response, Adaptive Infrastructure Solution (AIS) was developed to establish a secure segmented environment for offloading vulnerable users and assets. This cutting-edge solution guarantees uninterrupted operations, peak performance, and fortified security—even in the face of active attacks.
Enterprise IT teams work tenaciously to protect users and assets, but resource constraints often require tough decisions. By moving high-priority targets to AIS, IT teams can ease their workload by leveraging C6ISRT experts based in unified command centers at Covert Sites (CS) around the globe. AIS guarantees the security, performance, and resilience of these transferred targets, allowing internal IT teams to concentrate on their core mission—optimizing and advancing enterprise operations.
Traditional data telecom providers rely on a one-size-fits-all model for business customers, often resulting in security gaps, performance bottlenecks, and scalability challenges. At Metro Access Networks, we take a different approach—focusing exclusively on enterprise clients. This specialization allows us to deliver unmatched resilience, stringent regulatory compliance, and unwavering reliability, ensuring zero tolerance for downtime or data loss.
We put the "Ring" back in Telecom: The only carrier powered by a HADDFA Supercomputing ring
We've been trailblazers in the data telecom industry since its inception, back when the landscape was dominated by switches, modems, and traditional phone services. During the Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) era, we launched Texas's first competitive access provider and constructed a state-of-the-art fiber optic network featuring SONET rings, Frame Relay, ATM, and Private Line Service for wholesale carriers and enterprise clients. Our innovative network was also chosen by a global aerospace and defense company in North Texas to establish a secure private enterprise for their research and development efforts.
Following our acquisition by Brooks Fiber from Century Telephone Enterprises Inc. (now LUMEN), we expanded nationally, spearheading the development and deployment of cutting-edge IP switching infrastructures. This innovation led to our merger with Worldcom, where we played a pivotal role in commercializing the global internet, profoundly shaping the evolution and integration of IP-based services.
In 2015, the core members of our original team came together once again to develop a software-defined, carrier-grade network for enterprise customers. Built on the powerful HADDFA supercomputing platform and seamlessly integrated with L2Labs' innovative "Adaptive Ring Topology," this groundbreaking architecture redefines efficiency, reliability, and scalability in data processing—pioneering the future of high-performance, AI-driven telecommunications systems.
Metro Access Networks assigns a C6ISRT Multidisciplinary Advisor (MDA) to support your enterprise before, during, and after the implementation of your adaptive infrastructure solution. Say goodbye to unanswered questions and short-term support. We’re dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of your most critical resources around the clock, 24/7/365.
Experience is all that counts: MDA's are battle-hardened experts who excel in threat management
A C6ISRT multidisciplinary advisor plays a crucial role in implementing adaptive infrastructure solutions by offering a broad range of expertise. Their knowledge spans areas such as network systems, cybersecurity, computing, and applications, enabling them to address challenges from multiple perspectives and deliver more innovative and sustainable solutions. Collaborating with an MDA drives the development of enterprise infrastructures that are not only resilient to future changes but also adaptable to shifting needs and conditions.
Moreover, a multidisciplinary advisor (MDA) serves as a key link between stakeholders, particularly aligning the C-Suite with the IT department. This ensures that the solution is both effective and inclusive. By incorporating diverse viewpoints, they craft comprehensive, future-ready strategies that enhance the overall success of adaptive infrastructure projects.
An Infrastructure Silo (IS) is a highly secure supercomputing facility designed to maintain continuous operations for critical assets and essential services. These facilities are equipped with multiple layers of redundancy, such as backup power, comprehensive cybersecurity measures, and disaster recovery protocols, ensuring uninterrupted protection against disruptions. Featuring advanced physical security and cutting-edge cooling systems, an IS is built to withstand cyber attacks, natural disasters, and power outages, providing a secure and resilient environment for mission-critical functions.
Keep the target moving: Understand why Threat Actors hate segmentation
Infrastructure Silos (IS) are state-of-the-art, globally distributed supercomputing centers specifically designed to host "Smart Citadels" —the foundational CNS elements of AIS. Metro Access’s Adaptive Infrastructure Solution (AIS) was developed to secure an enterprise’s high-value targets by providing a resilient, fortified environment engineered for unmatched security, operational continuity, and reliability.
