Category: How-To Guide

Network security professionals protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information across the network. They’re expert at applying strategies, processes and technologies that guard against unauthorized access and harm.

Are you ready for a career in network security? ISC2, creator of the leading advanced cybersecurity certification, the CISSP, recommends these specific steps.

  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 SSCP certification. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification demonstrates you have the knowledge and skills to implement, monitor and administer IT infrastructure using information security policies and procedures. You’re key to protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data for individuals and organizations.

To qualify for the SSCP, candidates must pass the exam and have at least one year of cumulative, paid work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the ISC2 SSCP exam outline.

If you don’t yet have the required experience to become an SSCP, you can become an Associate of ISC2 after successfully passing the SSCP exam. You will then have two years to earn the experience needed for SSCP certification.

  1. Keep learning

Network security 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

Current ISC2 Certificate areas of focus include cloud security, risk management, CISO leadership, healthcare, security engineering, and security administration and operations.

ISC2 Network Security Skill-Builders will help you learn valuable skills as you pursue a career in network security. Grow what you know with short-format learning designed to fit your busy schedule.

A career in network security provides the opportunity to make a significant impact on the world. Qualified professionals are indispensable to organizations, safeguarding their information and systems. See yourself in network security and get started today. Learn More

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

*Online instructor-led only available for select certificates.

The post Thinking about a Career in Network Security? Follow This Path appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

[By Yoav Kalati, Head of Threat Intelligence at Wing Security]

Today, we’re seeing the growing dependence on and adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) tools by businesses and organizations. However, this increased reliance also has posed challenges on the security front, as threat actors try to take advantage of vulnerabilities inherent within SaaS usage – capitalizing on its seamless connectivity and convenience. Wing Security recently released an extensive analysis of 493 companies and found alarming trends regarding the usage of SaaS and its security. For example, Wing discovered that 97% of organizations are facing threats from compromised SaaS supply chain apps, shadow IT increased the risks of data leakage and one-fifth of organizations exhibited incomplete offboarding practices – leading to a growing concern about insider risks.

From managing the risks of third-party applications to implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and optimizing anomaly detection, the strategies below are crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating potential security threats. