Author: cyberinsiders

The evolution of network environments towards distributed, cloud-centric architectures in the work-from-anywhere era has brought unique challenges to network security. The industry’s shift to comprehensive cloud-based services like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Security Service Edge (SSE), and Secure SD-WAN reflects the evolving needs of distributed workforces and cloud-centric IT environments in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

What are the biggest cloud security challenges?

Ransomware (53%) tops list of cloud security challenges, following the recent rise in ransomware attacks. The next biggest security challenge is the shift to remote work and the resulting risks (47%), introduced in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Limited visibility into cyber threats (41%) rounds out the top three security challenges experienced by cybersecurity professionals. [Source: 2022 Security Visibility Report produced by Cybersecurity Insiders]

This shift necessitates a reevaluation of network-based defenses, positioning Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) as key components in this new ecosystem. The Qosmos Threat Detection Software Development Kit (TD SDK) is Enea’s innovative solution to the demand for more robust, adaptable, and high-performance network threat detection platforms.

“Modern cybersecurity models such as zero-trust networking access and extended detection response pivot around DPI, a trusted technology we all know, but one that’s evolved to meet the needs of the threat landscape today. A strong DPI engine is central to high-performance threat detection. Not only does it enable visibility into network traffic, but it also provides the intelligence around which to base custom rules that customers can tailor to their specific environments.” – Roy Chua, Founder and Principal at AvidThink

ADVANCED THREAT DETECTION WITH SUPERIOR TRAFFIC VISIBILITY

Integrating with Enea’s Qosmos ixEngine®, the market leading deep packet inspection (DPI) engine, the Qosmos TD SDK enables developers to create threat detection solutions with unmatched traffic visibility and sophisticated analysis. Recognizing over 4300 protocols and extracting 5900 metadata types, it provides comprehensive network activity insights to support in-depth, nuanced threat analysis.

Furthermore, the Qosmos ixEngine’s advanced parsers and dissectors significantly help reduce false negatives in threat detection thanks to a much better protocol detection rate compared to standard solutions. This capability is crucial for detecting known and emerging security threats.

In addition, the Qosmos ixEngine is able to identify and classify encrypted and evasive traffic while detecting network anomalies. This extended visibility enables solutions built with the Qosmos TD SDK to more effectively identify complex threats that systems based on traditional IDS might miss, and helps reduce false negatives and positives for more reliable threat detection.

UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE AND SCALABILITY FOR THREAT DETECTION

Network-based intrusion detection capabilities have become increasingly important as traditional network perimeters disappear, but open-source IDS are not natively engineered to meet the scalability and performance requirements of modern cloud environments. In addition, as contemporary security solutions require both DPI processing and IDS capabilities, performance is impacted by double packet processing.

The Qosmos TD SDK offers an innovative approach to these performance challenges. Delivered as a software development kit, it leverages Suricata’s industry-leading core IDS functionalities and combines them with the advanced packet inspection capabilities of the Qosmos ixEngine, thereby eliminating the need for double packet parsing. It also significantly accelerates packet processing through linear scaling across multiple CPU cores, and through more efficient packet acquisition and parsing systems.

For example, an IDS built with the Qosmos TD SDK and the Qosmos ixEngine can execute efficient parsing of extracted metadata values – rather than full packets – in order to check for threat signature matches. As a result, solutions built with the Qosmos TD SDK deliver up to double the performance of traditional solutions built using conventional IDS systems.

FLEXIBLE INTEGRATION AND CUSTOMIZABILITY

The availability of threat detection in a software development kit (SDK) is unique in the industry. The Qosmos TD SDK is the first to offer core IDS capabilities as a software component and provides cybersecurity software developers with greater flexibility and improved network protection through tight integration with third party solutions. This means that IDS capabilities can now be one function within a full toolchain, underlying the flexibility offered to security solution developers. The Qosmos TD SDK supports standard open source rulesets and industry available rulesets with Suricata syntax, making
deployment easier and reducing false positives/false negatives.

KEY BENEFITS

• Achieve significantly better performance compared to standard IDS/IPS architectures
• Scale linearly across multiple CPU cores
• Eliminate double packet processing for DPI and IDS in multi-function platforms
• Reduce false positives through extended Enea Qosmos DPI-based network visibility
• Reduce false negatives through improved matching enabled by better parsers
• Create custom rules and improve results through the extended visibility of the Qosmos ixEngine, including recognition of enterprise protocols like LDAP, industrial IIoT/OT protocols, unique security metadata, and much more
• Focus the ruleset matching process on the relevant metadata instead of all packets

TECHNOLOGY

• C library designed to be embedded into applications
• Dedicated APIs for native integration with the Qosmos ixEngine
• Support for standard open source and industry rulesets with Suricata syntax
• Regular updates through open source and industry-recognized Suricata ruleset providers
• Lightweight: ~3 MB & ~15 KB per loaded rule
• Highly configurable to meet CPU and memory requirements
• YAML configuration file for optimal flexibility
• Cloud ready: Manage rulesets per tenant

OUR VERDICT

Enea’s Qosmos Threat Detection SDK is not merely an incremental upgrade to existing security solutions; it is a strategic evolution tailored for the complexities of modern network architectures. Its introduction to the market is timely, addressing the critical needs of agility, precision, and scalability in protecting against threats in both on premises and cloud-centric networks. With the integration of the Qosmos TD SDK, double packet processing is eliminated, parsing speed is accelerated, and traffic insights are vastly expanded to fuel next-generation threat detection and custom rule development.

