As cyber threats grow in complexity and generative AI continues to gain prominence for attackers and defenders alike, businesses must remain vigilant to safeguard their valuable data and systems, and finding the right Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) can be instrumental.

For many organizations, partnering with an MSSP is a strategic move to bolster their security posture maturity without straining internal resources. However, the key to reaping the benefits of such a partnership lies in asking the right questions to ensure you select the MSSP that’s the best fit for your business.

In this blog, we’ll dive into six burning questions you should ask any potential MSSP to make sure they align with your organization's unique security needs.

The Role of Your Managed Security Service Provider

Managed Security Service Providers aren’t just security vendors; they are your trusted partners in the fight against cyber attacks. While every Managed Security Service Provider’s offerings are unique, MSSPs typically provide continuous monitoring and management of security systems and devices. Services are frequently tailored to address each organization's unique environment, ensuring solutions that align with business needs and objectives.

The importance of MSSPs cannot be overstated. With the ever-evolving threat landscape and growth of AI tools, it’s challenging for businesses to keep up with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies. Partnering with the right MSSP gives businesses the opportunity to access cutting-edge security solutions and technology without the need for significant investments in infrastructure and personnel. This is especially important in our current financial landscape, where organizations are often faced with depleting resources and reduced headcount for security roles. 
 

The 6 Burning Questions to Ask a Potential MSSP

When evaluating a potential Managed Security Service Provider, asking the right questions during your due diligence is critical to ensure they meet your organization’s needs. Here are six key questions to add to your MSSP interview list:

1. What Is Your Experience in Our Industry?

Understanding the MSSP’s experience in your specific industry or sector is crucial. Each industry has unique security challenges, infrastructures, and regulatory requirements. An MSSP with significant expertise in your field will be better equipped to help your organization address these challenges and provide tailored solutions. Ask the MSSP if they can provide you with staff qualifications, case studies, or references from clients in similar industries to gauge their level of expertise.

2. What Range of Services Do You Provide?

It’s essential to understand the full spectrum of services the MSSP offers. Do they provide comprehensive coverage, including risk assessments, software deployment, threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and compliance monitoring? Where are they based out of our headquartered? Do they provide services during specific hours, or 24/7, 365? Make sure that the MSSP’s services align with your organization’s security needs and objectives.

3. How Do You Handle Incident Response?

Effective and timely incident response is critical to minimizing the impact of cyber threats. Inquire about the MSSP’s incident response processes and protocols. How quickly do they respond to incidents? Do they have a dedicated team for incident management and reporting? Understanding their approach to incident response will help you assess their ability to handle potential security breaches. Specific documentation regarding their incident response and report timing should also be included in the MSSP’s Service Level Agreement (SLA).

4. Are You Compliant with Industry Regulations?

Compliance with industry regulations is a crucial consideration for many organizations. Ensure the MSSP adheres to relevant standards and regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, or PCI-DSS. Ask about their compliance certifications and any audits they undergo to maintain these standards. 

5. What Technologies Do You Use?

The technologies used by each MSSP play a significant role in that organization’s ability to provide effective security solutions. Be sure to ask about the tools and platforms they utilize for threat detection, risk assessment, monitoring, and response. Preferably, the MSSP should clearly list information about these technology solutions on their website to clarify which tools are used for which services. The MSSP should also be able to share their approach to leveraging AI to perform their important role. Ensure that the technologies and tools they use are up-to-date and capable of addressing the advanced threats that your business might face.

6. Can You Provide References or Case Studies?

Requesting references or case studies from the MSSP can provide valuable insights into their capabilities. Look for success stories and testimonials from clients who have benefited from their services. You can also look through online review sites, the MSSP subreddit, or check in with industry peers to gauge the organization’s reputation. This information will help you measure the MSSP’s track record and reliability. 

Benefits of Selecting the Right MSSP

Doing the proper amount of research and making a well-informed decision regarding the Managed Security Service Provider you choose can profoundly impact your organization’s security posture and operational efficiency. Here are some of the key benefits to picking the right MSSP partner for your organization:

Enhanced Security Posture

The right MSSP brings specialized expertise and advanced technologies to your organization, significantly enhancing your overall security posture. Their detailed risk analysis, continuous monitoring, and proactive threat detection capabilities help your organization to identify and mitigate potential risks before they escalate.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Partnering with an MSSP lets your internal teams focus on core business activities. By outsourcing security management to experts, you can help to reduce the burden on your IT personnel and allocate resources more efficiently. Reducing that burden leads to improved productivity and streamlined operations for your business.

Significant Cost Savings

You may have noticed that “What’s your price?” was not one of the six key questions we listed in this article. This isn’t because pricing isn’t important in the decision-making process, but rather, we know that’s often the first question an organization asks a potential MSSP in order to confirm that their services will fit within the company’s budget. 

While partnering with an MSSP does incur an expense, investing in the right MSSP can actually lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Every business owner knows that building and maintaining an in-house security team and infrastructure can be very expensive. An MSSP provides access to cutting-edge security solutions and expertise without the need for significant capital investments. 

Remember — You Call the Shots

When selecting the right Managed Security Service Provider, remember that you are in control. This important decision can significantly impact your organization’s security and financial success. By asking the right questions and carefully evaluating potential MSSPs, you can ensure you partner with a company that meets your specific needs and objectives. 

Remember, you have the power to inquire about the MSSP’s experience, scope of services, incident response capabilities, compliance, technologies, and client references in your evaluation process. Getting answers to these important questions should empower you to make the best decision for your organization.

The Right MSSP for Your Unique Needs

You’ve worked hard to build and run a business, and you know that safeguarding your operations against cyber threats is critical. A trusted MSSP can provide the expertise and solutions you need to protect your valuable assets and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Be proactive in your selection process and take the necessary steps to secure your organization’s future.

Ready to take the next step in securing your organization's future? Contact us today for more information on how CyVent’s services can help you enhance your security posture and achieve your business goals. Let CyVent be your trusted partner in navigating and simplifying the complex world of cybersecurity. Schedule a free, confidential conversation today!

 

 

In cybersecurity, vigilance is key.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the role of a Cybersecurity Architect is becoming increasingly critical. With the rise in cyber threats from various threat actors and the growing complexity of systems, proactive and robust threat detection and response (TDR) services are more important than ever. This blog post will delve into the world of TDR, exploring its concepts, importance, and various types of services to help you navigate this complex landscape.

Let's uncover the integral components of threat detection as a service and its impact on safeguarding our digital world.

What is Threat Detection and Response (TDR)?

TDR is a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that involves three primary components: 

1. Threat Detection (T.D.), 
2. Threat Intelligence (T.I.), and 
3. Incident Response (I.R.).

It can be conceptualized as:

TDR = (TD + TI + IR) × (Technological Solutions + Trained Teams + Awareness and Teamwork)

• Threat Detection (T.D.): Identifying potential security threats and vulnerabilities in an organization's network, systems, and data. Enhanced with proactive threat hunting, T.D. involves continuous monitoring for suspicious activities and anomalies.
• Threat Intelligence (T.I.): Gathering and analyzing information about existing or emerging threats. This intelligence is crucial for understanding potential attackers' tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Incident Response (I.R.): The set of procedures and tools used to respond to detected security incidents. This includes the ability to quickly contain, mitigate, and recover from a threat.
• Technological Solutions: The hardware and software tools that detect and respond to threats. Examples include firewalls, endpoint protection, intrusion detection systems, and advanced cybersecurity software.
• Trained Teams: Skilled cybersecurity professionals responsible for implementing proactive threat detection measures, analyzing threat intelligence, and executing incident response protocols.
• Awareness and Teamwork: Continuous learning and training for cybersecurity teams to stay updated with the latest threats and response techniques.

Overall, TDR is a holistic approach to cybersecurity that combines threat detection, intelligence gathering, and incident response, powered by cutting-edge technology, highly skilled teams, and continuous education.

As Max Shier, CISO at Optiv, puts it, "The social engineers who craft phishing, smishing, and vishing attacks are banking on the fact people are busy and likely going to overlook red flags."

As we explore the nuances of TDR, it's helpful to keep in mind its various types and how they contribute to a robust cybersecurity framework. 

Different Types of Threat Detection

Threat detection in cybersecurity can be categorized into four primary types:

1. Configuration Detection: This involves identifying misconfigurations in systems and networks that attackers could exploit.
2. Modeling Detection: This type uses statistical models to identify activities that deviate from the norm, which might indicate a security threat.
3. Indicator Detection: This type relies on known indicators of compromise (IoCs) to identify threats. IoCs can include specific malware signatures, IP addresses known as malicious, and unusual file hashes.
4. Threat Behavior Detection: This approach focuses on identifying patterns of behavior typically associated with malicious activities rather than relying only on known indicators. It effectively identifies new or evolving threats that do not match known IoA/IoCs indicators.

Each type supports different cybersecurity requirements and approaches, enabling security teams to defend their environments more effectively. Cyber threats keep evolving and becoming more AI-aware. It's crucial to look beyond conventional threat detection methods. So, let's delve into the critical role of proactive Threat hunting in cybersecurity and how it redefines the traditional paradigms of threat detection.

The Critical Role of Proactive Threat Hunting in Threat Detection

We've all heard the saying, "Environment maketh the man." the same is true for threat detection and response; these security events shape our approach.

According to IBM, the Mean Time to Identify (MTTI) an attack has slightly decreased to 204 days in 2023, down from 207 days in previous years. That's a slight improvement in organizations' ability to detect breaches, which we can attribute to advancements in Threat Detection Technology. 

However, the problem persists. As attacks get more sophisticated with A.I., the Mean Time to Contain (MTTC), an attack once identified, has increased to 73 days in 2023, up from 70 days. So, while organizations are getting slightly faster at detecting threats, it's taking longer to contain them.

In the realm of managing detection and response, controlling the environment is paramount. This includes configurations and integrations with partners. Most threat detection routines are trained with machine learning, using environmental detections and sets of models that measure deviations over time. But is this enough?

Next, we have the behaviors of threats - indicators of attack (IOAs) that help generate meaningful detection. This is where a proactive approach comes into play: controlling before the exploit happens, both in terms of environment and behavior. Not just relying on automated threat detection but actively hunting for threats. Why wait for the bad guys to strike when we can identify them during their reconnaissance phase of an attack?

But how exactly does proactive threat hunting transform the effectiveness of threat detection strategies? Let's look at the mechanics of this advanced approach and understand its impact on cybersecurity ROI.

The Mechanics of Proactive Threat Hunting

Proactive Threat Hunting hinges on two critical concepts: Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and Indicators of Attacks (IOAs). In essence, it's all about gathering and analyzing information to detect any malicious activity before it actually gets triggered by the attackers. Here are three typical IOCs:

• Hashes: These are unique identifiers for specific pieces of malware.
• Domains: A domain associated with known malicious activity can be an IOC.
• IPs: Just like domains, certain IP addresses are known to be linked to malicious activities.

And here are three typical IOAs that are more behavior-based:

• Unusual account behavior: This could include multiple failed login attempts or sudden changes in user behavior.
• Network anomalies: Large data transfers at odd hours might indicate a data breach.
• Changes in system configurations: Unauthorized changes could indicate that an attacker has gained access.

Today’s Proactive Threat Hunting leverages AI-powered intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, big data, vulnerability scans, and EDR reporting. The aim is to separate critical and false alerts and identify potential threats before they fully manifest, significantly reducing the Mean Time to Contain (MTTC) a breach.

In the arms race of cybersecurity, tools, and technologies are the weapons that define success. 

Tools and Technologies Used in Threat Detection, Investigation, and Response

Let's face it: the bad guys also have access to advanced AI LLM models. Our only option is to fight fire with fire, using ML and AI-integrated security tools that give us the upper hand. 

AI vs AI.