Each Infrastructure Silo is strategically positioned in geographically diverse, highly fortified regions worldwide. Site selection is based on rigorous risk assessments that evaluate geopolitical stability, resilience to natural disasters, and proximity to critical infrastructure. This globally distributed approach ensures both physical and operational redundancy, guaranteeing uninterrupted service delivery even in the face of regional disruptions.
Enterprise environments with high-value targets demand specialized resources for optimal performance and security. The Smart Citadel is a HADDFA supercomputing array designed with dedicated compute, network, and storage services. This all-in-one (AIO) system supports custom configurations, delivering robust performance while safeguarding high-value targets outside of the enterprise—tailored precisely to your specifications.
Adaptive Infrastructure: Discover how a dedicated supercomputer secures your High-Value Targets.
The Smart Citadel (SC) is a next-generation all-in-one (AIO) supercomputing array meticulously engineered to deliver high-performance compute, network, and storage (CNS) services. Built to support mission-critical operations, SC seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and adaptive technologies to enhance efficiency, resilience, and real-time decision-making.
Designed for maximum security, the Smart Citadel employs advanced encryption, zero-trust architecture, and continuous threat monitoring to safeguard high-value assets from cyber threats. Its intelligent resource management dynamically allocates computing power and storage based on demand, ensuring optimal performance under any conditions. By leveraging a highly adaptive infrastructure, SC not only fortifies digital assets but also enhances scalability, making it a future-proof solution for enterprises requiring uncompromising security and operational continuity.
Threat actors leverage social engineering, phishing, malware, and stolen credentials to breach networks. Once inside, they hunt for high-value targets with privileged access. By exploiting weak accounts, they carry out account takeovers (ATOs), enabling lateral movement to bypass security and access critical assets. This method allows them to maintain covert, long-term access, amplifying potential damage and disruption.
The Seven Types of Threat Actors: each with unique motivations and tactics to disrupt the enterprise
A threat actor is an individual or group with malicious intent to breach, infiltrate, or compromise system and data security. These adversaries operate with varying levels of sophistication and motives, generally falling into seven primary categories: cybercriminals, state-sponsored agents, hacktivists, insiders, script kiddies, organized cyber gangs, and cyberterrorists.
Threat actors employ a range of sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to infiltrate systems and compromise sensitive information. These include data theft, phishing campaigns, social engineering, vulnerability exploitation, malware deployment, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). Many leverage lateral movement, stealthily navigating within networks to escalate privileges and extend their reach before executing attacks.
Protecting high-value targets requires more than just traditional defenses—it demands a strategic transformation. By relocating vulnerable assets to AIS, they are shielded from attackers and secured by a dedicated team of command and control experts.
Mission Critical Resources: Understand why hackers need to identify targets first
High-value targets (HVTs) encompass individuals, systems, and assets that hold significant operational, financial, or strategic value, making them prime objectives for cyber adversaries. These targets often possess privileged access to critical infrastructure, confidential data, or sensitive business applications, enabling attackers to achieve high-impact outcomes with minimal effort. Compromising an HVT can grant adversaries unauthorized entry into secure networks, facilitate large-scale data breaches, enable financial fraud, or disrupt essential services, making them a primary focus of cybercriminals, nation-state actors, and hacktivists alike.
HVTs encompass both High-Value Users and High-Value Assets, each representing critical points of interest for cyber adversaries. High-Value Users include executives, IT administrators, security personnel, financial officers, and researchers—individuals with elevated access to sensitive systems, proprietary data, or critical decision-making processes. Compromising these users can provide attackers with privileged credentials, enabling deeper network infiltration. High-Value Assets consist of mission-critical systems such as cloud platforms, databases, intellectual property repositories, government infrastructure, and other essential digital resources. These assets store, process, and transmit valuable information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks aimed at data exfiltration, operational disruption, or strategic exploitation.