ABOUT ENEA

Enea is a world-leading specialist in software for telecom and cybersecurity. The company’s cloud-native solutions connect, optimize, and secure services for fixed and mobile subscribers, enterprises, and the Internet of Things. More than 100 communication service providers and 4.5 billion people rely on Enea technologies every day. Enea’s Qosmos technology is the most widely deployed Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology in cybersecurity and networking solutions. With 75% market share, it is the de facto industry standard for embedded Traffic Intelligence in cybersecurity and networking. Enea Qosmos products classify traffic in real-time and provide granular information about network activities. Enea also offers IDS-based threat detection capabilities as an SDK, enabling easy and tight integration with cybersecurity solutions while remaining highly flexible and scalable. Enea is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

Learn more at www.enea.com

The post PRODUCT REVIEW: ENEA QOSMOS THREAT DETECTION SDK appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

[By Gal Helemski, co-founder and CTO at PlainID]

There has been a substantial trend toward improvement of authorization capabilities and controls. Policy Based Access Control (PBAC) provided by advanced authorization and access control system is progressively displacing more basic and traditional procedures like Access Control List (ALC) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

PBAC provides a substantial advancement in authorization control approaches. It expands on the frameworks established by its predecessors, by providing flexibility, taking a more holistic approach, incorporating the strengths of each model while concurrently addressing their limitations.

The Evolution of PBAC

Even though it has been on the market for over 30 years, the existing RBAC management solution is complex and inflexible. Because of the intricacies of these solutions, significant amount of IT resources are invested in setting access controls and permissions right.
Role-based Access control is a coarse-grained technique in which access is static and granted simply based grouping of permissions. As the organization grows, keeping track of the increasing number of changing user roles, and the combination that need to be supported, becomes practically impossible, resulting in the known a “role explosion” problem.

Attribute-based Access Control (ABAC) is a finer-grained technique that provides access controls based on combinations of attributes. However, it is considered a localized and highly technical solution, still resulting in significant investment.

As both approaches are still utilized, Policy-Based Access Control takes the best of both techniques but makes it accessible and visible. PBAC can support both roles and attributes, of the user, the asset and the environment, providing more restricted access control and management capabilities. PBAC approaches often allow policies to be coded in plain language, bridging the gap between the app owners and dev

These capabilities have become increasingly important as organizations require more flexible access controls to the company resources, to support their growing business objectives.

Top Reasons to Consider PBAC

  • Authorization Control Efficiency: PBAC provides the most efficient method of managing authorization controls. Organizations can design and enforce access restrictions centrally by leveraging policy-based procedures, reducing complexity, and maintaining consistency across systems.
  • Simplified Development Lifecycle: The development cycle is simplified by PBAC’s policy-as-code methodology. This means that the policy can be developed and controlled as code, making version control, testing, and deployment of authorization rules easier. This streamlined procedure improves agility and minimizes application time to market.
  • Real-Time Authorization Decisions: PBAC allows for dynamic and real-time authorization decisions based on contextual information. PBAC ensures that access is provided or refused at a highly granular level by considering elements such as qualities, resource features, and environmental variables.
  • Enhanced Visibility: PBAC improves visibility by providing insight into the reasons behind access decisions. Organizations can learn why a specific access request was authorized or rejected, which can help with auditing, compliance, and governance activities. Transparency improves accountability and allows for improved decision-making.

PBAC is an essential milestone in authorization controls as it provides several benefits to enterprises. Its capacity to provide access restrictions and a more streamlined lifecycle and decision-making process, makes it a significant tool in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Remember that without policies, all access is an exception; thus, having well-defined and implemented regulations to manage access is critical. Organizations may strengthen security posture and ensure seamless access management by embracing PBAC. In an ever-changing landscape, PBAC is a testament to the continual innovation required to combat future threats to your organization.

The post The Evolution of Authorization Controls: Exploring PBAC and Its Benefits appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

In a survey conducted by TrueCaller Insights, it was revealed that over 68,000 Americans fell victim to financial fraud through phone scams in 2022. Voice phishing attacks are an escalating threat and this alarming statistic highlights a pervasive lack of awareness among the general population. 

At the moment, different techniques are being used by both big and small businesses to fight back against the rising threat of synthetic voice phishing. At present, there are some cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing vishing defense.

Understanding vishing

Vishing, a portmanteau of “voice” and “phishing,” involves the use of voice communication to deceive individuals or organizations. It often takes the form of fraudulent phone calls, voicemails, or interactive voice response (IVR) systems that manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information. Due to the highly developed nature of cyber criminals, vishing has become a prevalent and escalating threat that organizations have to confront head-on.

The deceptive nature of vishing attacks makes them particularly dangerous. They provide cybercriminals with fresh avenues to exploit human vulnerabilities by leveraging social engineering tactics to breach traditional cyber defenses. Businesses face potential damage ranging from financial losses and data breaches to reputational damage. As vishing attacks grow in sophistication, organizations must adapt and implement proactive measures to counter this evolving threat.

Vishing exercises in cybersecurity

Vishing exercises allow organizations to evaluate their voice phishing defenses. By simulating these scenarios to replicate real-world vishing attacks, organizations are giving individuals valuable hands-on experience that will allow them to better identify vulnerabilities and enhance security measures. When employees are immersed in lifelike vishing simulations, companies can train their staff to effectively recognize and respond to potential threats.

These exercises are about more than just testing the technical aspects of cybersecurity. They also evaluate the unpredictable nature of the human element with the goal of raising awareness among employees about the different tactics employed by cybercriminals. Regular vishing exercises significantly contribute to a culture that prizes cybersecurity. Fostering a vigilant workforce capable of identifying and thwarting vishing attacks will be a necessary step toward protecting valuable financial assets in the future.

Vishing with a synthetic voice

As vishing threats evolve, cybercriminals are leveraging advanced technologies to enhance the effectiveness of their attacks. One notable development is the use of synthetic voices in vishing attempts. Synthetic voice technology allows attackers to create incredibly realistic imitations of trusted individuals or automated systems, further blurring the line between authentic and malicious communications.