Here are some of the top tools and technologies:

• IAM: Identity and Access Management, coupled with workload identifiers, helps ensure that only authorized individuals can access specific resources.
  SIEM: Security Information and Event Management gathers information, logs, flow data, and different sources for intelligence.
• UBA: User Behavior Analysis helps identify potential threats based on abnormal user behavior.
• SOAR: Cyber Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response automates threat detection and response processes.
• NGFW: Unline traditional firewalls, Next-Generation Firewalls offer advanced features like intrusion prevention and application-level inspection.
• NDR/Network Traffic Analysis: This provides visibility into network behavior, allowing for detecting anomalies that may indicate a persistent threat.
• CASBs: Cloud Access Security Brokers help monitor and secure cloud-based applications.
• EDR: Endpoint Detection and Response focuses on detecting, preventing, and responding to threats on endpoints.
• XDR: Extended Detection and Response provides a holistic view of threat detection and response across various security layers.

All these tools, amped up with AI, can form a solid first line of defense against cyber threats. And let's not forget about Vulnerability Management, Security Analytics, and other Endpoint Protection Platforms. The key is to have a comprehensive approach covering all cybersecurity aspects.

Armed with these tools and technologies, defenders can effectively detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats, keeping your organization's digital assets safe and secure.

Let's now examine how leading TDR solutions available as a service, can offer enhanced capabilities to Cybersecurity Architects in their ongoing battle against cyber threats.

Effective Threat Detection and Response Solutions as a Service

 

You can check out some of our partnered solutions below, but if you have a unique situation and want to talk to an expert beforehand, you can book a free consultation call with him here.

How TDR as a Service Can Help

• Detailed Reporting: Stay informed with comprehensive reports on your security posture.
• Improved SOC Performance: Enhance the effectiveness of your SOC (security operation center).
• Requirement Analysis: Select a partner who understands your business needs and tailors a solution accordingly.
• Customization: Get a solution that fits your organization like a glove.
• Regular Updates: Stay abreast of the latest developments in your service.
• Leapfrog Security: With your service provider's expertise, jump ahead in your cybersecurity journey.
• Robust Protection: Secure your digital assets with world-class solutions.

For more details, check out our blog post on managed detection and response solutions for enterprises here.

The synergy between SOC and Threat Hunting teams is vital for an effective TDR strategy. But how can these teams collaborate more effectively to achieve the ultimate goal of preemptive cybersecurity? Let's delve into this crucial aspect of cybersecurity team dynamics and uncover the strategies for seamless collaboration.

The Role of Security Services in TDR: To Plan, Protect, and Pre-empt

In-house security teams are often the first line of defense. However, maintaining ROI becomes a challenge with the skill gap in the market and compliance requirements. Working with a trusted service provider can help you in multiple ways. 

1. Establishing a Robust Framework: Look at your company's cyber security standards and essential tasks, and define the skills, team requirements, and headcount. Make sure you integrate best practices from your industry and tech partners.
2. Adhering to Standards and Defining Tasks: Align with security standards (e.g., ISO 27000, NIST) and define key tasks.
3. Threat Intelligence Gathering with Different Solutions: Consider what technologies you're using, possible attack channels, embedded systems, IoT, APIs, and integration partners.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Surveillance: With the main framework in place, services can continuously monitor network and system activities to detect signs of malicious activity or breaches.

Bridging the Gap: SOC and Threat Hunting Teams Collaboration

Two teams often stand out – the SOC and the Threat Hunting teams. While they might operate independently, their success in protecting a corporation hinges on their ability to work together seamlessly. But how can we align the goals of both teams for a unified approach to threat detection and response?

Communication Protocols and Information Sharing

For SOCs and threat-hunting teams, real-time information sharing is crucial. Whether through integrated platforms, regular meetings, or automated alerts, ensuring that both teams are on the same page is vital.

Leveraging SOC Data for Proactive Threat Hunting

SOCs gather a wealth of data that can be invaluable for proactive threat hunting. From EDR reports to network logs, this data can provide insights into potential threats before they materialize. The key here is not just to collect data but to analyze and use it effectively.

Coordinated Response Strategies

Once a threat is detected, the response must be swift and decisive. By developing coordinated response strategies, SOCs and threat-hunting teams can mitigate damage and prevent further breaches. This requires clear protocols, defined roles, and effective communication.

Tool and Resource Optimization

Both teams have a plethora of tools at their disposal. The potential of these tools is realized when they are comprehensively understood and skillfully optimized, thereby amplifying the teams' prowess in threat detection and response.

Continuous Improvement through Feedback Loops

Cybersecurity is not a one-and-done deal. It requires continuous improvement, and feedback loops play a crucial role in this. Regular discussions, reviews, and adjustments can help refine processes and strategies for better threat detection and response.

The rising importance of Threat Detection and Response as a service cannot be understated. With a customized plan from us, you can keep your company safe from threats, increase cybersecurity ROI, and adhere to all standards.

 

Conclusion

We've explored the intricate world of Threat Detection and Response and its critical role in cybersecurity architectures. We've delved into the different types of threat detection, emphasizing the importance of proactive threat hunting and the sophisticated tools and technologies that make TDR more effective. 

Understanding the nuances of TDR – from configuration detection to threat behavior detection and the mechanics of proactive threat hunting – is essential in today's cybersecurity landscape. 

 

Get The Right Cybersecurity Solution For Your Business

As you move forward enhancing your cybersecurity posture, connect with CyVent to explore our range of solutions and services.

We have a team of experts who can help you understand your requirements and find you the best solution.

Our experts will eliminate any confusion and guide you to the right cybersecurity solution for your unique system.

Click here to book a call and speak with one of our experts.

 

CISOs and Board members face a balancing act as they look to build out strong security programs. What tools are truly worth the investment versus the costs of a damaging cyber attack? Though well-known, the potential repercussions of a data breach are still alarming. By some estimates, cybercrime damages will reach $10 trillion by 2025, up from $4 trillion in 2021.

 

For both CISOs and Board members, a thorough cybersecurity strategy is a critical way to address business risk and promote business health and longevity. The risks at stake, in addition to regulatory scrutiny as well as compliance concerns - think GDPR - are motivating Boards to take a closer look, and they're turning to CISOs for insight. The challenge for CISOs is selecting the best tools from a sea of offerings and then working with the Board and senior execs to deploy them within the organization.

By calculating cybersecurity ROI, CISOs can quantify the value of a new security project to Board members, demonstrate the financial impact of the security budget and how it aligns with the business's overall strategic goals, and foster faster decision-making.

 

Calculating ROI for Cybersecurity

At a basic level, one way of calculating a company's cybersecurity ROI involves taking the average cost of an incident and multiplying that number by how many incidents a business might experience in a given time frame. With an approximation of potential expenses, companies can then assess whether the price of the solution and the reduction in incidents it will bring is worth the investment.

Of course, many more factors come into play, which is why calculating cybersecurity ROI is notoriously challenging. The equation also has to represent issues at stake beyond dollars and cents, including potential loss of intellectual property, loss of reputation, and business disruption. There are numerous formulas for calculating cybersecurity ROI, and much research has been done on the subject. How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk by Douglas W. Hubbard and Richard Seiersen is a good example and a highly recommended resource for an in-depth exploration.

The bottom line is that breaches are expensive. Calculating cybersecurity ROI starts a conversation about whether investing money upfront to prevent a major disruption outweighs the small probability of a significant breach and its ensuing costs.

However, let me propose that many ROI calculators on the market may not be worth your executive time. Would you be intrigued or incredulous?

Identifying Cybersecurity Metrics

False Alerts

Let's reframe the perception of false alerts. Rather than dismissing them as mere nuisances, consider this: what if these false positives are draining your resources like slow, incremental financial leaks? According to the Ponemon Institute, false positives cost enterprises an average of over $1.3 million in lost revenue annually. If you are not tracking this, you are essentially ignoring a significant six-to-seven-figure problem.

Critical Alerts

Critical alerts for security breaches are often easy to prioritize but hard to cost-justify, often falling into the "priceless" category. However, are they truly priceless? According to IBM, identifying and containing a data breach takes an average of 277 days. What cost opportunities are being missed during this timeframe?

Cost Efficiencies: Moving from False to Critical Alerts

The cost-benefit analysis around alerts often remains rudimentary. Have you considered how much it costs to resolve false alerts, both in the money saved in terms of labor hours and opportunity cost? Conversely, how cost-effective are your incident response measures for critical alerts? Understanding this data is a fundamental aspect of any meaningful ROI conversation.

Where to Find ROI Calculator for Cybersecurity

Evaluating Metrics to calculate Cybersecurity ROI is important, but so is the calculator that doesn't generate generic numbers or require a degree in divination to interpret in any actionable way. However, there are calculators specifically designed for the C-suite, considering the uniqueness of your industry, security posture, and amount of critical/false alerts.

Look for the CyVent Cybersecurity ROI Calculator developed by CyVent's leadership team that incorporates False and Critical Alerts. A properly calibrated ROI calculator can offer you data points that are quantitative and highly qualitative in value, providing actionable insights for enterprise board-level strategy discussions.

 

Benefits of Calculating Cybersecurity ROI

Implementing a cybersecurity protocol and calculating its ROI has been proven to have substantial benefits.

According to a recent study conducted by security leaders IBM, it is projected that the average cost of cyberattacks will soar to an astonishing $4.45 by 2023, reflecting a significant 15% increase over the past three years.

Moreover, an alarming 51% of organizations are actively planning to fortify their security investments in response to breaches. These investments will encompass a range of measures, including comprehensive incident response (IR) planning and testing, robust employee training, and the implementation of advanced threat detection and response tools.

These figures underscore the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures and, with ROI calculations, comes a risk assessment and management, helping businesses understand the comprehensive value these security measures bring in preventing colossal damages.

Remember, Calculating ROI benefits are not standalone – they intertwine and amplify each other, creating a comprehensive, robust cybersecurity framework.

Understanding the Value of Cyber Tools

Organizations often find themselves inundated with many cyber tools and solutions in today's complex cybersecurity landscape. With vendors constantly pitching new offerings to address emerging threats, it becomes crucial for CISOs to evaluate and justify the value of these investments. Calculating cybersecurity ROI provides a systematic approach to determining the worth of a particular tool or solution in the context of an organization's unique security environment.

Evaluating and Prioritizing Security Solutions for Risk Management

With numerous options available, CISOs face the challenge of deciding which security solutions to invest in. By calculating ROI, CISOs can objectively compare different options and have the proper security control. A comprehensive ROI analysis considers factors such as the total cost of implementation, anticipated risk reduction, and the impact on operational efficiency. This evaluation process enables CISOs and security teams to prioritize security solutions based on their expected return on investment.

Achieving Peace of Mind and Problem Resolution

One of the key goals of calculating cybersecurity ROI is to provide CISOs with peace of mind and problem resolution. By understanding the potential value of a security solution, CISOs can make informed decisions about which problems it will solve and the level of peace of mind it will provide. Effective cybersecurity investments mitigate the risk of cyber threats or data breaches and contribute to operational stability, data protection, and regulatory compliance.

Communicating Cyber Risk to the Board

For CISOs, effective communication with the Board is crucial. Security Executives hold increasing responsibility for cybersecurity decisions, considering the regulatory, reputational, and business risks involved. Calculating cybersecurity spending enables CISOs to articulate the reality of cyber risk and provide the Board with the necessary information to make informed decisions. By presenting ROI figures, CISOs and Security analyst can highlight the financial risk and strategic implications of various cybersecurity investments, strengthening their ability to advocate for effective security measures with an appropriate, in-house security team and budget.