Threat Actors focus on high-value assets such as intellectual property, financial data, and critical business applications, as they represent an organization’s most valuable resources. These assets are prime targets for financial exploitation, competitive advantage, and operational disruption.
Mission Critical Data: Identify the information and business applications threat actors value most
A high-value asset is any critical resource within an organization that holds substantial importance, either through its direct contribution to business operations or its strategic role in maintaining a competitive edge. These assets can include intellectual property (such as patents, trademarks, designs, and proprietary technologies), financial data (including banking records, investment details, and confidential financial strategies), proprietary applications, trade secrets, and sensitive business information (ranging from customer data to corporate strategies).
The value of these assets often extends beyond their tangible worth; they underpin the very foundation of an organization’s business model, intellectual capital, and strategic positioning. Consequently, the loss, theft, or compromise of high-value assets can have catastrophic consequences, including financial losses, which may stem from direct theft, fraud, or regulatory penalties; reputational damage, resulting in loss of customer trust and market share; and strategic setbacks, where competitors or adversaries gain access to critical business information that undermines an organization’s long-term viability.
Threat actors target high-value individuals like executives and administrators because they have privileged access to sensitive systems and critical resources. Compromising their credentials allows attackers to bypass complex defenses and access valuable assets directly. These individuals also manage confidential communications and strategic data, which can be exploited or sold, making them prime targets for rapid and stealthy infiltration.
Not all users are equal: Identify those most at risk from threat actors.
High-value users are individuals who possess a unique blend of authority, access, and knowledge that makes them extremely valuable—and therefore vulnerable—to cyber attackers. These individuals are often in positions of power or influence within an organization, and their actions, decisions, or access can have a significant impact on business operations, security posture, or overall strategy. High-value users include executives, senior management, IT administrators, security officers, and employees with access to sensitive information, all of whom are vital to an organization’s functioning and competitiveness.
The reason these users are prime targets for cyber adversaries is that compromising them can provide attackers with direct access to a wealth of privileged data or critical systems, often leading to wider network infiltration. For instance, gaining control of an executive’s account can grant cybercriminals access to sensitive corporate strategies, financial information, or high-level communications. Similarly, compromising an IT administrator can allow attackers to bypass security protocols and move laterally across systems, escalating their privileges and deepening their access.
Identifying high-value users is essential since they control critical resources and are prime targets for Cyber Threat Actors, with their compromise potentially resulting in major security breaches.
AIS offers an all-inclusive service suite bundled into a single, easy-to-understand package with a flat monthly rate.
Metro Access C6ISRT Central Command enhances situational awareness and decision-making by providing real-time data and intelligence to our Special Operations Command (SOCOM). This ensures our specialists remain well-informed and can respond rapidly to emerging threats and opportunities.
Within Central Command, Multidisciplinary Commanders (MDCs) empower mission command, enabling our Special Operations Forces (SOF) to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative when countering threat actors.
Through seamless integration between central and mission command, we maintain a decisive advantage—anticipating threats, staying ahead of adversaries, and actively engaging them whenever they pose a risk to our critical infrastructure.
Threat actors are targeting high-value users (HVUs) within organizations by completely obstructing their access to enterprise systems. When domain authentication services are compromised, attackers can revoke or restrict access and administrative privileges, leaving HVUs unable to log in or manage critical resources—effectively crippling organizational operations.
Infotech HVUs are prime targets due to their crucial role in detecting cyber threats and restoring enterprise data. As subject matter experts, they have privileged access to the most sensitive infrastructure and credentials, making them a top priority for adversaries seeking deeper infiltration into corporate networks and systems.
Metro Access combats these threats with its advanced C6ISRT command-and-control architecture, a system trusted by the Department of Defense. Unlike conventional cloud-based and off-site solutions, this cutting-edge technology ensures seamless operational continuity and rapid recovery in times of crisis. By isolating HVUs and high-value assets (HVAs) from corporate network vulnerabilities, it drastically minimizes the risk of enterprise breaches. HVUs can securely fulfill their responsibilities from a dedicated AIS node, ensuring uninterrupted operations even in the face of cyberattacks, natural disasters, or other critical disruptions.