Real-life examples showcase the dangers posed by synthetic voice vishing. In 2021, a new kind of cyber attack harnessed the power of AI-driven voice cloning. The assailant convincingly mimicked the voice of a company’s director, persuading a bank manager over the phone to transfer a staggering $35 million in a chilling demonstration of the intersection between AI and vishing threats.

Revolutionizing vishing defense with voice cloning

In the battle against vishing, voice cloning technology emerges not just as a potential source but also as a remedy for combating this threat. Respeecher is a company on the frontline of pioneering new defenses by developing realistic vishing simulations. Their innovative approach to voice cloning is aimed at allowing organizations to simulate lifelike vishing scenarios that will prepare employees for the intricacies of synthetic voice attacks.

Respeecher’s technology delivers a critical level of realism in its vishing exercises and is also used to detect vulnerabilities specific to synthetic voice phishing. By leveraging voice cloning, organizations can proactively address the evolving landscape of vishing threats.

What can you do to prevent a voice cloning vishing attack on your organization?

  • Invest in technologies that specialize in voice cloning

Investing in voice cloning technologies is a crucial step toward defending your organization against synthetic voice vishing. These solutions analyze voice patterns and identify anomalies indicative of a cloned or synthetic voice. Implementing these types of tools enhances your ability to detect and mitigate the risks associated with voice phishing attacks.

  • Create and utilize biometric voice profiles

Creating and utilizing biometric voice profiles for authentication can add an extra layer of security. By incorporating biometric markers unique to each individual’s voice, organizations can reduce the risk of falling victim to voice cloning attacks. Biometric voice authentication serves as a robust defense mechanism against unauthorized access, even in the realm of vishing.

  • Conduct real-time vishing testing

Regular and real-time vishing testing is essential for staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. Respeecher’s vishing exercises, for instance, evaluate an enterprise’s susceptibility to social engineering attacks using voice cloning. By continually testing and refining defenses, organizations can adapt to emerging threats and bolster their overall cybersecurity apparatus.

How to strengthen cybersecurity with advanced vishing tests

Richey May, a leading cybersecurity consulting firm, has taken strides to proliferate the use of advanced vishing tests to strengthen an organization’s cybersecurity. In collaboration with Respeecher, Richey May has developed different scenarios of employing synthetic speech for social engineering penetration testing. 

A common scenario involves mimicking the voice of a trusted organizational leader to carry out nefarious activities, such as a CEO instructing a CFO to transfer funds or install malicious software on internal company computers. Respeecher’s real-time voice cloning technology, with sub-500ms latency, facilitates simulations for such scenarios. By utilizing just five minutes of recorded voice, Respeecher empowers testing engineers to convincingly emulate specific individuals, enabling them to attempt phishing for sensitive information via phone calls or video conferencing apps during security assessments. Сonducting vishing test scenarios like this helps evaluate the susceptibility of employees to such threats and address them through proper personnel training.

Vishing, particularly when coupled with synthetic voice technology, presents a clear and present danger to organizations. Understanding the nuances of this, conducting regular vishing exercises, and adopting advanced technologies like voice cloning detection are essential steps in fortifying cybersecurity defenses. By embracing these proactive measures, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with vishing and achieve resiliency in the face of evolving cyber threats.

The post Deep dive into synthetic voice phishing (vishing) defense appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Lack of online data security globally

In today’s almost entirely digitized, cyber world, it’s imperative that private data and passwords remain secure and protected at all times. According to Business Insider (2022), Bitcoin investors are likely to lose up to $545 million in 2023, owing to various reasons like forgetting passwords to their wallets or wrongly recording their seed phrases. In most cases, safeguarding sensitive access credentials requires entrusting them to third-party databases. This has proven to be a highly unreliable strategy, with data servers being unavailable or becoming compromised more and more frequently. A new type of solution is needed to combat the ever-growing proliferation of unauthorized data breaches. 

A new level of data cyber safety 

Cyqur is an easy-to-install browser extension, geared towards developers, DeFi enthusiasts, NFT collectors, remote workers, artists and creators, digital natives, and anyone else who is reluctant to entrust third parties with their most sensitive credentials. The simple, yet powerful encryption and decryption web extension facilitates the storage and transmission of private data (passwords, seed phrases, etc.). The patented solution helps users achieve unparalleled peace of mind for their digital profiles. 

What makes Cyqur different

By design, the Cyqur solution does not store the user data on his behalf either through third-party servers, or any other centralized means. Instead, it encrypts the user data and then fragments that encrypted data across a number of cloud storage locations chosen and controlled by the user. Because of the fragmentation and decentralization of data storage in this manner, it is virtually impossible for all cloud storage locations to be compromised at the same time. This is a level of security that modern password managers and vaults can’t offer.  

How Cyqur helps users achieve peace of mind

  1. Secure storage: User access credentials are duplicated, fragmented, encrypted, and scattered across multiple cloud storage locations that the user alone 100% owns and controls, all the while ensuring your data fragments remain encrypted at rest. Cyqur does not have access to any of your data and it doesn’t scrape or share user browsing data. 
  2. Proprietary approach: Safeguards user data by using an immutable, automated, unique, independent, public blockchain proof of record for every access credential secured. User digital profile succession planning is ensured through Custodian of Last Resort.
  3. Breach protection: In case of a breach, hackers only access incomplete and useless data, while you retain uninterrupted complete access to your user credentials that remain protected and safe.
  4. Crypto wallet protection: Specifically designed to provide next-level peace of mind by securing all access credentials to your valuable wallets, including your previous seed words.
  5. Uninterrupted access and credential sharing: Users retain complete and uninterrupted access to their most important data, even offline. 

Limited opportunity to purchase at a discounted rate

Users who purchase Cyqur at this time will receive a 70% early-bird discount (from €48 to €15) for the first year. Users can get their annual license and start securing their cyber data here.

