Why Zero Trust And Defense-In-Depth Should Be Bedrocks Of Your Cybersecurity Strategy

 Read this article for a deep dive into Zero Trust (ZTNA or Zero Trust Network Access) and Defense-in-Depth (D-in-D) cybersecurity measures... how they work, what they do, the benefits gained, and why they should be the foundation of your organization's cybersecurity strategy.

Why Zero Trust And Defense-In-Depth Should Be Bedrocks Of Your Cybersecurity Strategy

How To Protect Your POS (Point of Sale) Systems From Cyber Threats

There are too many companies who think that their Point-of-Sales (POS) systems are merely a responsibility of their cashiers who sit behind a sales desk. 

They literally forget that their POS systems face multiple-levels of risks, e.g., networking issues, open ports, cyber-attacks, accessibility issues, communication with a chain of their numerous back-end processes. More often these POS systems also communicate with company’s most sensitive data, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of their customers.

Your company, in fact every company, should consider its POS systems more accurately as an extension of your company’s datacenter, a remote branch of your critical applications. You should see them as high-threat environment and devise a targeted security strategy accordingly.

Read this article to learn how to establish a robust cybersecurity strategy to protect your POS systems:  How To Protect Your POS (Point of Sale) Systems From Cyber Threats

Cyber Threats - Who The Players Are And What Protection Strategies Should Be Adopted

 

Are you sure you know all the actors who might attack your company's IT systems? The range of attacks is vast, and many organizations overlook the multitude of figures behind the generic term "hacker." That is why on @DeltalogiX, they describe the various figures to help companies understand how to protect themselves and what the impact on their business might be Cyber Threats - Who They Are And What To Do About It

For FREE help designing and sourcing a customized network monitoring, management, and security solution that meets YOUR company's specific cybersecurity needs simply ask us here.... Cybersecurity Strategy

Why Cybersecurity Is So Important

 

Cybersecurity has never been more critical to businesses of all sizes. From the Fortune 500 to SMB, for any business to survive, they need some level of protection from malicious Cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks on businesses are constantly evolving which only brings more danger to consumers and employees, this is why Cybersecurity is so important.

Cybersecurity services are provided by suppliers to protect, detect, and remediate business from malicious attacks. We have partnered with some of the top Cybersecurity suppliers in the world that offer everything from evaluations, employee education and training programs, network monitoring, data and device protection, remediation, and compliance.

To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements .... plus comparisons of best-in-class network security / management providers and what they have to offer ... simply ask us at the following link (FREE). It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Cybersecurity Options

360 Degrees Of Cybersecurity

 

To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements (including security posture and risk assessments, and awareness training and employee education programs) ... simply ask us at FREE Network Connectivity, Design, & Security Resource.

The Cybersecurity Roadmap EVERY Organization Should Follow

 To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements (including security posture and risk assessments, and awareness training and employee education programs) ... simply ask us at FREE Network Connectivity, Design, & Security Resource.

The Periodic Table Of Cybersecurity...The Elements That Make Up The World Of The Cybersecurity Professional

 

To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements (including security posture and risk assessments, and awareness training and employee education programs) ... simply ask us at FREE Network Connectivity, Design, & Security Resource.

How Can You Compare 100s Of Business Network Connectivity AND Security Providers For Cost, Quality, Service, & Reliability?

 

How Can You Compare 100s Of Business Network Connectivity AND Security Providers For Cost, Quality, Service, & Reliability?

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Deep Dive Into Defense-In-Depth As A Cybersecurity Strategy

 

Defense-in-depth is a popular security strategy that places the applications and data (or groups of applications and data) that inhabit an architecture into designated security layers. This holistic approach aims to layer defenses across all possible areas of vulnerability, offering not just one but multiple levels of protection. Let's break it down!

Data: Starting with the most critical, we aim to protect the data itself through encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention techniques.

Application: Next, we secure the applications handling data. This includes secure coding practices, regular vulnerability scanning, and patch management.

Host: This layer focuses on securing individual user devices with antivirus software, personal firewalls, and strict access controls.