Aligning Cybersecurity with Overall Business Strategy

To gain board support and secure adequate resources, CISOs must align cybersecurity with the overall business strategy. Calculating ROI allows CISOs to demonstrate how the cybersecurity budget contributes to the organization's increased efficiency in protecting data, preventing cyberattacks, and complying with the latest regulations. By quantifying the potential return on investment, CISOs can showcase the value that effective cybersecurity measures bring regarding brand reputation, customer trust, and operational resilience. This alignment enhances the Board's understanding of cybersecurity as integral to the organization's strategic objectives.

Embracing Security Tools with Proven ROI

The Importance of a Layered Security Approach

Understanding the Attack Surface

You must be familiar with the concept of a layered security approach. However, it's crucial to consider that not all layers are equally effective. It's not just about having multiple layers; it's about having intelligent layers that actively learn from each other. Each layer must adapt and communicate in real-time to ensure effectiveness with the ever-expanding attack surface.

Recent Advancements in Cybersecurity Technology

As technology evolves, so do the threats. Enter AI-powered threat detection, behavioral analytics, and predictive modeling. These technologies are not mere buzzwords. They have demonstrated remarkable ROI by significantly reducing both breach instances and dwell time, the duration that threat actors have unauthorized access to your system.

The Power of Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence

AI for Incident Reduction

Have you ever considered that AI could be your cybersecurity cost-saver? Predictive analytics and machine learning can significantly improve risk management and decrease the number of security incidents, too. Remember, every incident you prevent translates to saved dollars and, potentially, a protected reputation.

AI vs. AI: Staying Ahead of Attackers

This is not a scenario from science fiction; it is the reality of cybersecurity today. We are moving towards a world where it's AI against AI. If threat actors leverage AI to create more intelligent attacks, your AI-driven solutions must be even smarter, faster, and continuously adaptable.

The Efficiency of Automation

Streamlining Incident Management

Automation is not about replacing human expertise; it's about enhancing it. Incident management becomes effortless when mundane tasks are automated, allowing your IT teams to focus on complex issues that require human intuition.

Boosting Productivity in IT Teams

Imagine what your skilled IT teams can achieve when freed from routine tasks. Automation brings impressive ROI through cost avoidance, significantly reducing the time spent on incident responses and enabling your team to concentrate on strategy and innovation.

Reach out to our team

The cybersecurity landscape is genuinely complex. At CyVent, for example, our mission is to support CISOs as they select and sort through the different offerings on the market. Calculating cybersecurity ROI helps prepare for the coming environment where the fight will be AI vs. AI, and companies that do not have the appropriate AI talent and tools may be at a disadvantage.

We're just an email or a phone call away, eager to provoke your thoughts and arm you with the tools to preempt more and remediate less.

Get in touch with our team.

Ever been tempted to download the beta version of your favorite app, ready to test out all the cool new features before everyone else?

STOP!!

The FBI has some news that might make you think twice.

Cybercriminals have come up with a brand new trick to lure us into their lair. They’re hiding malicious code in fake beta versions of popular apps, turning unsuspecting people’s mobiles into their personal piggy banks.

Now, don't get us wrong, we love innovation as much as the next team of tech enthusiasts. But whilst beta versions have a certain allure, they haven't gone through the rigorous security checks that apps in the official app stores must pass.

Criminals send fake emails pretending to be the developers of popular apps, offering early access to new beta versions.

But of course, they’re fake, too. Once installed, they can do all sorts of bad things, including accessing data from your finance apps and even taking over your mobile. 

If your staff downloads them onto company devices, could your business be compromised?

There’s a moral to our story. And it's a simple one: Patience is a virtue. 

Hold off on downloading beta versions of apps. Wait until they're stable and officially released in app stores. Good things come to those who wait, and that includes secure apps.

If you have downloaded beta versions in the past, keep an eye out for red flags like faster battery drain, poor performance, persistent pop-up ads, and apps asking for unnecessary permissions.

In this digital age, we must be as smart and savvy as the technology we use. So, before you hit download, take a moment to think: is this app worth the risk?

Train your staff to think the same way. And if you do give them business mobiles, consider a Mobile Device Management solution to control what they can do with them.

If you're concerned about the security of your mobile devices and need expert guidance, Book a strategy call with CyVent today.

We'll help you safeguard your business information and provide tailored cybersecurity solutions for your unique needs.

 

You’ve checked your pockets, your bag, under pillows … and then it hits you. You left your work phone on the table at the coffee shop. 

You panic.

It's not the device itself that’s got you worried, but all the sensitive business information stored on it. If that mobile ends up in the wrong hands, you’re facing a nightmare.

But that worry could be over. Microsoft and Samsung are joining forces to make your work mobiles  safer. This month, they’re launching a groundbreaking solution to help protect anyone who uses a Samsung Galaxy device in the workplace.

How? 

With something called on-device attestation. It lets companies see if mobile devices have been compromised, even at their deepest components. Think of it as a security guard for your cell phone. 

Samsung brings its software and hardware innovations to the table, whilst Microsoft provides its endpoint management expertize. 

And whilst other device attestation tools require a network connection and access to cloud services, this solution works reliably regardless of network connectivity or device ownership model. 

This solution will be released alongside Microsoft Intune (previously known as Windows Intune), a unified endpoint management service for both corporate devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). And it will be available to select Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, especially those "Secured by Knox".

So, whether you're working from the office, a busy coffee shop, or a remote cabin in the woods, you can rest assured your device is safe.

In business, your mobile is more than just a communication device. It's a vault of sensitive (and valuable) information. And with Microsoft and Samsung on the case, that vault just got a lot safer.

If you're concerned about the security of your mobile devices and need expert guidance, Book a strategy call with CyVent today.

We'll help you safeguard your business information and provide tailored cybersecurity solutions for your unique needs.

You're no stranger to the endless threats lurking in your email inbox. But have you ever considered that an email that seems to be from Microsoft could end up being your worst nightmare?

Microsoft, the tech giant we all know and trust, has become the most imitated brand when it comes to phishing attacks. That's where cybercriminals send you an email that contains a malicious link or file. They're trying to steal your data. 

And while Microsoft isn't to blame for this, you and your employees need to be on high alert for anything that seems suspicious.

During the second quarter of 2023, Microsoft soared to the top spot of brands imitated by criminals, accounting for a whopping 29% of brand phishing attempts.

This places it well ahead of Google in second place (at 19.5%) and Apple in third place (at 5.2%). Together, these three tech titans account for more than half of the observed brand imitator attacks.

But what does this mean for your business?

Despite an apparent surge in fake emails targeting millions of Windows and Microsoft 365 customers worldwide, careful observation can help protect you from identity theft and fraud attacks. 

While the most imitated brands change from quarter to quarter, usually cyber criminals are less likely to change their tactics. 

They use legitimate-looking logos, colors, and fonts. Phishing scams frequently use domains or URLs that are similar to the real deal. But a careful scan of these and the content of any messages will often expose typos and errors – the tell-tale signs of a phishing attack.

One of the latest attacks claims there has been unusual Microsoft account sign-in activity on your account, directing you to a malicious link. These links are designed to steal everything from login credentials to payment details.

And while tech firms continue to be popular scam subjects, many cybercriminals have turned to financial services like online banking, gift cards, and online shopping orders. Wells Fargo and Amazon both rounded up the top five during Q2 2023, accounting for 4.2% and 4% of brand phishing attempts, respectively.

What can you do to protect your business?

The answer is more straightforward than you might think. The best course of action when it comes to phishing is to slow down, observe, and analyze. Check for discrepancies in URLs, domains, and message text.

Safeguarding your business against phishing threats is of paramount importance. To fortify your defenses and stay informed, we encourage you to explore our free recorded webinar on cyber insurance. This insightful resource provides valuable insights and strategies to protect your organization from cyber threats and meet insurance requirements.

Don't wait for the next phishing attempt - take proactive steps to enhance your cybersecurity posture.

Microsoft is planning to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) directly in its Outlook app for many 365 business users.

MFA is a vital tool to help protect your online accounts from cyber criminals. It works by generating a second, single-use passcode every time you log into an account. It’s usually sent to an authenticator app on your phone that you have to download and set up first. 

Security codes can also be sent via SMS text message, by a phone call, or you might be given a special USB key to plug into your computer.

The process is often made quicker by using a biometric login like your fingerprint or face ID. It’s a minor chore, but the protection it offers far outweighs the couple of extra seconds it takes to access your account. 

Microsoft isn’t so sure about those extra seconds, though. If the tech giant can save you that time, it’s going to do it. That’s why it’s looking to streamline MFA for Microsoft 365 business accounts. 

It’s rolling out the improvement by building MFA directly into the Outlook app in a feature called Authenticator Lite. Until now, it’s relied on a separate authenticator app or sending login codes.

There’s no news yet for those of us who want faster authentication on our personal PCs. If Microsoft does announce plans to make this feature available to more hardware or operating systems, we’ll update you with any news.

If you don’t already use MFA for your apps and online accounts, we recommend that all businesses implement it as soon as possible. The additional security it offers protects against the vast majority of today’s cyber threats. 

For more help and advice about implementing MFA or getting the best from Microsoft 365, just get in touch. 


Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

If we talk about ‘bots’ you’d be forgiven for thinking of the amazing AI chatbots that have been all over the news lately. 

But this isn’t a good news story. Bots are just automated programs, and bot malware is a worrying new security risk you need to defend your business against.

Malware bots are particularly dangerous because they steal whole user profiles – that’s a complete snapshot of your ID and settings. This potentially allows cyber crooks to bypass strong security measures like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Usually, if a criminal steals your username and password, they still can’t access your account because they don’t have access to your MFA authentication method. But with your whole profile available to them, using your cookies and device configurations, they can trick security systems and effectively switch off MFA.  

Once profile information is stolen, it’s sold on the dark web for as little as $5. 

And it’s not even super-sophisticated cyber criminals deploying this technique. Just about anyone can obtain your details and use them for phishing emails, scams, and other criminal activity. 

Since 2018, 5 million people have had 26.6 million usernames and passwords stolen, giving access to accounts including Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. 

All this means there are things you need to do – right now – to keep your profiles and your business protected from bot malware.

• Update your antivirus software and keep it on at all times. 
• Use a password manager and Multi-Factor Authentication to keep your login credentials safer
• And encrypt all your files so that, if anyone does access your profile, there’s very little to steal. 

These are the things we help our clients with every day. If we can help you, just get in touch. 

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

 

Our phones are a goldmine of private information. Just think of all the financial details, personal messages, banking apps, photos and contact information that live behind that little glass screen.

And if your team use phones for work, they’ll often have access straight into company systems – email, contact lists, network access, file systems. So if they’re not kept as secure as any other device in your workplace, they can become a gaping hole in your cyber security.

Criminals know this, of course, which is why they target us through our phones just as much as they do through our networks and servers. 

But cyber crime isn’t the only concern. Just losing your phone, or having it stolen, can put your data at huge risk.

So, whether you issue company smartphones, or your employees use their own, you should make sure everyone implements some simple security steps to protect your data and avoid disaster.

• Start with making sure your people set up a PIN and a biometric login (like a fingerprint or face scan) to open the device.
• Only install apps from trusted sources to make sure you’re using genuine software.
• And enable Multi-Factor Authentication on all apps that store even a small amount of sensitive data.
• Be careful about where you connect to Wi-Fi. If you work remotely or often connect to public networks, consider using a VPN – a Virtual Private Network – to add another layer of security. You never know who’s monitoring traffic on a public network.
• Finally, ALWAYS make sure your phone is running the latest version of its operating software, and keep all apps up to date. 

 

Smartphones have changed so much about the way we live – at home, and at work – but it’s too easy to take them for granted. And that could be a costly mistake.

If you need help to keep your smartphones safe, just get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

The whole world is suddenly talking about Artificial Intelligence. 

From Alexa in your kitchen, to Siri on your phone, AI is already all around us, but new names like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Jasper and more feel like they’ve blown up the internet. 