About Cyqur

Cyqur was brought to market by Binarii Labs with the goal of offering a new way of securing data. Designed with the utmost care and attention to detail, it provides unprecedented security in online data storage, which isn’t reliant on third-party solutions. Whether it’s seed phrases, passwords, NFTs, pins, private blockchain keys, usernames, exchange accounts, hot & cold wallets, or any other access credentials that need to remain safe, Cyqur offers its users this high level of protection.

Cyqur. Patented Password Protection.

The post Cyqur Launches A Game-Changing Data Encryption and Fragmentation Web Extension appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

[By Daniel Barber, CEO and founder, DataGrail]

Data privacy is a volatile market. While consumers continue to demand stronger personal data protections, companies are scrambling to keep track of an ever-evolving patchwork of applicable laws and regulations.

In this environment, cybersecurity professionals need to understand the current state of data privacy as well as where it’s headed. The stakes are high. These market shifts have put CISOs under increased scrutiny, with missteps regularly leading to burnout, dismissal, and even legal action.

Below, we’ll discuss what’s next for data privacy regulation and how it will affect the role of CISOs within their organizations.

Adapting to regulatory change

There has been a groundswell of concern about how personal information is acquired, used, stored, and sold in recent years, prompting governments to enact laws that regulate how consumer data is leveraged. This has led to the establishment of important privacy frameworks, such as the GDPR in Europe or the CPRA in California. Although there is still no federal law protecting data privacy in the U.S., Gartner estimates that nearly 75% of the global population will have its personal data covered by privacy regulations by 2024.

Nevertheless, technology continues to outpace regulation. Take AI, for instance. In addition to acting as a boon for businesses and CISOs, advances have led to a rise in data privacy concerns. Regulatory responses to these developments have made CISOs’ jobs even more complex They are now required to find solutions that not only respond to the GDPR and CPRA (neither of which explicitly govern AI) and ever-evolving data privacy legislation, they also have to take into account burgeoning AI regulations such as the in the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act and & China’s Internet Information Service Algorithmic Recommendation Management Provisions.

In practice, this all means that cybersecurity professionals need to develop innovative approaches for uncovering data risks and mapping AI use, all while getting ahead of enforcement.

Protecting Data Privacy Makes Business Sense

The regulatory landscape is undoubtedly evolving, but it does not need to handicap CISOs as all is being sorted out. There are several business reasons CISOs need to implement well-defined data privacy practices today that will hold up to future legislation.

  1. The recent uptick of privacy rights requests reveals how people are pushing for more control over their data. Eight in 10 consumers believe that the U.S. should have a federal law to protect their data. While consumer data can be useful for personalizing products and advertising, CISOs should remember that it’s also necessary to implement efficient systems for putting privacy back into the hands of users. Failure to do so risks lowering consumer trust, tarnishing brand reputation, and potentially losing customers.
  2. Customers, clients, and vendors are also driving data privacy management and compliance. Companies expect their vendors to protect their customers’ data, and if/when that trust is violated, they will take their business elsewhere. Your clients and vendors will hold you and be held to the same standards to reduce their risk.
  3. Finally, Boards have a voice in data privacy practices and the systems used to comply with the expanding range of regulations. As they continue learning how critical data privacy is for brand image and customer satisfaction, they’ll expect CISOs to offer cutting-edge solutions.

Three strategies for staying ahead of privacy risk

Given these new drivers of data privacy compliance, how can cybersecurity pros get ahead of risk?

To adapt to evolving technologies and regulations in 2024 and beyond, CISOs can start with three strategies: internal collaboration, privacy by design, and external partnerships.

First, CISOs and their legal counterparts should be working in lockstep. To make these collaborations fruitful and sustainable, CISOs and GCs need to ensure that they’re speaking the same language. This will enable the former to learn about the legal context of data privacy and the latter to weigh in on more granular solutions.

Second, CISOs must ensure that their solutions take privacy into consideration at every turn, across all levels of the workforce. For example, how is personal data handled by marketing? Customer support? In the development of products, services, and systems? What is the potential impact of the use of personal data in each respect? By asking and answering such questions on the front-end, CISOs can prevent putting out fires after the fact.

Finally, when it comes to risk prevention regarding new technologies such as AI, find the right partners. In a space this fast-moving, many organizations don’t have the knowledge or personnel required to get ahead of risk. They don’t yet know what they don’t know about the exact consequences that will follow the use of these technologies. For that reason, beware of any company that claims to be able to ‘control’ AI. Instead, seek out partners that can help you with discovery and monitoring. Such partners can help CISOs gain a holistic understanding of their organization’s data privacy risks and keep pace as they evolve.

One thing is certain in 2024: data privacy needs to be top of mind for CISOs. Whether it’s because regulations evolve or based on the demands of consumers, customers, vendors, or boards. CISOs must plan for data privacy by working across teams, instilling a culture of privacy within all levels of the organization, taking privacy by design, and choosing the partners who can best assist them with discovery and monitoring so that they will be ready to adapt to whatever comes next. Those that take data privacy seriously will position their organizations for success in navigating this period of rapid change.

The post What CISOs Need to Know About Data Privacy in 2024 appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a highly respected cybersecurity certification that addresses the needs of professionals and employers for robust and adaptable cloud security expertise. As cyber threats continue to escalate, the demand for skilled cloud security professionals surges, and the CCSP offers a rigorous, vendor-neutral program designed to bridge this talent gap.

What are the biggest barriers holding back cloud adoption in your organization?

The ongoing lack of qualified cybersecurity talent with the necessary knowledge and experience continues to be the most critical barrier to faster cloud adoption (37%). This is followed by legal and regulatory compliance issues (30%) and data security and leakage risks (29%). [Source: 2023 Cloud Security Report produced by Cybersecurity Insiders]

The CCSP demonstrates professionals have the advanced technical skills and knowledge in securing data, applications, and infrastructure in the Cloud. This vendor-neutral certification not only showcases a solid foundational understanding of pivotal cloud security concepts but also demonstrates the holder’s adaptability across different scenarios and platforms. It’s an ideal certification for IT and information security professionals seeking to prove their proficiency in cloud security and protecting critical assets in the Cloud.