Internal Network: Here, we employ network segmentation and internal firewalls, limiting lateral movement in the event of a breach.

Perimeter: The outer shell of our digital fortress where we implement network-level defenses such as external firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure gateways.

Physical: Often overlooked but no less critical - securing physical access to devices and servers is a must.

Policies, Procedures & Awareness: The human factor - often the weakest link! Here we use education, training, clear policies, and procedures to strengthen our human firewall.

These layers interweave to create a multi-faceted, robust defense strategy. But remember, no castle was ever impregnable! Constant vigilance, regular updates, and evolution in line with emerging threats are vital to maintaining security.

A Little Cybersecurity Humor For You

 

All kidding aside, cybersecurity is serious stuff. Take it lightly and you'll most definitely face painful consequences with negative impacts on your bottom line and your reputation.

Today, as companies are adopting more and more digital technologies, it is even more critical for businesses to prioritize protecting their data and networks against cyber threats. This will require robust security, regular monitoring, and educating employees on best practices for protecting company assets and data.

To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements (including security posture and risk assessments, awareness training and employee education programs, and MUCH more) ... simply ask at:

FREE Help With Your Network Security Strategy

SDWAN Is The Network Solution Every IT Decision Maker Is Looking For....Here's How And Why

 

SDWAN (software-defined wide area networks) has been a very hot topic in CIO and CTO conversations lately, and here’s why: While SDWAN may have sounded like a costly and inaccessible alternative to traditional MPLS network connectivity just a few years ago, IT executives are quickly recognizing the productivity, scalability, and security benefits of next-gen WAN solutions to support remote workers and multi-location operations in today’s post-pandemic world.

IT decision makers are supporting their digital transformation needs with a complete SDWAN plan that also protects their business from growing cyber threats. SDWAN layered with SASE and ZTNA is a powerful differentiator for companies looking to address both network connectivity and management strategies as well as cybersecurity requirements all with one solution.

SDWAN can intelligently route traffic around congestion based on the type of content being transferred, the endpoint, the time of day, the application’s security needs, latency sensitivity, or bandwidth costs. IT teams can manage potentially thousands of network switches from a centralized controller over the internet, cloud topologies, and more. This gives them the ability to scale the network as needed, optimize performance, and make more efficient use of resources.

Secure access service edge (SASE, pronounced “sassy”) is a framework for network architecture that brings cloud native security technologies together with SDWAN capabilities to securely connect users, systems, and endpoints to applications and services anywhere. SDWAN + SASE allows IT teams to bring critical security implementations to the remotest edge of their network to address the changing needs of a remote workforce. It also ensures cloud-destined traffic isn’t backhauled to the on-premises data center but transits seamlessly from the user to the cloud without delay or performance impact.

But wait, there’s more! No secure network would be complete without the additional layer of zero trust network access (ZTNA). ZTNA is based on a Zero Trust security framework requiring all users, whether in or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and validated before being granted access to any company data or devices. So, users only have access to what they need, and everything else is locked down (kind of like how a key card works in a hotel elevator), resulting in better compliance and threat mitigation.

One of the big advantages of a complete SDWAN solution is that it can be acquired as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) with little up-front spend. Once adopted, cost savings continue through improved network utilization and productivity. Plus, consider the burden that SDWAN removes from time-strapped engineers because it automates the complexity of managing highly dynamic cloud and remote office environments.

With the shift to the remote and hybrid workforce, and the requirements of supporting multi-location environments, the opportunity to introduce the productivity and cost-savings benefits of a secure, complete SDWAN package (SDWAN with critical security layers like SASE and ZTNA) to your company has never been better.

For FREE help sourcing and designing a custom SDWAN solution for your organization simply ask at this link:

FREE SDWAN Custom Network Design Help

3 Ways Organizations Can Secure Mobile Endpoints (INFOGRAPHIC)

 Organizations Can Secure Mobile Endpoints

Insights On Cybersecurity Insurance Every Business Should Know And Apply

Cybersecurity insurance can be a wise investment for businesses of any size seeking to protect against the financial consequences of a cyberattack or data breach.