These new concepts take things WAY further, helping us to write articles, search the web with natural conversation, generate images, create code, and introduce new ways to make our daily lives even easier. 

But emerging technology nearly always launches in a blizzard of geek-speak before it settles into everyday life. Early PC users might remember the ‘DOS prompt’. And when did you ever have to ‘defrag’ your phone?

Experts believe that these new AI tools will become the building blocks of a whole new world of tech, redefining the way we interact with computers and machines.

 

So let’s help you decode some of the terms you’ll hear this year.

 

Chatbot
Starting with the basics, a chatbot is an app that mimics human-to-human contact. Just type or speak normally, and the chatbot will respond the same way. ChatGPT is a chatbot. If you haven’t tried it out yet, give it a go.

 

Deep learning
This is the technique that’s used to imitate the human brain, by learning from data. Current search tools and systems use pre-programmed algorithms to respond to requests. AI tools are trained on concepts and conversations in the real-world, and learn as they go to provide human-like responses. 

 

Machine intelligence The umbrella term for machine learning, deep learning, and conventional algorithms. “Will machine intelligence surpass human ingenuity?” 

 

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) helps machines understand the meaning of what we say, even if we make grammatical errors or speak with different regional accents.

 

Weak AI is the most common form of AI in use right now. Weak AI is non-sentient and typically focuses on a single or small range of activities – for instance writing, or repurposing video content. Strong AI, on the other hand has the goal of producing systems that are as intelligent and skilled as the human mind. Just not yet.

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg, but trust us – you’re going to be hearing a lot more about AI in the months and years to come. 

 

If you’d like more help to understand how AI might form part of your business, just get in touch.

 

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

Have you ever tried to buy tickets for a huge event and found that the seller’s website has collapsed under the weight of thousands of people all trying to do the same thing at the same time?

The ticket site falls over – usually temporarily – because the server is overloaded with traffic it doesn’t have the capacity for. 

Criminal Distributed Denial of Service attacks – DDoS, for short – exploit the same principle.

When a DDoS attack targets a business, it floods it with internet traffic in an attempt to overwhelm the system and force it to fail. 

This results in the business and its customers being unable to access services. That may trigger a temporary failure, or it could be more serious. Last year, the average DDoS attack lasted 50 minutes. 

That may not sound like a long time, but it’s enough to create angry customers, or to bring business to a grinding halt. And downtime can be costly. 

The really bad news is that DDoS attacks are not only lasting longer, but they’re becoming bigger, more sophisticated and more common. 

Recently, the biggest ever reported DDoS attack was reportedly blocked. At its peak, it sent 71 million requests per SECOND to its target’s servers. Prior to that, the biggest reported incident stood at 46 million requests per second.

Worse still, more businesses are reporting being targeted by DDoS attacks where criminals are demanding huge ransoms to stop the attack. 

What does this mean for you? 

It’s important you check all your security measures are up-to-date and working as they should be. Are your firewalls up to the task, with DDoS monitoring and prevention tools set up? And is your team fully aware of the importance of staying vigilant? 

We can help make sure your business stays protected. Just get in touch. 

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates

 

AI chatbots have taken the world by storm in recent months. We’ve been having fun asking ChatGPT questions, trying to find out how much of our jobs it can do, and even getting it to tell us jokes.

But while lots of people have been having fun, cyber criminals have been powering ahead and finding ways to use AI for more sinister purposes. 

They’ve worked out that AI can make their phishing scams harder to detect – and that makes them more successful.

Our advice has always been to be cautious with emails. Read them carefully. Look out for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Make sure it’s the real deal before clicking any links.

And that’s still excellent advice.

But ironically, the phishing emails generated by a chatbot feel more human than ever before – which puts you and your people at greater risk of falling for a scam. So we all need to be even more careful.

Crooks are using AI to generate unique variations of the same phishing lure. They’re using it to eradicate spelling and grammar mistakes, and even to create entire email threads to make the scam more plausible. 

Security tools to detect messages written by AI are in development, but they’re still a way off. 

That means you need to be extra cautious when opening emails – especially ones you’re not expecting. Always check the address the message is sent from, and double-check with the sender (not by replying to the email!) if you have even the smallest doubt. 

If you need further advice or team training about phishing scams, just get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

To protect your home from an intruder you make sure your doors and windows are all locked and secured. You might go further: build a fence around the perimeter, perhaps even get an angry-looking dog to stand guard.

But there’s no point going to all that effort if someone’s already broken in and set up camp in the basement.

Yet that’s the security policy of thousands of big businesses trying to protect their data from cyber criminals.

They do many of the right things. They invest in security software. They take a strong, multi-layered approach to security – including all the things we recommend, like multi-factor authentication, encryption, reliable backup systems and staff training.

But they don’t pay enough attention to detection and response. That involves constantly scanning systems for any sign that a crook may have gained entry somewhere, and having a process to stop an attack in its tracks.

A new study shows that only a third of businesses place detection as their main priority, while two thirds say prevention is their primary focus.

That means, they could be building 10-foot walls around their systems with intruders already inside.

In-house security teams might be super-confident in the security measures they’ve put in place. But the data suggests that they’re being too complacent. The study reveals that more than eight in ten businesses experienced more than one data breach last year – even with good security in place.

Criminals are constantly finding ways to evade security. That tells us that we need to take a rounded approach, with strong prevention AND detection policies providing the best protection against today’s determined criminals.

If you need world-class security, get in touch today.

Click here to book a call and speak with one of our experts .

 

Looking for the best Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution for your company?

Finding a tool that suits the exact needs of your business can be confusing and drain your time. But don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you.

In this article, we’ve curated the five best MDR solutions along with their key features, pros, and cons. We've also suggested steps you should take to find the right solution for your company, as well as important features you need to look for in a Managed Detection and Response solution.

And we’ll also reveal our #1 pick for the best overall MDR solution. 

Let’s get started.

If you want to know the difference between MSSP, EDR, MDR, or XDR, visit this link. We have prepared a complete article with all the information for you.

MDR Solutions Comparison

1. SilverSky

 

Key Features

SilverSky is one of the world's leading Managed Detection and Response platforms for threat detection, response, and cyber protection. The technology is cutting-edge and everything is delivered on-demand as a worry-free, cost-effective, scalable managed service. 

Silversky Pros

• A comprehensive, centralized, and powerful platform of integrated security technologies
• Enables businesses to get the most out of the technology they already have by ingesting information from 100s of cybersecurity products. It also ensures your tech is correctly configured to improve security gaps and make sure it does what it’s supposed to do.
• Monitoring of security operations carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the option of signing up for SIEM on-demand and SOC on-demand
• A highly specialized team of +300 analysts and cybersecurity experts, for smooth and very efficient integration, so that there is no gap for attacks.
• Low cost. Prices Start at only $11 per user with no upfront CAPEX costs and they can help your business transform its whole stack from CAPEX to OPEXThere is an extended trial period: 60 days free trial so that you can test the tool.

Silversky Cons

• The number of tickets and notices can be intense, so if your company doesn’t have a dedicated cybersecurity team, it runs the risk of missing important alerts.
• Despite offering a consultancy service, SilverSky client companies that do not have a qualified team may find it difficult to determine what site or tool to use for each task.
  
  
  

2. Sophos

 

Key Features

Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a solution that detects and responds to cyberattacks targeting your computers, servers, networks, cloud workloads, email accounts, and more.

Sophos Pros

• The tool has a central dashboard where the user can see real-time alerts, reporting, and management.
• Offers weekly and monthly reports provide insights into security investigations, cyber threats, and your security posture.

Sophos Cons

• Although the system offers a complete view of the different risk levels of the systems used by the company, there is not enough information about low-risk threats, which can make the company susceptible to an attack if the problem is not resolved. User feedback suggests that there are problems when the system is updated, generating instabilities that can compromise monitoring. 
• There are also indications of failures when it comes to integration with other applications or machines, such as Apple computers, for example.

 

3. eSentire

Key Features

The Canadian company protects the critical data and applications of 1500+ organizations in 80+ countries, representing 35 industries from known and unknown cyber threats. 

eSentire Pros

• The solution combines cutting-edge machine learning XDR technology, 24/7 Threat Hunting, and provides security operations leadership, eSentire mitigates business risk and enables security at scale.
• They also provide Managed Risk, Managed Detection and Response, and Incident Response services.

eSentire Cons

• User feedback suggests poor company advice after the setup, which leaves customers unassisted. 
• Lack of effective recommendations on actions that prevent companies from attacks through the identified gaps.

4. Arctic Wolf

 

Key Features

Arctic Wolf platform was built on an open XDR architecture, combining a Concierge Security® Model to work as an extension of the company's security team to increase the security posture.

Artic Wolf Pros

• Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution provides 24×7 monitoring of the enterprise's networks, endpoints, and cloud environments, to help the companies detect, respond, and recover from modern cyber attacks.
• Works with your existing technology stack to discover and profile assets and collect data and security event observations from multiple sources.

Artic Wolf Cons

• Despite being a very complete solution, Arctic Wolf is lacking when it comes to alerts. 
• Customers have reported a large number of false positives. 
• The user interface isn’t very intuitive. 
• The log search utility doesn't have enough documentation.
  
  

5. Rapid7

 

Key Features

Rapid7 is a platform that unites cloud risk management and threat detection to deliver results that secure businesses. MDR is one of the company's solutions.

Rapid7 Pros

• Offers 24/7 monitoring and a partnership that helps deliver security strategy, shut down cyberattacks, solve skills gap challenges, and reduce risk.
• The platform has expertly vetted detections that help companies spot critical threats early in the attack chain.

Rapid7 Cons

• Some tools have not yet been automated, such as removing devices that have already been found or scanned. This generates unnecessary workload for the security team. 
• Customers report difficulties in implementing the platform and a gap until the start of the scan, which leaves the company vulnerable.

 

Is MDR The Right Solution For Your Company?

MDR platform providers act as your strategic partner, working together with your company's cybersecurity team. This type of service does not work for companies that want to completely outsource the security of their business. However, it is very efficient to avoid overloading operational tasks, energy in threat investigation, and excessive alerts.

In addition, MDR platforms need to be flexible and compatible with cybersecurity solutions already used by the company.

 

MDR is the ideal solution for companies that:

• Already have cybersecurity solutions and want a platform that helps monitor and integrates all layers of business protection
• Want a full solution that gives a complete view of the business, that helps them scale and automate repetitive tasks
• Want a solution that, in addition to detecting threats, also has really effective responses

MDR is NOT the ideal solution for companies that:

• Need specific support related to compliance and certifications
• Don't have any existing cybersecurity solutions protecting your business right now, or are in the early stages of business development
• Want to completely outsource the security of their business

For businesses who want a complete outsource solution for their cybersecurity, there are other excellent alternatives. Haven by Corvid Defense is a great example. It offers one package for a complete cybersecurity program with a low, monthly, per-user subscription with no capital expenses or required hiring of staff.

Haven bundles some of the most advanced solutions into a highly effective platform for your protection: endpoint security with SentinelOne, network protection with Palo Alto Networks, email security with Mimecast, phishing simulations with Symbol, and 24/7 monitoring with Corvid. To learn more, visit the full page.

 

 

How to Choose The Right MDR Vendor For Your Company

As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of vendors offering MDR solutions. Each has different characteristics and solutions that meet specific sectors and needs. To make the right choice, follow these steps:

• Carry out an efficient self-assessment to understand exactly your company's current needs in terms of cybersecurity
• Search in-depth for available suppliers
• Ask the right questions when interviewing prospective partners
• Read testimonials and reviews from potential vendors' client companies
• Chat with consultants
• Make a trial to identify if the system is really compatible with the needs of the business

CyVent has performed this process with dozens of companies and our top recommendation is SilverSky. As one of the world's leading Managed Detection and Response platforms, Silversky offers a worry-free, cost-effective, scalable managed service, which is perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of the technology they already have.