ADDRESSING THE CYBERSECURITY TALENT SHORTAGE

The cybersecurity sector is confronted by a pressing talent shortage, as highlighted by the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2023. With the proliferation of multi-cloud deployments, the complexity of securing these environments, together with the demand for certified professionals, has surged. CCSP-certified professionals come equipped with the expertise to implement best practices in cloud security architecture, design, and operations to effectively protect cloud environments against ever evolving security threats.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) credential is a testament to the certified professional’s deep understanding and expertise in cloud security.

Here is a highlight of the unique features that make this certification stand out:

  1. Vendor-Neutral Approach: CCSP champions a vendor-neutral perspective, emphasizing industry best practices and ensuring seamless cloud security expertise across multi-cloud or mixed cloud environments.
  2. Rigorous Requirements: Unique in its requirement for cloud experience (1 year), IT experience, and information security experience, the CCSP stands apart in its rigorous standards.
  3. Accreditation: The CCSP certification is accredited by ISC/IEC/ANAB for internationally recognized cloud standards, such as ISO/IEC 17024, 17788, 17789, 27017, and 27018.
  4. Continuous Learning: CCSP mandates ongoing professional education, ensuring that certified professionals remain current on emerging threats, technologies, regulations, standards, and practices.

BENEFITS OF CCSP CERTIFICATION

With the CCSP from ISC2, professionals are not just gaining a title; they are showcasing a specialized, in-demand skill set in the evolving cloud security landscape. Here are some of the key benefits that accompany this achievement:

  1. Career Progression: The CCSP certification can significantly elevate your professional stature, opening doors to new opportunities and higher visibility within the industry.
  2. Versatile Skills: With its vendor-neutral focus, CCSP imparts skills that can be applied across different technologies and methodologies.
  3. Credibility: The certification demonstrates a solid foundation to protect against cyber threats effectively.
  4. Networking: As an ISC2 member, professionals gain access to a robust peer network, exclusive resources, educational tools, and networking opportunities.
  5. Higher Compensation: CCSP certification can lead to higher compensation. Certification Magazine’s 2023 survey lists average salaries of $137,100 (U.S.) and $115,150 (globally).
  6. Expanded Knowledge Base: Certified professionals develop a deeper and broader understanding of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK®) in cybersecurity.

“Cloud is in the present and it will be here in the future. Every company will always have a footprint in the Cloud. The CCSP is a credential that, as a cybersecurity professional, you need to invest in. It is an asset that will serve you for years.” Panagiotis Soulos Global Information Security Manager Intrum, Athens, Greece

PATH TO CERTIFICATION

  1. JOIN ISC2 AS A CANDIDATE: Begin your CCSP journey with ISC2 membership. Candidates get perks like 20% off training and 30-50% off textbooks. Start here: isc2.org/candidate
  2. ACQUIRE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: CCSP requires at least five years of cumulative, full-time experience in IT, with three years in information security and one year in one or more of the six domains in the current ISC2 CCSP Exam Outline: (1) Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design, (2) Cloud Data Security, (3) Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security, (4) Cloud Application Security, (5) Cloud Security Operations, (6) Legal, Risk, and Compliance.

    Without the experience? Pass the CCSP exam and become an Associate of ISC2, then gain the required experience within six years.

  3. STUDY FOR THE EXAM: ISC2 offers numerous self-study resources to help candidates prepare. Some CCSP candidates pass the exam through self-study, while others opt for Official ISC2 Training to refresh their knowledge.
  4. PASS THE EXAM: The CCSP exam has 150 questions with a four-hour time limit.
  5. COMPLETE ENDORSEMENT: After passing the exam, candidates have nine months to complete the ISC2 endorsement process.
  6. MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION: Certified ISC2 members recertify every three years by earning CPE credits and paying an annual maintenance fee (AMF) to support
    ongoing professional development.

CCSP TRAINING OPTIONS

ISC2 collaborates with global partners to deliver Official CCSP Training tailored to different learning styles and preferences.

Their Online Self-Paced Training utilizes AI for a personalized adaptive learning experience, complete with engaging materials and progress analytics.

The Online Instructor-Led option offers domain-focused content via live sessions, fostering collaboration in a virtual classroom, while the Classroom format provides in-person, small group sessions facilitated by ISC2 Authorized Instructors.

For more details on training options, visit https://www.isc2.org/training/ccsp-training

“Certification from widely recognized bodies like ISC2 clarifies factual information versus opinion. In cloud security, it’s important to provide recommendations based on facts supported by data. The CCSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK®) is a great source of information in that respect.” – Vanessa Leite Principal Strategy and Consulting CyberCX, Wellington, New Zealand

OUR VERDICT

In an era where cloud security is paramount, the CCSP certification is ideal for professionals seeking to validate their expertise and for organizations in search of competent cloud security experts. With its stringent standards, continuous learning approach, and comprehensive training options, the CCSP is indisputably the leading cloud security certification that adds immense value to cybersecurity professionals. Successfully passing the exam proves the certified professional’s advanced understanding and technical capability to effectively design, manage, and protect data, applications, and infrastructure in the Cloud using best practices, policies, and procedures.

ABOUT ISC2

ISC2 is an international nonprofit membership association focused on inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Best known for the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification, ISC2 offers a portfolio of credentials that are part of a holistic, pragmatic approach to security. Our association of nearly 500,000 members, associates and candidates strong, is made up of certified cyber, information, software and infrastructure security professionals who are making a difference and helping to advance the industry.