Despite the complexities and costs of acquiring cyber insurance, it is still one of the best investments for mitigating the financial impact of a cyber incident – especially for small- and medium-sized businesses, which may not have the resources to cover the costs of a major cyberattack. Cyber insurance can also provide coverage for business interruption, a major concern for companies that rely on technology to conduct their operations.  

Be aware though that pricier premiums for cybersecurity insurance is an unfortunate consequence of the rising number of costly data breaches, ransomware, and other security attacks. Cyber insurance premiums increased by an average of 28% in the first quarter of 2022 compared with the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the Council for Insurance Agents and Brokers. According to Check Point Research, there was a 38% increase in global attacks in 2022 compared with 2021, accompanied by rising costs for insurers defending and settling cyber claims. IBM's "Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023" (registration required) showed 83% of organizations experienced more than one data breach, while the average cost of a data breach reached $9.44 million in the United States and $4.25 million globally. Also, governments around the world are enacting stricter regulations to protect personal information and sensitive data, resulting in higher limits of liability, a broader definition of loss (reputation recovery, financial recovery, more detailed reporting requirements, etc.), and regular audits and assessments to ensure companies are adhering to enhanced privacy measures.

With stricter requirements, companies will need to be proactive in assessing their insurance needs, weighing the costs and benefits, and working with insurers to ensure they have the right coverage in place.  

Whether cyber insurance is necessary for your business depends on several factors, including the size of your business, the types of data you collect and store, and the potential impact of a data breach or cyberattack. If your business stores sensitive customer information, handles financial transactions, or relies on technology for daily operations, it’s particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. In such cases, cyber insurance can provide critical protection against financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liability in the event of a breach. Large enterprises, and even small businesses, can benefit from cyber insurance, as the cost of a breach could be substantial and possibly devastating for a business, regardless of its size. By purchasing cyber insurance, you can transfer some financial risk associated with cyberattacks to the insurance company.

Cyber insurance is an insurance policy that provides financial protection against losses resulting from cyberattacks, data breaches, and other cyber-related incidents. It may cover costs related to lost income, legal fees, data recovery fees, and the cost of hiring a public relations firm to help with damage control to a company’s brand. Cyber insurance policies typically include coverage for both first party (direct) losses (such as lost revenue or data recovery costs) and third-party losses (such as legal costs and settlement payments). However, insurance companies have now realized that the prevalence of ransomware, and its focus on backup systems, has significantly increased their liability. For this reason, the ability to gain cyber insurance, or maintain it, has changed. 

Of particular note is the reality that Insurance companies have become increasingly careful about underwriting cyber-insurance policies, making it harder for organizations to purchase policies at an affordable price point with the coverage level needed. It's not difficult to figure out why insurers are hesitant — cyberattacks continue to increase while losses may exceed what the insurance market is able to absorb. For example, higher loss ratios for cyber insurance in 2020 and 2021 resulted in higher premiums in 2022 to manage that risk.  Going forward from 2023 and beyond this pattern will likely continue.

It's not surprising that insurers themselves are now proponents of more effective cyber-risk management for policy holders. Expect to see underwriters do the following:

• Deny coverage if you don't have bare-minimum controls in place. This may include raising the bar for minimum controls. For example, traditional multifactor authentication (MFA) may not be accepted as a strong enough control due to man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.
• Tie premiums to the maturity of your security controls.
• Include additional conditions and limitations on policies based on the security posture of policyholders and the controls in place when an incident occurs.

While many organizations see cyber insurance as a vital tool for managing cyber-risk, insurers are putting stricter coverage policies in place and increasingly denying claims. As organizations face heightened scrutiny and undergo tighter underwriting processes, it's important to be able to show that your organization is worthy of cyber-insurance coverage.