 

Need Help Choosing and Implementing Your MDR?

CyVent can help. We have a team of experts who can help you understand your requirements and find you the best solution.

CyVent is a specialist in cybersecurity services and an advisory firm with over 100 years of combined experience and industry knowledge. Our experts will eliminate any confusion and guide you to the right cybersecurity solution for your unique system.


Click here to book a call and speak with one of our experts .

 

 

 

 

January is a month when many of us will be taking some time to plan for the year that is starting.

But, just for today, instead of looking at your forecasts for the next 12 months, I’d like you to take some time to think about what’s coming up over the next 10 years. Especially when it comes to technology.

 

The pace of change in tech has always been blistering. But according to many experts, we’re going to experience more technological progress in the next 10 years than we did in the previous 100. 

Of course, when you’re running a business this can be an overwhelming prospect. 

• Will you keep up? 
• Will you choose the right tech for your company to flourish? 
• Will it be damaging if you don’t adopt the right tech at the right time? 
• Or could this be the opportunity of a lifetime?

The real challenge is knowing which changes will be most beneficial for your business. 

This guide provides the lowdown on 8 technologies that are garnering the most interest from investors and tech thinkers right now. 

These are the emerging technologies that you’re most likely to experience in your business at some stage – and they look set to change the landscape of the workplace over the coming decade.

As with anything in your business, preparation is key, so by learning about these technologies now you can be ready for the future. 

 

8 Tech Trends to Watch

1. Process Automation

We spend a lot of time recommending ways our clients can automate many of their processes. It can help to create more streamlined systems, increase productivity, and simply make some jobs less tedious. 

Over the next couple of years, around half of all existing work activities could be automated. That’s because next-level process automation is set to become the norm. 

2. Connectivity

Digital connections are speeding up. We currently have 5G mobile connection (there’s already talk of 6G), and the IoT (Internet of Things). These have huge potential to unlock greater economic activity. 

By 2025, 4.3 billion new devices, from cars to computers, will connect using mobile technology, and mobile will continue to dominate as the way we work and communicate.

In fact, it’s said that mobility, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail could increase global GDP by as much as $2 trillion by 2030. By then up to 80% of the world’s population could have 5G coverage. 

5G and IoT are set to be some of the most-watched tech trends in the coming years. 

3. Cloud and Edge Technology

It’s estimated that as many as 70% of companies are already incorporating cloud and edge technologies as a crucial part of their IT infrastructure. That figure is set to grow year on year.

Cloud computing is where the processing is done away from your device. Think of anything you log into through your browser. Your browser doesn’t process anything, it just shows you the information.

Edge computing is where the heavy processing is being done closer to where results are needed. For example, Netflix places servers closer to large groups of its subscribers as that speeds up video streaming times.

Has your business switched to cloud platforms as a way of running systems and storing data? If not, this may need to be one of your tech priorities for 2023.

Not only is cloud computing a good way to increase the speed and agility of your business, it reduces your hardware costs and also helps to improve your cyber security defenses, protecting you from malware, data theft, and other breaches.

By 2025, 75% of enterprise-generated data will be processed by edge or cloud computing.

 

4. Next-Gen Computing and Biometrics

Next-gen computing is a catch-all term that encompasses everything from quantum AI to fully autonomous vehicles. And though this might not be a primary concern for most businesses, it’s still something you should bear in mind as it’s definitely coming. 

Your business may not be what we call ‘first wave industry’ (that’s things like finance, travel, and logistics) but you will, at some stage, adopt new tech like this. 

And it’s worth remembering that this also includes things like biometrics. By 2025, 75% of companies plan to ditch traditional passwords, which means tools like facial recognition, retinal scanning, and signature identification will all become more commonplace. We’re already seeing these new, more advanced ways of logging into accounts with the advent of Passkeys which are slowly taking the reins from traditional passwords.  

5. AI

We’ve already touched on AI – that’s Artificial Intelligence. It’s tech we’ve seen spreading everywhere over the past few years. Alexa and Siri are popular forms of AI that many of us already use daily.

We’re still very much in the early days of AI tech. It will become more advanced and be used to develop easier methods of training, and pattern recognition, which will help to further automate many of our business functions.

By 2024, AI generated speech will be behind 50% of our interaction with computers. Many businesses are still trying to work out how to incorporate AI most efficiently to make a difference to their bottom line.

But have no doubt, it’s tech that will gradually change everything.

 

6. The Future of Programming

Although you may not get directly involved with the programming of your apps and systems, the future of programming will have some form of impact on your business. 

We’ll see programming written by AI-driven applications, making software creation faster and more powerful. It also means that existing software and coding processes can become standardized and automated across entire businesses. 

Overall, it’s expected that there will be a 30 times reduction in the time it takes to create software and analytics. 

7. Zero Trust Architecture

Last year there were 4,145 publicly disclosed data breaches that exposed more than 22 billion records. And it’s only looking to get worse. Realistically, we’re looking at a 5% increase, even despite the advances in cyber security.

That’s because cyber criminals are increasing their efforts all the time, developing ever more sophisticated methods of hijacking our data and sensitive information. 

Zero trust architectures will become the standard approach to cyber security, especially for businesses. Not only can zero trust protect your business from more cyber crime, but it can also be a more cost-efficient form of security. 

8. Clean Tech

As the world moves towards reduced emissions and a lower environmental impact, so too does technology and the businesses that use it. 

Renewable energy, cleaner transport, and greater energy efficiency are all high on the future agenda. That means the costs of implementation will be lower and use will become more widespread. 

It will be increasingly important for your business to stay environmentally aware as it will become a big deciding factor for prospects when choosing the companies they want to do business with. It will also be a big selling point when it comes time for you to grow your team. We’re already seeing candidates choosing companies that are more socially and environmentally conscious.

Advances in clean tech will mean that green energy can power the new technology you use, including high-powered computing. 

By 2050, more than 75% of global energy will be produced by renewables.

 

And there we have it. The 8 top tech trends for the coming decade. 

It may be daunting – but it’s also really exciting.

How many of these are already on your business agenda? And how much work do you think you’ll need to do to keep your business up to date?

We recommend that you start by thinking about your current tech and the ways it’s helping to make your business processes easier and faster.

Then think about the ways you could further use your tech to help your team become more productive (and happier and more engaged in what you do).

Our team keeps a constant eye on upcoming tech and how it can help businesses.

Would you like help to review your current cybersecurity setup and identify opportunities to reduce costs?

Get in touch – we’re here to help.

The alphabet soup of cybersecurity can be confusing. With so many cybersecurity acronyms, it can be a challenge to understand what a technology does and whether it’s a good fit for your needs. Distinguishing between MSSP, EDR, MDR, and XDR is one of the most confusing areas, even for the most seasoned security leader.

In this post, we will help you understand each of the solutions better and provide criteria for deciding which is the best option for your company.

In this article, you will discover:

• What are the main differences between MSSP, EDR, MDR, and XDR 
• The benefits and gaps  
• 5 recommendations for choosing the right monitoring and response solution for your company

Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)

A Managed Security Services Provider is a service that acts mainly in the prevention, monitoring, and detection of threats. A MSSP uses systems to monitor the company's structure and alert whenever there is any potential risk.

Here are some tools and services that MSSPs usually include:

• 24/7 monitoring and management service
  
• Assessment of security systems
  
• Response to events
  
• Exposure Assessments
  

These systems relieve internal teams and assume responsibility for continuous monitoring.

A survey by the consultancy IDC pointed out the top five reasons an organization turns to a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP):

1. Need to protect against advanced security threats
2. Need for 24/7 support
3. Improve performance and availability
4. Access to new emerging security technologies
5. Need to maintain compliance regulations

However, while MSSP services are very good at detecting security alerts on a network, they often don’t include threat response. Therefore, it is important to understand the supplier's offer well before closing the deal. There are different offers on the market, with different capabilities and competencies, which can even be customized to your company's needs.

 

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a specific solution for managing risks related to endpoints. With the rise of remote work, the number of endpoints has exploded, as have their complexity and specifications. 

This has exponentially increased the number of cybersecurity threats. In fact, 51% of IT professionals consider their organizations ineffective at surfing threats because their endpoint security solutions are not effective at detecting advanced attacks.  

In this way, traditional security platforms are often unable to meet the demand of some companies.

The main functions of EDR include:

• Continuously collect and analyze endpoint activity that can bring threats to the enterprise
  
• Find patterns in endpoint behavior and monitor if there is a change
• Offer complete and comprehensive information on all endpoint branches in a single dashboard
• Notify the responsible team whenever there is a risk
• When programmed to do so, respond automatically to isolate a detected threat

You can learn more about Endpoint Security in this blog.

However, the use of EDR is very specific and its use alone does not provide complete coverage for companies with complex network structures.

 

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) platforms monitor a company's cybersecurity across its various network layers through a combination of technologies.

The main benefit of a MDR system is in the assessment of incidents and in the remote and fast response to contain the threat and reduce the risks for the company. 

Different MDR systems usually respond to attacks using different approaches as well as technology. Some more advanced solutions have the potential to remediate attacks and still act in the gaps that allowed the attack, preventing future threats using the same vulnerability.

According to IDC, the core technologies and tools used in MDR services include advanced detection and analytics techniques such as:

• Machine learning
  
• Behavior analytics
• Big data analytics
• NetFlow analysis
• Threat intelligence
• Ongoing threat hunting to identify known and unknown threats
• Automated scripts and playbooks

All of these techniques are important because they impact the quality of the notifications the security team will receive. 

 

Looking for the best Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution for your company? In this article, we’ve curated the five best MDR solutions along with their key features, pros, and cons.

 

Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is the most holistic approach of all solutions. Its purpose is to collect, correlate and analyze data in different security layers, for example, endpoints, emails, servers, and networks. This solution natively integrates multiple security products into a cohesive security operations system that unifies all licensed components.

Although the performance of XDR systems is broad, their analytics are centralized and generally offer information in a single dashboard, which improves the user experience.

To make all the necessary correlations, XDR platforms make use of artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning. As a result, they offer multiple alerts and warnings with context so that the security team can act intelligently on threats.

Based on data from the company itself and also from external systems, XDR analyzes alerts and provides the team with complete information and solutions to combat threats. 

 

5 Recommendations For Choosing The Right Solution For Your Company

Faced with so many options, how do you choose the right solution for your company?
Here are 5 key considerations that must be taken into account:

 

1. Cybersecurity Budget

Company budget is fundamental to understanding how much can be invested in cybersecurity. It is important to remember that the most effective solutions are not necessarily the most expensive. There are great value end-to-end solutions like SilverSky and Haven.

 

2. Your Current Tools And Technology Stack

When procuring a new solution, it is important to consider the tools and technologies your company already has. The company needs to have complete clarity of what its current systems are and are not capable of doing, in order to identify the gaps it needs to fill. The new solution must be compatible, and able to integrate and work together with the systems that the company already uses.

 

3. Request a Demo

Before purchasing a new solution, give your end users a demo so they can experience the platform firsthand. Most vendors provide this and it must be done so that your team is sure that the solution will be simple to use and implement.

 

4. Read Testimonials From Other Companies

Even if you don't have a direct indication of the quality of a cybersecurity platform, a great way to do this is to check what customers say about its usability. Read testimonials, evaluate case studies, and, if you can, talk to companies that already use the platform. Consider companies that face similar challenges to yours and use that as a basis for making your decision.

 

5. Consider Your Future Business Plans 

Purchasing a tool often means signing a long-term commitment with a supplier. The choice of a provider must also take into account the company's growth plans. SaaS cybersecurity solutions allow you to increase your requirements as you grow.