For more information about CCSP certification and training, contact an Education Consultant in your region:

Americas | +1.866.331.4722 ext. 2 | Email: training@isc2.org
Europe, Middle East, and Africa | +44 203 960 7800 | Email: info-emea@isc2.org
Asia-Pacific | +852.5803.5662 | Email: isc2asia@isc2.org
www.isc2.org

The post REVIEW: ISC2 CERTIFIED CLOUD SECURITY PROFESSIONAL (CCSP) CERTIFICATION appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

[By Neal Humphrey, VP Market Strategy at Deepwatch]

Anyone following the deployment of self-driving cars knows the technology is proving far from foolproof. In the most recent development, the New York Times found that employees at the General Motors-owned autonomous vehicle-maker Cruise remotely “intervene” in the operations of its AI-driven cars every 2.5 to five miles.

Cruise is not alone in its struggles. The issues, largely, are in the thousands of little variations in traffic patterns that speckle our driving lives, to which machines often fail to appropriately react. Cruise came under fire when one of its cars hit and dragged a woman who’d entered its path after she was struck in a hit-and-run. A freak occurrence, to be certain, but one a reasonable human driver could’ve handled more safely.

As it turns out, the troubles in the world of self-driving cars mirror exactly the problem with how we’re currently addressing artificial intelligence in a cybersecurity environment. There is so much hype around the technology that we’ve failed to root our discussions—and expectations— in a realistic view of security issues.

Just like how self-driving cars can’t know how to decipher every human-caused variation in our daily driving lives, AI can never fully protect us from human errors that compromise our systems. Those errors are often fueled by the unpredictable variable that is human emotion.

What AI will do, and quickly, is identify the gaps in our current security capabilities. That sword cuts both ways. AI can be used to exploit those gaps faster. But we can also use it to help close and mitigate them. The trick is to keep the human in mind as we deploy this new technology.

The Problem With Blind AI Trust

For some, Chat GPT may give the impression that AI is brand new, but in reality, technological history already includes several examples of companies who turned AI loose before it was ready.

The results have not been great. You may remember, for instance, the quick rise and fall of Microsoft’s Twitter AI bot named Tay, which, in just 24 hours, began spewing racist and antisemitic rhetoric. Tay’s successor, Zo, lasted longer—three years—but eventually came under fire for being so touchy to controversy that she “transforms into a judgmental little brat,” as one writer put it.

It’s often beyond our imagination how AI will interpret situations and go about responding to them. And it’s impossible to control for every possible situation. When it comes to security, AI can’t know when humans are going to make costly errors like, say, falling for an email or telephone phishing scam. It can account for logic, but most human errors at their core are emotional. The recent Okta breach, which exposed the data of 134 of its customers, offers a perfect example: Hackers were able to access credentials through a service account saved to an employee’s personal Google profile, which the employee had logged into on a company laptop, presumably out of convenience.

An AI engine can’t outright bring a stop to these sorts of breaches. But it can learn patterns of behavior, issue warnings, and help organizations better prepare to react.

A Smarter Approach to AI in Security

The bottom line is that we can’t treat AI like a silver bullet. There is no one tool that will solve all of our security problems. Unfortunately, over the last five years, the industry has been tying itself in a knot, replacing talent with automation and point solutions. We seem to have forgotten that businesses are made up of real humans who make real mistakes.

This is not to take away from the power of generative AI and machine learning, which can and will be a powerful assistant to help us create more secure organizations. Over time, I suspect we’ll be able to talk to AI in plain language about security challenges and receive responses on how we can better respond to threats or breaches. That, in fact, is already starting to happen in some corners of the market. AI eventually will be very good at pointing out errors and warning us of potential security problems or dangerous scenarios. It can and should be set loose to recognize patterns that suggest individual employees are particularly prone to putting the company at risk.

But it will never be able to stop all emotion-based human error. Our response plans should be taking into account not only the best in automation, detection, and tooling, but also how a change could impact various pieces of an organization. We talk a lot about breaking down silos throughout the ground floor of an operation, but our current challenge involves getting the executives on the upper floors to understand impact and expected action—not to outsource responsibility for the magic pixies that fly through the wires. What has always been true remains so: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving thing, and it requires an incredible amount of human diligence to properly operate and defend an organization.

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[By Andrew Hural, Director of Managed Detection and Response, UnderDefense]

Through the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), increased cyberwarfare and new emerging technologies, the security landscape has evolved significantly, with new threats emerging and existing ones growing in sophistication. Cybersecurity in 2024 is more critical than ever and as we look ahead this year, it’s imperative for businesses to be aware of the top cybersecurity threats that could seriously impact their operations and data security.

  1. Hyper-Personalized Phishing Attacks

In 2024, businesses must remain vigilant against hyper-personalized phishing attacks. Phishing attacks have long been a threat, but they have taken on a new level of sophistication. Cybercriminals have learned to use AI and machine learning to craft convincing, tailored messages that can deceive even the most security-conscious individuals. These highly personalized phishing attacks can compromise sensitive information, leading to data breaches and financial losses. The consequences are severe, with reputational damage and regulatory penalties looming over companies that fall victim to these attacks.

  1. The Skilled Cybersecurity Talent Gap

The shortage of skilled cybersecurity talent remains a pressing issue, and it’s expected to worsen in 2024. According to research, 54% of cybersecurity experts believe that the skills shortage has deepened over the past two years. In response to this crisis, the year 2024 is anticipated to see a surge in efforts to bridge this gap. Businesses will likely have to offer higher salaries to attract skilled individuals and invest substantially in training, development, and upskilling programs to ensure they have the cybersecurity expertise necessary to combat emerging threats effectively.

  1. Generative AI: The Double-Edged Sword

The escalating sophistication of AI is a double-edged sword for businesses. On one hand, AI will be used for ingenious, AI-driven attacks, such as deepfake social engineering attempts and malware that adapts intelligently to avoid detection. On the other hand, AI will empower businesses to identify, evade, or neutralize threats through real-time anomaly detection, intelligent authentication, and automated incident response. AI will be a pivotal tool in the cyber warfare of 2024, offering both innovative attack vectors and robust defense mechanisms.