Threat actors are continuously targeting enterprises, making security a top priority. Instead of relying solely on the latest software or hardware trends, protect your high-value targets with AIS. This robust solution enables your teams to thwart attacks, maintain operational continuity, and quickly restore services—ensuring your enterprise’s most vulnerable targets remain secure even against active threats.
Cyberattacks and Ransom Negotiations in the First Quarter of 2025
Enterprises are Facing Attacks
Threat actors target enterprises unable to protect their high-value assets, stealing, encrypting, and either selling or leaking sensitive data. In 2024, ransomware attacks reached all-time highs, with both attack frequency and ransom payments seeing sharp increases. By mid-2024, the average ransom demand per attack had exceeded $2.73 million. In the first two weeks of 2025 alone, we’ve already observed a notable rise in these attacks, with expectations for them to continue escalating.
Is your current infrastructure sufficient to protect your high-value targets from threat actors?
To enroll your enterprise in the Adaptive Infrastructure Solution (AIS), begin by choosing a location for your Infrastructure Silo and configuring CNS allocation with the Smart Citadel. After setting up the base, determine the number of high-value users, assets, and on-net enterprise locations to connect via the Straitbridge. Public-facing applications or data requiring external access will need remote user services to ensure secure access for external users
Discover how easy it is to transfer your HVUs and HVAs to the Metro Access Adaptive Infrastructure Solution
The assessment phase of onboarding to Metro Access Adaptive Infrastructure Solution is a comprehensive process designed to evaluate your organization’s unique needs and current security landscape. This step begins with an in-depth analysis of your High-Value Users (HVUs) and High-Value Assets (HVAs), identifying vulnerabilities, dependencies, and performance metrics. Our team collaborates closely with your stakeholders to understand operational goals and compliance requirements, ensuring a tailored approach. By leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies, we provide a clear roadmap for integrating your assets into our adaptive infrastructure. This critical phase sets the foundation for a seamless transition, enhanced security, and optimized performance.
The service configuration phase of onboarding to Metro Access Adaptive Infrastructure Solution focuses on customizing the platform to align with your organization’s specific requirements. During this phase, our experts design and implement the optimal setup for your High-Value Users (HVUs) and High-Value Assets (HVAs) within the adaptive infrastructure. This involves configuring access controls, security protocols, performance parameters, and integration points to ensure seamless interoperability with existing systems. Each configuration is rigorously tested to validate functionality and adherence to compliance standards. By tailoring the service to your operational needs, this phase ensures a robust, secure, and efficient environment for your critical assets.
The hardware installation phase of onboarding to Metro Access Adaptive Infrastructure Solution ensures the physical components of your security infrastructure are deployed efficiently and securely. For on-site installations, our team works closely with your personnel to set up, integrate, and test hardware like straitbridge access nodes, sensors, and Robotic Process Automation Nodes, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. Off-site installations focus on configuring and deploying remote systems that complement and enhance your infrastructure’s capabilities, such as cloud-connected devices and redundancy solutions. Each installation is meticulously planned and executed, with rigorous testing to verify performance and reliability. This phase guarantees that all hardware components are seamlessly aligned with the Metro Access platform, delivering a robust foundation for your adaptive infrastructure.
The test and acceptance, and go-live phase of onboarding to Metro Access Adaptive Infrastructure Solution is the final step to ensure your security infrastructure is fully operational and optimized. During this phase, comprehensive testing is conducted to validate the performance, reliability, and security of all systems, including hardware, software, and network configurations. Our team works closely with your staff to address any issues, fine-tune settings, and confirm compliance with organizational and industry standards. Once all tests are successfully completed, the system is transitioned to live operation, seamlessly integrating into your workflow. This phase marks the culmination of the onboarding process, ensuring your High-Value Users (HVUs) and High-Value Assets (HVAs) are protected and operational within the Metro Access Adaptive Infrastructure.
Connect with a support specialist to subscribe to AIS or explore our online Position Papers for further insights and information.
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(650) 618-9507
300 South Seaman Eastland - Texas
techsupport@metroaccessnetworks.com clientservices@metroaccessnetworks.com