 

 

Conclusion

There are several options for managed detection and response cybersecurity solutions. Before purchasing the service, the company needs to understand the differences between each of them and what their needs are to protect the company.

This article has highlighted the main features and differences between MSSP, MDR, EDR, and XDR solutions. 

If you’re unsure which is the ideal solution to protect your business against the complex threats that exist today, seek specialized help. CyVent experts are on hand to assist in the diagnosis, strategy, and implementation of a cybersecurity solution for your business.

If you want more information, book a discovery call at  https://www.cyvent.com/assess-company-cyber-threats/-0

 

 

You invest in cybersecurity tools, train your employees, and establish habits that protect your business data from hackers. But is that enough? Will your company survive when it faces a cyberattack? The penetration test has the answer.

The penetration test, also known as Pentest, is a training method that simulates an invasion of the company's systems. It ensures that the company covers all gaps before it's too late.

According to the 2020 Penetration Testing Report, only 3% of companies believe that penetration testing is not important to their security posture.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know when performing pen testing, including:

• Why Having a Pentest Is Important For Your Company?
• 5 Excellent Reasons For You To Schedule a Pen Test For Your Company Right Now
• The 4 Most Common Types of Pen testing
• Who Should Run The Penetration Test?
• What Is The Difference Between a Penetration Test And a Vulnerability Scan?
• What Happens After the Pentest?

Why Having a Pentest Is Important For Your Company?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines the Penetration Test as: “A method of testing where testers target individual binary components or the application as a whole to determine whether intra or intercomponent vulnerabilities can be exploited to compromise the application, its data, or its environmental resources.”

In simple terms, the pentest highlights the company's cybersecurity weaknesses and uncovers vulnerabilities that need to be corrected.

According to The State of Pen testing 2022, these are the 5 most frequently discovered vulnerability categories found in 2021:
1. Server Security Misconfigurations: 38%
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): 13%
3. Broken Access Control: 11%
4. Sensitive Data Exposure: 10%
5. Authentication and Sessions: 8%


In this way, pen testing allows the security team and also the IT team to have clarity on the weaknesses of the infrastructure. As a result, professionals can act quickly to address vulnerabilities, according to priorities.

In addition to helping with the structural issue, this type of method also allows testing the company's ability to inform the team of the existence of a threat and also to score the team's response to the incident.

5 Excellent Reasons For You To Schedule a Pen Test For Your Company Right Now

1. Exposes Your Company's System And Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Through penetration testing, hackers identify vulnerabilities in the infrastructure and also in the system settings. This includes not only technical issues but also user habits, which could be creating breaches for intruders to enter.

 

2. Test The Effectiveness Of Your Cybersecurity Features

Often, the company is confident that its cybersecurity investments are enough. However, this is not always true. The penetration test evaluates security barriers and acts as a black hat hacker would.

Plus, it helps you test whether your Incident Response Plan measures up to combat a real threat.

In this blog post, we have gathered 6 important elements to check before finalizing your Incident Response Plan.

 

3. Helps You Build Really Effective Employee Training

Pentest puts your company's employees in a risky situation. Pentest assesses employee response to social engineering, including phishing and business email compromise attacks. 

According to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2022, the most common initial attack vectors were compromised credentials at 19% of breaches, followed by phishing at 16% of breaches. The average cost of data breach with a phishing initial attack vector is USD 4.91 million. Testing your employees' responses helps directors identify which behaviors should be improved and which processes need to be polished for the result to be positive.

Going through this experience also sensitizes employees, improving engagement in training.

 

4. Helps Your Company Improve Compliance And Earn Certifications

Cybersecurity is increasingly an important criterion for closing deals. The positive result of a penetration test can be part of your compliance program and also the achievement of important certifications, such as the ISO 27001 standard and the PCI regulations.

 

5. Offers An Action Plan To Improve Your Cybersecurity

After carrying out a penetration test, the company receives a complete report with all the vulnerabilities found, all the errors that must be corrected, and the elements that can be improved, in the hardware and the software. All this is accompanied by an in-depth and specialized analysis, with recommendations that will effectively improve the company's barriers against cyberattacks.

A consistent pentest considers ALL vulnerabilities. As Window Snyder states, “One single vulnerability is all an attacker needs”.

The 4 Most Common Types of Pen testing

There are different types of penetration tests that can be performed. Below, we list 4 main ones:

1. External Pen Test

In this type of test, ethical hackers, together with an experienced cybersecurity team, are hired by the company to perform the penetration test focusing on the website and network servers that are external to the company.

2. Internal Pen Test

This test involves exercises that start from the company's internal network. It starts from the access of an internal person to the company, such as an employee, to simulate an internal threat.

3. Blind Pen Test Or Closed-Box Pen Test

In this test, the hacker performing the exercise does not receive any information about the company other than his name. To carry out the invasion, the professional seeks data from open sources. However, the company is aware of the pen testing.

4. Double-Blind Pen Test

This test is a more advanced version of the Blind Pen Test. In this case, in addition to the hacker not having any information about the organization, almost no one in the company knows that the test is being carried out. In this way, the exercise really assesses the internal capabilities to respond to a threat.

 

Who Should Run The Penetration Test?

When the company has an internal cybersecurity team, it is common for the internal team to carry out periodic tests to identify the effectiveness of security policies. However, the ideal way to carry out this procedure is carried out by an external team, which does not know the internal processes of the company. 

Find out more about the Penetration Test here

The team is usually composed of "ethical hackers". Experienced professionals, who think like cybercriminals and are able to look for blind spots in company cybersecurity.

Despite its importance, a recent survey revealed that 88% of businesses review security risks on their own, rather than using a vulnerability management solution.

 

What Is The Difference Between a Penetration Test And a Vulnerability Scan?

Vulnerability scanning is widely used to verify the security level of an institution. It scans your systems and IT infrastructure thoroughly, identifying any known vulnerabilities and reporting their level of criticality.

Pentest does a similar job. However, through a team of ethical hackers, it is possible to put these vulnerabilities to the test and identify how far a hacker can go within the current context.

These two features must be used together to ensure that the company has good cybersecurity backing.

 

How Often Should Penetration Tests Be Performed?

As seen above, vulnerability scanning is a complementary test to pen testing. It has the advantage that it can be automated, which allows it to be carried out more frequently. Scanning can be done daily or weekly, for example.

The penetration test, on the other hand, needs more preparation time, as it involves hiring a specialized team.

There is no ideal frequency for performing the penetration test. This will depend on the characteristics of the company, its size, and its available budget. The ideal is to get the support of a specialized security consultant, who will assess the business and identify the ideal frequency.

In addition to periodic tests, it is recommended to carry out a new process every time there is a considerable change in the company. For example change of physical address, hiring new employees, software change, relevant software, and infrastructure upgrades.

Regulations and certifications related to the company's sector must also be taken into account. Some organizations must follow specific standards for performing security tests.

An interesting aspect of the penetration test is that it doesn't have to be done on a large scale. It is possible to perform focused tests more frequently, in areas that the company deems to be more critical. While broad and comprehensive testing is performed annually, testing focused on priority areas can be done every quarter, for example.

Retaking the test is also important. After testing and fixing the most critical vulnerabilities, it is common to carry out a new exercise to ensure that the changes were sufficient. This test is usually more agile and quick. There are tools that help in its conduct, identifying the most critical points pointed out in the previous report.

 

What Happens After the Pentest?

What happens after the penetration test is more important than the test itself. The professionals involved in the test prepare a report with all the findings and also an action plan that includes the next priority steps. The company needs to take the findings and recommendations seriously.

The security and development team need to work together to fix the vulnerabilities.

The State of Pen testing 2022 reveals that the median number of days teams needed to fix vulnerabilities is 14, but there are situations where they take 31 days or longer. However, the study also reveals that teams are struggling to fix and prevent the same vulnerabilities for at least the past 5 years in a row.

The most critical changes should be prioritized, but low-risk vulnerabilities should not be overlooked.

Employee training should also be updated according to perceived vulnerabilities in relation to the human risk factor.

 

Conclusion

Performing penetration tests within the company offers fundamental self-knowledge for the organization. With reporting data, security and development professionals can identify the highest-priority vulnerabilities.

In this article, we have highlighted the importance of pen testing, the 4 main types of penetration tests, who should perform the exercise, the difference between pen testing and vulnerability scan and also what should be done after the penetration test.

 

Need help testing your cybersecurity?

Do you need help running a penetration test in your company? CyVent and 24by7 offer Penetration Testing Services.

Our experts are on hand to help you with:

• In-depth penetration testing, including black box, gray box, and white box tests
• Verification of overall security posture, including assessments of your network, wireless network, and cloud environment
• Assessment of employee response to social engineering, including phishing and business email compromise attacks
• Identification of potential vulnerabilities to ensure compliance and reduce operational and reputational risks

 

If you want more information, book a call on  https://www.cyvent.com/assess-company-cyber-threats/ 

 

 

 

 

 

Incident Response Plan is the #1 defense strategy to prevent a major crisis when it comes to cybersecurity. After all, as Jamie Ward famously says, “Cyberattack is not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’”.

In this article, we'll walk you through the critical elements for the security team when creating a new plan or updating existing plans. Including:

• Why having a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan is important
• 4 Examples of the best Cybersecurity Incident Response Plans 
• The 6 Key 'Must Haves' in every Incident Response Plan
• The post-incident response plan

Why Having A Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan Is Important

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (CIRP) as: “The documentation of a predetermined set of instructions or procedures to detect, respond to, and limit consequences of a malicious cyber attack against an organization’s information system(s).”

Having a CIRP cannot be underestimated by companies. Research shows that companies that prepare to deal with the effects of a cyberattack efficiently have a considerably lower average loss.

According to The Cost of Data Breach Report 2022, the average cost of a breach for businesses with incident response (IR) capabilities is 58% lower than those without IR capabilities. Breaches at organizations with IR capabilities cost an average of $3.26 million in 2026, compared to $5.92 million from organizations with no IR capabilities.

 

 

So why do businesses with incident response plans have lower breach costs? Having a complete and up-to-date CIRP implies constantly passing on information to employees and offering training. This helps to create an organizational culture that favors the recognition and prevention of cyber threats. 

Another aspect is that by directing efforts to prevent attacks, it is possible to have more clarity on the cybersecurity gaps that are being left. That means you can correct them before they are found by criminals. All this allows an incident to be corrected much more quickly and efficiently.

However, not all companies have a plan. According to a survey by shred-it, 63% of C-level executives and 67% of small businesses in the U.S. do not have an incident response plan.

Another problem is that many plans are not done completely and consistently. For example, many security leads just focus on the most critical incidents. Yet, any fragility or risk to an endpoint must be defended vigorously to prevent a loophole allowing criminals from accessing valuable information. 

A consistent cybersecurity plan considers ALL vulnerabilities. As Window Snyder states, “One single vulnerability is all an attacker needs”.

 

4 Examples of The Best Incident Response Plans

Here are four of the best examples we’ve pulled together that you can use as a blueprint to guide your planning for possible attacks.

Michigan Government Incident Response Plan

Computer Security Incident Handling Guide - NIST

Incident Response and Management: NASA Information Security Incident Management

Cyber Incident Response Plan - Government of Victoria, Australia

 

The 6 Key 'Must Haves' In Every Incident Response Plan

When it comes to creating a robust cybersecurity incident response plan, there are six key aspects that need to be included:

1. Prioritize Incident Levels

Prioritizing the incident level of an attack is critical to quickly identify the risk of the attack. This involves understanding which systems are critical to the functioning of your business and understanding the different types of user risk interactions. As seen in the Human Factor Report 2022 diagram below.