  1. The Increased Number of Highly-Skilled Threat Actors

Global conflicts and cyber warfare have rapidly increased the number of highly skilled threat actors. In 2024, businesses and governments around the world are likely to experience the consequences of this escalation. These skilled adversaries will engage in sophisticated attacks on infrastructures, aiming to disrupt operations and conduct espionage. Cyber warfare and state-sponsored attacks underscore the readiness of states to employ cyberattacks against military and civilian infrastructure. Phishing and DDoS attacks will continue to be primary tactics for disrupting operations, with an added risk of cyber attacks targeting democratic processes during major elections.

  1. More Attacks on the Cloud & Hybrid Cloud

The cloud has become the backbone of modern businesses, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, it has also become a prime target for cybercriminals. In 2024, expect to see more attacks on the cloud and hybrid cloud environments. As businesses increasingly rely on these platforms, hackers will aim to exploit vulnerabilities within cloud infrastructure. Data breaches, service disruptions, and intellectual property theft are the potential outcomes of these attacks. To mitigate these threats, businesses must prioritize robust cloud security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring.

  1. Surge in Supply Chain Attacks: Targeting the Weakest Link

In 2024, supply chain attacks are on the rise, with smaller businesses becoming prime targets due to their generally lower and less sophisticated cyber defenses. Malicious actors recognize that these smaller entities, integral to larger supply chains, may lack robust cybersecurity measures. Exploiting vulnerabilities in these smaller businesses allows cybercriminals to infiltrate larger organizations further down the supply chain. This strategy leverages the interconnected nature of businesses, using the weaker links as gateways to compromise more significant targets. As a result, businesses of all sizes must prioritize bolstering their cybersecurity measures, fostering collaboration within the supply chain, and implementing stringent vetting processes to fortify defenses against the escalating threat of supply chain attacks.

Businesses must recognize the seriousness of the cybersecurity threats they face. To protect themselves, organizations must invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, upskill their workforce, and stay vigilant against evolving threats. The consequences of failing to address these threats are not only financial but also reputational and regulatory. The future of cybersecurity is complex, and businesses must be prepared to adapt to the evolving threat landscape to ensure their continued success.

The post The Top 6 Cybersecurity Threats Businesses Must Tackle in 2024 appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

[By Adam Goldfeld – Technology Team Lead at Classiq]

Today’s media narrative around quantum computing’s role in cybersecurity is overwhelmingly negative, because quantum computers will render today’s encryption standards redundant, leaving much of our data at risk of being decoded. While this is a genuine concern, it’s one that can and is being addressed. Instead, it is now time to move beyond this basic analysis of quantum computing and focus on the positive potential of this technology to improve our privacy, security, and safety.

Cause for concern

First, it’s important to understand how quantum computing will impact encryption. For decades, the RSA encryption algorithm has been the standard system used to securely transmit data. Classical computers can decrypt RSA, but it takes an astronomically long time.

In 1994, American mathematician Peter Shor developed a quantum algorithm that essentially could break RSA encryption phenomenally faster. The current quantum computers aren’t powerful enough to run Shor’s algorithm, but the technology is developing at speed. Estimates vary, but a quantum computer capable of running the algorithm could be ready in 10 years’ time – if not sooner.

Given that time frame, most forms of encrypted data and communications, such as emails or plans for a near-term project, can still safely use RSA. But data today that will still be relevant in a decade or more – think financial records, medical records, or government data – are less secure. Criminal actors or hostile nations could harvest and download encrypted files now with the intention of decrypting them later once the technology is ready.

Financial institutions, large organizations, and governments are rightly concerned about the vulnerability of RSA, but many are already taking steps to address this issue by assessing and changing their encryption protocols. For example, the US administration last year ordered government agencies to audit their systems to identify which are using RSA and set a timeline for transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography. Meanwhile, there has already been extensive work by researchers to develop quantum-safe encryption standards – some of which will be based on quantum technology. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced the first four Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Algorithms and is planning to announce additional four algorithms in the future.

It’s important, therefore, to take a step back and realize that while quantum technology may undermine RSA-based security, quantum will also play a big role in creating new security standards that will improve how we communicate, make transactions, and go about our daily lives.

A new era of security

Quantum-based encryption is already in development. These protocols will allow people to communicate more securely, as it will be much harder for bad actors to collect or intercept data using these quantum communication protocols.

For instance, quantum key distribution will allow two communicating users to tell whether a third party has tried to eavesdrop or tamper with a transmission. This system of key distribution relies on a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics: that trying to measure a quantum system will disturb that system. Someone trying to obtain a key in order to observe the data packet will introduce detectable anomalies, allowing the rightful owner or recipient to put a quick stop to the transmission if needed.

Similarly, quantum technology will enable true random number generation. Random number generators (RNGs) are used in security protocols to create encryption and decryption keys and things like one-time passwords. However, today’s RNGs still follow some form of code, meaning that patterns could be detected over a large enough dataset. If this code is cracked, a bad actor could access a data file or an account.

However, the numbers derived from a quantum-powered RNG can be generated entirely randomly, meaning there is no way to discern what it will come up with. This true randomness will make it much harder to decipher, identify, or steal encrypted information, meaning companies that adopt quantum RNG can vastly improve the security of data transfers and communications.

Taking AI/ML to the next level

The greatest potential for quantum computing security applications is within artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).

There is already a huge scope for AI/ML in security. By feeding large datasets to machine-learning models, AI can be created that can assess and identify potential threats, whether that’s fraudulent behavior, suspicious transactions, or emails containing harmful malware. The issue today is that there is simply too much data for classical computers to process in a reasonable timeframe, limiting how much data can be fed into an AI/ML model and, thus how “smart” it can be or how accurate the results it produces will be.