So just what should organizations implement in order to satisfy the changing requirements of cyber-insurance underwriters. A good place to start is with these 10 controls to manage cyber-risk:

1. Use invisible/phishing-resistant MFA and move to a passwordless solution.
2. Segment and segregate networks.
3. Adopt a robust data backup strategy.
4. Disable administrative privileges on endpoints.
5. Conduct regular employee security awareness training.
6. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) and anti-malware solutions.
7. Implement Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to prevent email spoofing and phishing attempts.
8. Create a security operation center (SOC) that operates 24/7.
9. Deploy a security information event management (SIEM) platform to enable threat detection, incident response, and compliance management.
10. Implement robust security measures for service accounts within Active Directory (AD) environments.

These 10 controls are a great starting point. But keep in mind it's likely there are many more factors underwriters will evaluate as they review new policy applications (AND renewals). It's a safe bet that underwriters will get more sophisticated about their requirements for identity protection, authentication mechanisms, access controls, and identity management processes to minimize the likelihood and potential impact of a data breach. 

Also, many cyber-insurance policies require organizations to comply with specific regulations related to data protection and privacy where they apply (think HIPAA, FISMA, and GLBA as examples). Demonstrating compliance with these regulations increases your likelihood of qualifying for coverage, possibly leading to more favorable policy terms as well. Compliance can also demonstrate your commitment to securing identities and personal information, which can positively influence insurance underwriting decisions, coverage terms, and premiums.

For starters, as an organization considering cybersecurity insurance it's important that you have a conversation focusing on these two simple questions:

1.  Are you applying for a new policy, or do you have an existing policy coming up for renewal?

2.  What are the requirements you're being asked to fulfill by the insurance provider for a new policy? If renewing, is the insurance provider asking you to fulfill more requirements in order to renew your policy and what are they?

This conversation will lead you to discovery of what actions need to be taken and formulation of a plan to address them.

Here’s a case study of what happened recently when one company followed this approach ... with a little help along the way: 

Situation: The company's policy was coming up for renewal in a few months and their provider required them to fulfill 12 attestations to renew and keep their policy down.

Challenge: The company called all the top service providers for backups, security awareness training, multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and more. They received quotes totaling $50,000 in monthly reoccurring fees across 12 different providers.

Solution: Instead of going to multiple providers directly, the company was able to fulfill all of those requirements with just a few best-of-breed providers by using the FREE design and sourcing assistance from FreedomFire Communications, bringing the total fees down to approximately $15,000 per month. That’s $420,000 in annual savings that the company was able to realize with the FREE help from FreedomFire Communications.

There’s no arguing cyber insurance is a necessary part of doing business in the world we live in today. The good news is that companies are taking note of the costly implication of cyber incidents and beefing up their security budgets. However, companies can (and should) still be fiscally smart about their cybersecurity spending.  To do so it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of the FREE services available through FreedomFire Communications including supplier recommendations, as well as detailed action plans in order of priority – making it easy to guide your organization through a scalable roadmap without overwhelming them.

By taking the actions discussed here, and having a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in place that includes a strong cybersecurity insurance policy, you can better protect your business against cyberattacks and ensure that you’re prepared in the event of a breach.

This FREE Resource Is Every IT Professional's Secret Weapon For Network Sourcing And Design

 

Every IT professional responsible for their organization's network management is facing challenging times in today's economic environment. Your network requirements are only increasing (wired, wireless, cloud, security, digital, etc.), while your budget is stagnant or more likely being cut. That frustrating situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.

This FREE resource can be your secret weapon to surviving AND thriving. They can help you meet your network requirements, whatever they are, while also helping you to cut costs at the same time. That's what they do....and they're very good at it.

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9 Cyber Safety Tips For Your Employees (INFOGRAPHIC)

  To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements (including security posture and risk assessments, and awareness training and employee education programs) ... simply ask us at FREE Network Security Sourcing And Design Support. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

The Cyber Threat Universe (INFOGRAPHIC)

 

 To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements (including security posture and risk assessments, and awareness training and employee education programs) ... simply ask us at FREE Network Security Sourcing And Design Support. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

 

Different Kinds Of Cybersecurity Threats (INFOGRAPHIC)

 To learn more about all the options available to you for meeting your organization’s data protection and network security requirements (including security posture and risk assessments, and awareness training and employee education programs) ... simply ask us at FREE Network Security Sourcing And Design Support. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.