 

 

 

2. Complete Visibility of All Your Company's Systems And Resources

Clarity is a key aspect of the incident response plan. Knowing all the assets and resources that the company has is important when defending them. In addition, having complete visibility into the company's up-to-date data is critical to knowing where to act and in what way. Therefore, access to detailed and real-time data on the functioning of the company's systems is essential. With this, an attack can be identified more quickly.

 

3. Define Incident Response Plan Responsibilities

Establish those responsible for each stage of the plan, providing their level of authority and the list of responsibilities. This step is important because it allows people to act faster.

Create a full-time team to handle incident response or train staff to be on call. Professionals must have sufficient authority and responsibility to make the necessary decisions quickly.

Quick response to incidents is crucial on holidays and weekends because there is often a reduction in company protection. We know that Ramsonware is detonated every day of the week, as seen in the data below from RiskRecon.

 

4. Security Partners

Asking for help is no shame. On the contrary. Having reliable suppliers can prevent huge damage to the company. Therefore, it is important that these partners are mapped and that the team responsible for cybersecurity has easy access to the list. These contacts may include government security officials, privacy regulatory authorities, audit committees, press offices, etc.

 

5. Easy Access to CIRP

Another key point is to ensure that all employees and people relevant to the company have access to the CIRP. There's no point in putting together an incredible and complete plan if no one knows it exists. It is also important to consider a backup so that the document is accessible even if the internal servers are compromised.

 

6. Constant Training

Employees must be trained and have clarity on the steps that must be followed in the event of a threat, as well as their responsibility in attack situations. Training is best delivered little and often, just as software and systems must be updated periodically to stay ahead of the latest threats.

 

The Importance of Simulated Attacks

One of the best ways to equip employees with the skills to respond to attacks is with simulated attacks. They are designed to test everything that was established in the plan and delivered in training.

One of the most effective training programs is the Red Team Exercises, which simulate the conditions of an attack to identify vulnerabilities in your company's system. This type of exercise is critical to testing an incident response plan before it is done by a real hacker.

 

Why You Need A Post-incident Response Plan

A post-incident response plan helps the company to be more protected from the next attack. 

This involves documenting everything to form history and feed a repository that will help the company to be more prepared for future attacks. Including the actions that were taken, the protocols that were made, and the measures that effectively eradicated the incident.

There are several CIRP frameworks. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is one of the most recognized and includes four steps:

1. Preparation
2. Detection & Analysis
3. Containment Eradication & Recovery
4. Post-Incident Activity

The unique part about the NIST approach is it foresees a non-linear action. That is, the plan must always be revisited and updated according to new information, new threats, and new skills of the team.

Likewise, after an attack, the plan must be updated. This can be taken a stage further by exchanging incident breach experiences with other companies can help your organization to be more prepared.

Here are some questions that can help when it comes to updating the plan after an attack:

• What attack was carried out and at what exact moment did it take place?
• What was the cybercriminal's entry point?
• Who perceived the threat and at what time?
• What was the first act after the incident was detected?
• How was the team informed about the problem? What was the team's reaction?
• What steps were taken to combat the problem? Who led this process?
• What were the positives and negatives of the responsible team approach? What is the lesson in preparing for the next incident?
• How can we prepare ourselves not to leave gaps and not suffer from this type of vulnerability in the future?
• Can any tool or system help us detect this type of vulnerability and respond more quickly to this type of attack in the future?
• What aspects, learned from this incident, can we include in staff training so that staff is better prepared?

 

Conclusion

Research shows that having a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (CIRP) significantly reduces the cost of a cyberattack on a company. However, many companies don’t have a robust plan in place or fail to update them consistently. To be effective, a CIRP must be constantly revisited and updated.

In this article, we have highlighted the importance of having an incident response plan, best practice examples of incident response plans, the 6 key 'must haves' in every Incident Response Plan, and why you need a post-incident response plan. 

 

Need help creating your CIRP?

Need help creating a cybersecurity incident response plan? CyVent has access to the leading IR solutions. We rigorously curate our approved partners and monitor all stages of implementation. We also carry out training and tests that will raise the level of your company's response and make it more prepared to face threats.

CyVent experts are on hand to help you create the plan, train your employees, and choose the right tools to protect your business.

If you want more information, book a call on  https://www.cyvent.com/assess-company-cyber-threats/ 

 

 

 

 

Endpoint protection is one of the central elements of any cybersecurity strategy. Many experts consider endpoints to be one of the weakest security link within an enterprise, giving hackers easy access to an organization's data. In fact, 51% of IT professionals consider their organizations ineffective at surfacing threats because their endpoint security solutions are not effective at detecting advanced attacks. So we’ve pulled together everything you need to know to ensure you can build an effective endpoint security policy.

In this article, you will discover:

• Why do Endpoints matter?
• The Top 3 Endpoint challenges
• The 6 critical elements you need for an effective Endpoint strategy

Why do Endpoints Matter?

An endpoint is any physical device that connects a user to a network. Examples of endpoints include computers, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, servers, printers, and scanners, among others. 

Many companies overlook the breadth of endpoints. It is common to see companies install endpoint protection systems on their corporate computers, but they may omit the many other devices, including IoT.

With the increase in remote work, the number of endpoints has grown and made it more difficult for managers to track them. According to the report Take A Proactive Approach To Endpoint Security, 76% of IT security decision-makers indicated their firm’s use of endpoint devices increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The same report indicates that 66% of respondents believe securing modern business environments requires a proactive approach to endpoint resilience.

To make matters worse, there are still other data indicating that many companies do not provide the devices to their employees, making it even more difficult to control the endpoints. According to SailPoint, in 2020 1 in 3 U.S. employees (33%) stated that they use their own computer and smartphone to enable remote work, while only 17% use a computer and smartphone owned by their employer.

An endpoint policy will establish security parameters that all devices connected to the company's network must follow. In addition, it offers managers a centralized console where they can access the corporate network to monitor, investigate and act on incidents.

3 Critical Endpoint Security Challenges:

 

1. New Devices, New Threats

With the evolution of technologies, new gadgets are often invented and popularized. The problem is that most of the time manufacturers are not concerned with security devices. Often the protection of these devices is weak and they become an easy target for hackers.

 

2. Endpoint Repairs Policy

Repairs are also an area that deserves attention from the company. When going to repair, gadgets can often be accessed by malicious agents, or become vulnerable to hacker attacks. A policy for managing items in need of repair is also important.

 

3. Limited Access

The company needs to have a strict policy regarding endpoints that have access to business data. Only gadgets that have been verified and configured with the security policies of the business can have access to the system. Otherwise, the endpoint security policy is at risk.

 

Endpoint Security Needs To Be Aligned With the Company's Global Cybersecurity Strategy

Endpoint security must be combined with other cybersecurity strategies, such as network security. It's important to remember that endpoint security is not the same thing as antivirus. 

Antivirus is one component of an endpoint security strategy, which is made up of many other elements. Antivirus has the mission to protect the endpoint itself, be it a computer or a smartphone. Whereas Endpoint Security's mission is to protect the entire network, which is interconnected. To combat threats, you need to invest in a holistic approach to security.

 

The 6 Critical Elements You Need For An Effective Endpoint Strategy

1. Keep Operating Systems Up To Date

Keeping device systems up to date is a simple task, but it makes a difference for a security policy. Updates fix system weaknesses and flaws that can lead to major vulnerabilities. This is true even for non-traditional endpoints, such as smart devices and sensors.

 

2. Use The Principle of Least Privilege

Restricting server access is also a good alternative to protecting the network that connects the endpoints. Employees should have access to basic servers, accessing servers with more important information only when necessary.

 

3. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

In addition to controlling access, managers can limit access to important information through a private network or VPN, ensuring information privacy.

 

4. Attention To All Existing Threats

No matter the type of threat: malware, phishing, social engineering… The Endpoint Security policy must protect all potential threats that could interfere with the internal network. Therefore, the security policy must provide for constant updating, to always be aware of new threats.

 

5. Controlled Tests

Sending controlled tests allows you to identify the extent to which your company is susceptible to attacks. In addition, fictitious attacks give clues to where the biggest vulnerabilities are and which aspects of cybersecurity the company should strengthen.

 

6. Qualified And Constant Training of Employees

Keeping employees trained and on the lookout is critical to ensuring a functional end-to-end cybersecurity strategy. Attacks by criminals are increasingly sophisticated. Users need to know the importance of following Endpoint Security and not connecting personal devices to corporate networks. 

 

Conclusion

Endpoints remain a weak point for most companies, especially with the increase in remote work. This makes it even more difficult for IT professionals to control the behavior of their employees. 

This article has highlighted the key challenges related to endpoints, including the emergence of new devices, the device repair policy, and user access control. To effectively combat all risks, the endpoint security policy must be aligned with the company's other cybersecurity strategies to cover all potential risks.

Although endpoint control is essential for an effective cybersecurity policy, more than half of  organizations lack in-house expertise and resources around endpoint protection. If this is the case for your business, CyVent experts are on hand to assist in the diagnosis, strategy, and implementation of an endpoint security policy for your business.

 

If you want more information, book a call on  https://www.cyvent.com/assess-company-cyber-threats/ 

 

Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are still unaware of the dangers of cyberattacks. Executives believe that because they are a small company, they won't get the attention of hackers and criminals. After all, they are interested in valuable data and in targeting multi-million dollar companies, who can pay a multi-million ransom, right? Yes. However, it is not just that.

According to the 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, 28% of data breaches in 2020 involved small businesses. The report Underserved and Unprepared: The State of SMB Cyber ​​Security in 2019 showed that 80% of SMBs were worried that they will be the target of a cyber attack in the next six months. According to another report, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021, 287 days is the average time needed to identify and contain data breaches. Small businesses do not often have that much time.

The lack of specialized resources, equipment, and software to combat cyberattacks is compounded by the lack of qualified staff to properly manage cybersecurity.

Why do small and medium businesses suffer from cyberattacks?

Until recently, there was a myth in the cybersecurity universe: only large companies suffer from the dangers of cyberattacks. In part, this is correct. Large companies are the primary target for hackers because they have more money and more valuable data.

Still, smaller companies are more susceptible to attacks and, therefore, become easy targets. Many cybercriminals shoot without aiming and end up hitting companies with weak protections. The result can be disastrous.

Especially after the pandemic, the need to invest in cybersecurity is becoming more evident. After all, just like large companies, small and medium companies had to deal with remote work. The Check Point report indicated that 76.5% have adopted the hybrid work style while 15% more support some kind of remote work. This means that the company lost control over the daily lives of its employees and expanded the number of endpoints.

What are the main security threats that SMBs face?

The main threats that small and medium-sized companies face are the same as those faced by large companies. According to the Check Point report the top four security threats SMBs experience include:

• Phishing Attacks (#1 threat at 90%)
• Malware (68%)
• Credential Theft (43%)
• Ransomware (38%) 

In addition to the attack itself, this type of problem has other consequences that can drag on for weeks or months. The company suffers from system downtime, financial losses, destabilization of employees, and damage to the brand. Moreover, cybercriminals may also gain access to:

• Bank information
• customer list
• Expansion plans
• Industrial processes
• Confidential product information

How can small and medium businesses defend themselves against cyberattacks?

In addition to investing in structure, technology, and human resources, good cybersecurity also depends on the company's culture and daily actions aimed at preventing attacks. Here are some recommendations for making your SMB more secure:

Train your employees

Education and organizational culture have never been more important in fighting cyberattacks, especially when it comes to top employees, as they are often the weakest link. Phishing attacks are growing every day and are one of the most common ways hackers get into company systems. More and more, a cybersecurity educational program, using online-learning tools, is a must-have.

 

Do a risk assessment

Being aware of the risks your company runs is essential to understanding the best actions to take. Through a qualified assessment, managers will be able to understand exactly what the weaknesses of their operations are, who has access to privileged data, and also where the most important information for the company is stored.