But the speed advantage offered by quantum computing means that a quantum computer can take all that data, create connections, and feed those connections to an ML model, which a classical computer will still be able to run and operate. Quantum computing will allow you to create those models much more quickly and be more confident in the resulting algorithm. Alternatively, there is a possibility for AI/ML models to run entirely on the quantum computer, enhancing classification and regression capabilities.

Such  AI/ML models will be much more accurate at neutralizing cybersecurity threats, such as by spotting phishing emails in an inbox or identifying suspicious user behavior perhaps caused by someone logging into a system using stolen credentials.

Thinking beyond cybersecurity, using quantum computing to improve AI/ML models has applications in many industries. For instance, it can improve the object-orientation algorithms needed for autonomous driving features, making roads safer. Similarly, quantum machines could process and analyze large amounts of CCTV or police bodycam footage recorded every day to identify criminal activity.

Meanwhile, the finance industry could benefit in multiple ways. More advanced ML algorithms could be used to improve credit risk analysis as well as for financial fraud detection. Also, high-frequency trading algorithms used by financial institutions have been connected to flash crashes in the stock market when these automated trading bots make errors; improving these algorithms through quantum data processing should limit these errors, adding stability to financial markets, as well as helping financial institutions generate more profit.

Then there is national security. As mentioned, quantum encryption is a key development, enabling governments to better protect communications and state secrets, but there’s also an exciting area of research called quantum metrology: the use of quantum computing in radar technology. Improving the ability to detect things in greater detail that otherwise may go unnoticed could provide key intel and early warning of potential threats, such as fighter jets, missiles or drones. Applying quantum-powered algorithms to analyze satellite imagery could also provide key battlefield intelligence in real-time, such as troop movements or the placement of defenses.

Ultimately, these are just a few ways that quantum computing provides opportunities for creating a safer, more secure world. By using quantum machines to process more information, at a faster pace, organizations will have the ability to create vastly more sophisticated AI. They can rely less heavily on heuristics or intelligent guesses and instead make more informed choices. While sufficiently powerful quantum computers are still some years away, there are exciting opportunities ahead.

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Effective cybersecurity leadership is vital for organizations worldwide. It requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic vision and effective communication to create a security-conscious culture that withstands the challenges of today’s digital world.

Cybersecurity leaders embed security across operations, rapidly respond to threats and advise senior leaders. They stay in front of cybersecurity trends from a technical standpoint, implement security planning into broader organizational objectives and build a strong security and risk-based culture.

With the many challenges of the role come substantial rewards, personally, professionally and financially.

Do you have what it takes to rise to the top in cybersecurity? ISC2, creator of the CISSP, recommends these specific steps to guide tomorrow’s cyber leaders on their path to purpose and impact.

  1. Become an ISC2 Candidate. Begin your journey by joining ISC2, the world’s leading cybersecurity professional organization, more than 500,000 members, associates and candidates strong. As part of their One Million Certified in Cybersecurity pledge to help close the workforce gap, you’ll be able to access free Official ISC2 Online Self-Paced Training for Certified in Cybersecurity entry-level certification and a free exam. Candidates can also tap a full range of benefits, including 20% off online training and up to 50% off textbooks. Sign up now to get your first year free.
  2. Start your journey toward CISSP certification. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from ISC2 demonstrates you’re a cybersecurity leader with the expert knowledge to design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program in any environment. It was the first information security credential to meet the strict conditions of ISO/IEC Standard 17024, and it’s the most globally recognized standard of achievement in the industry.

To qualify for the CISSP, Candidates must have a minimum of five years cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the ISC2 CISSP exam outline.

If you don’t yet have the required experience to become a CISSP, you can become an Associate of ISC2 after successfully passing the CISSP exam. Then you’ll have six years to earn the experience needed for CISSP certification.

  1. Keep learning. Cybersecurity never stands still. It’s a constantly evolving field that requires continuing education to stay in front cyberthreats and on top of trends. Professionals can choose from a variety of flexible learning options, including:

ISC2 Certificates turn a laser focus on specific subject matters. And with courseware created on the hottest topics by cybersecurity’s most respected certifying body, you’re assured the most current and relevant content. Choose from online instructor-led or self-paced education with content created by industry experts:

Online Instructor-Led*
• Prerecorded lessons led by an ISC2 Authorized Instructor
• Instruction that complements self-paced content
• Digital badges upon passing certificate assessments

Online Self-Paced
• Online learning at your own pace
• Videos available for download on demand
• Digital badges upon passing certificate assessments

*Online instructor-led only available for select certificates.

ISC2 CISO Leadership Certificates prepare cyber professionals for the path to excellence at the highest levels of cybersecurity from an executive management point of view. Online on-demand certificates include:

  • Introduction to NIST Cybersecurity Framework
  • Building a High-Performing Cybersecurity Team
  • Purple Team Playbook
  • Gaining Support for Your Security Program
  • Incident Management: Preparation and Response

ISC2 Healthcare Certificates will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to secure patient health information and navigate a complex regulatory environment. Online on-demand certificates include:

  • Healthcare Essentials: Information Security in Healthcare Settings
  • Privacy and Security for Healthcare Organizations
  • Risk Management and Risk Assessment in a Healthcare Setting

ISC2 Cybersecurity Leadership Skill-Builders will help you acquire will help valuable skills as they pursue a career in cybersecurity leadership. Grow what you know with short-format learning designed to fit your busy schedule.

Cybersecurity around the globe needs more leaders who set clear priorities and promote best practices across all levels of the organization. If you have what it takes, answer the call to cybersecurity leadership. Learn More.

More questions about CISSP? Get Answers in the Ultimate Guide, everything you need to know about CISSP. Download Now.

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