Invest in software and keep it up to date

After a careful look at the organization's risks, it becomes easier to identify which system can meet the cybersecurity needs of the business. There are many great options in today's market that offer complete protection, allowing for continual updates, at an affordable price.

CyVent proudly offers Haven by Corvid Cyberdefense. Haven™ is a managed protection, detection, and response solution made for businesses of all sizes, providing enterprise-class security protection, along with controls, management, and monitoring options.

As an answer to those challenges, Haven™ provides an adaptive, preventive security platform service solution featuring:

• Endpoint Security
• Email Security
• Network Security
• Vulnerability Scanning
• Employee Awareness Training
• 24/7/365 Security Operations Center for Detection and Response

Is Cyber Security Protection Expensive?

Cybersecurity protection can be costly, especially when it comes to multiple endpoints. Those expenses include employee training, specialized contractors, specialized software, and regular updates.

The good news is that effective cybersecurity is not just for large businesses. Haven offers a powerful product for small and medium-sized businesses. Delivered as an affordable, monthly service, with consulting from CyVent allows for complete protection and support in all of your cybersecurity needs. Having peace of mind when it comes to cybersecurity should be for all businesses.

See more and schedule some time to speak with one of our experts: https://www.cyvent.com/products

In running a business, focus is critical. The list of responsibilities for an executive tends to be quite lengthy. Therefore, the more tasks you can delegate to professionals or specialized companies, the more you’ll begin to notice the productivity and performance of the company improve.

With cybersecurity, this is no different. A Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) is a provider that performs the strategy, planning, and execution of part or all of a company's security operation, through outsourcing.

What does an MSSP do?

Some of the traditional services of an MSSP provide:

• Enabling you to ensure 24/7/365 monitoring for a fraction of the cost of building your own staff
• Pre-emptive screening for emerging threat
• Endpoint security
• Employee awareness training
• Neutralization of threats
• And more

The list of responsibilities is huge, as it involves training, updating hardware and software, in addition to monitoring potential threats. Services are customized according to the needs of each company and its segment of activity.

Hiring an MSSP is an important decision. Therefore, crucial factors need to be taken into account. In this post, we have selected 5 tips to help you choose the best MSSP.

5 tips to choose the best MSSP for your company

 

1. Expertise and Flexibility

The cybersecurity market changes fast. Every day, new threats and opportunities are disclosed. For example, 46,000 new phishing sites are created every week.

Having an MSSP that is responsive and flexible to change is critical to ensuring good performance. Go beyond glitzy marketing materials and probe the fundamentals:

• Make sure they provide a true SaaS service that doesn’t tie you down to a multi-year commitment but rather offers you an exit clause for your convenience. 
• Understand their level of maturity, their Service Level Agreements,  and compliance with the main security standards such as NIST, ISO, GDPR, CMMC, etc. 
• Check where their Security Operations Center is located and how well protected it is. 
• Evaluate the company's responses to recent threats as well as its contingency plans to address urgent issues.

2. Check the credentials of the professionals involved with the company you’re considering

A skilled and experienced team makes all the difference when it comes to identifying needs, preventing, and also fighting cyberattacks. Therefore, it is essential that the chosen company has a qualified team, with certified professionals, low turnover, and a lot of experience. One of the most efficient ways to attest to this is through a professional profile on LinkedIn.

Evaluate the profiles of the professionals involved, see the professional experiences and also the testimonials left by co-workers. Make sure you’ll have direct access to Subject Matter Experts for each service they provide.

At CyVent, we like to keep our directors' Linkedin profiles open. You can access them at this link: https://www.cyvent.com/#team

3. Evaluate the frequency and quality of reports delivered

Geoffrey Moore has a quote that says: “Without big data analytics, companies are blind and deaf, wandering out onto the web like deer on a freeway”. In fact, the data brings clarity about the real situation of the business, which are the main threats, and which points deserve attention. This guides decisions and makes them more assertive.

A good MSSP provides periodic and complete reports with data and analysis and recommendations that are really relevant to business executives. This is an important aspect that must be evaluated before hiring. Request a view of these reports and understand how the MSSP can help you manage your business.

4. Make your main goals clear and ask for references

When contacting a vendor, make your expectations and priorities clear regarding the company's cybersecurity. Below are some of the most common concerns of cyber leaders:

Understanding the business objectives and the characteristics of the company, the MSSP is better able to offer references that are assertive so that the client can identify whether the work performed is compatible with expectations.

A good analytical tool is case studies. Review case studies of companies related to your industry to gather more information to help with decision-making.

5. Ask for a list of their IT providers

We know that one of the main sources of vulnerabilities is supplier relationships. According to the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2022 report, 39% of organizations have been affected by a third-party cyber incident in the past two years.

Therefore, being aware of the third-party risk involved in the transaction is important. A tip is to request the list of the main IT providers involved and also the certification processes for choosing business partners.

If possible, perform a risk assessment. CyVent works with RiskRecon to offerup-to-date and reliable reports that help you analyze, control, monitor, and reduce cyber risks associated with third-party vendors.

Make a choice and transition calmly

 

Installing or transitioning an MSSP is a delicate operation that involves the transfer of important data and can leave gaps. The best way to deal with problems is to assume that they can happen and work out an action plan to minimize their consequences. So the more time you have to do the research, hiring, and actual installation, the better.

If you are considering switching MSSPs, do so calmly. Allow a few months before the end of the contract to go to another supplier and calmly research everything.

Remember: more than notifying you when there is a threat, a good MSSP should take a proactive stance, analyzing the company to identify points of vulnerability and helping executives combat those weaknesses and strengthen their strengths.

About CyVent:

CyVent is a leading cybersecurity services and consulting company that leverages true deep learning, offering a unique-effective suite of products and services designed to enhance and strengthen your cybersecurity infrastructure. CyVent’s cutting edge, AI-driven solutions help organizations transition from the classic remediation approach to security to a more pre-emptive posture which ultimately increases prevention, decreases times-to-resolution, and automates cybersecurity operations. For more information, please visit: https://www.cyvent.com

 

Understanding that data is the new oil, security measures are not just a good idea, but a must have to keep organizations and sensitive information safe. Managed Security Services Providers (MSSP) offer remote monitoring and management of IT security functions delivered via shared services from remote security operations centers.
Does your organization consider hiring and working with a MSSP?

Hiring a MSSP can bring great benefits to your organization, since it offers trained staff to deal with the daily-basis security issues. You may want to hire a MSSP for numerous reasons such as:

• restricted IT budgets
• not having an IT Security team
• avoiding the herculean job of staying on top of the new and extreme sophisticated cyber threats.
  
  

How to evaluate and choose a MSSP?

 

Cyber Security is hard work, and choosing a MSSP is a delicate balance. Below you can find 5 points that will help you and make this important decision easier.

1. Are they qualified?

This is a crucial point. You must evaluate the qualifications of the MSSP and their technical team. Make sure that the MSSP has plenty of experience in your work field and certifications.

2. What should they offer?

Hiring a MSSP who offers a multi-layer security system is paramount. Make sure they offer the following protections:

• Identify vulnerabilities consistently by routinely scanning the footprint in order to identify potential security gaps and fix them;
• Network security with next-gen firewalls, threat prevention and detection (IPS/IDS);
• Endpoint protection with the most advanced AI Driven capabilities;
• Security Operations Center (SOC) working around the clock - 24/7/365;
• Block malicious and phishing emails;
• Training users regularly to identify phishing and raising the awareness of Cybersecurity in your organization.

3. How do they handle your data?

It is important to understand where your sensitive data is stored. How do they handle it? Be assured the MSSP takes data protection seriously and that they understand the data regulations involved. The ideal MSSP provider will safely store your data and make sure it can not be commingled with the data of other companies to whom they provide services.

4. Can they provide a leading-edge cybersecurity service?

Security threats are becoming more complex and sophisticated and MSSP providers should upgrade their footprint to provide leading-edge protection. At CyVent, we are pleased in offering Haven, from Corvid Cyberdefense.

5. What are their references?

As a matter of fact, Corvid Cyberdefense team is a Military-grade cyber security company with the best professionals in its field and they service the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

 

See more and schedule some time to speak with one of our experts: https://www.cyvent.com/products

 

The rapid increase in digital third-party relationships contributes to escalated cyber risk. With service outsourcing, companies need to grant access to the system to partners or organization’s supply-chain, which puts confidential business information, financial transactions and sensitive employee and customer data at risk.

The problem is not new , Target is just one of countless examples. In 2013, Target’s security breach occurred from e-mails sent to Fazio Mechanical, one of the companies affiliated with Target, that lead to the leak of 70 million customer data and 40 million bank information. Year after year, companies are exposed to more risks from their business relationships, weakened by poor safety standards of other companies.

According to the Ninth Annual Cost of Cybercrime Study (Accenture, 2019),
61% of organizations have experienced an IoT security incident and 67% observed an increase in security breaches in the last five years. Another shocking fact is that over half of all companies have experienced a third-party breach yet only 16% are able to mitigate those risks (Ponemon Institute. Data Risk in the Third-Party Ecosystem. 2018).

This type of threat is not always malicious. Most of the time, it is caused by negligent behavior. According to a recent report conducted by the Ponemon Institute, negligent behavior is the most costly to companies annually, even though its cost per incident is lower. On the other hand, criminal behavior is less frequent, although it costs approximately 3x more per incident.

The problem involves the entire company, since relations with third parties are present in services that involve logistics, sales, customer support, marketing, among many others. In addition, each company has a partner management model. Thus, the solution needs to be adaptable to different realities.

How to manage your business relationships securely?

In order to avoid commercial relations problems with third parties, the company needs to adopt strict security standards, which involve the choice of its partners and their cyber security management. Compliance and security standards must also be extended to third-party companies.

The Ponemon Institute's “Data Risk in the Third-Party Ecosystem” analyzed companies that were successful in avoiding the third-party data breach and named best practices to reduce incidence of third-party data breaches:

* Evaluation of the security and privacy practices of all third parties
* An inventory of all third parties with whom you share information
* Frequent review of third-party management policies and programs
* Third party notification when data is shared with Nth parties
* Oversight by the board of directors

To meet these protocols effectively, we need to have the support of technology. There are currently several tools on the market that offer risk analysis and protection from third parties. The challenge, however, is to find the most complete and adapted tool to the needs of your company.

At CyVent, we are confident to appoint RiskRecon, a Mastercard company. It’s the only solution that automatically provides risk prioritization and continuous monitoring.

Why choose RiskRecon?

We are thrilled to be RiskRecon partners. RiskRecon automatically collects security information from vendors, partners and your own enterprise to help you understand how well each organization manages their digital footprint.

 

It provides risk-prioritized ratings based on issue severity and the system value at risk. The platform data is independently certified to be 99.1% accurate. The accuracy is achieved by a combination of patent-pending machine learning automation and analyst quality control.
The system evaluates over 40 security criteria across 9 domains. The impact of all vulnerabilities is analyzed to produce a cyber risk score.

There’s a direct correlation between RiskRecon scores and actual data breaches. Based on a sample of 46,000 Companies, entities with a score of “C” experience a 3x higher frequency of breaches than those with a score of “A”.

All assessment details are visible to you and your vendors, and RiskRecon provides a report that includes a summary of your organization's current cybersecurity posture at no additional fee. In addition, the platform automatically produces action plans to highlight only issues that exceed your company’s risk policy.

With all this information, you can easily keep your business secure from businesses that aren’t. It allows you to select new vendors faster, prioritize your third-party assessments based on RiskRecon-rated vendor performance, focus your vendor assessments on areas where you know they violate your risk requirements, improve your M&A analysis and more.

See more and schedule some time to speak with one of our experts: https://www.cyvent.com/en-us/prevent-your-company-from-third-party-risk-with-riskrecon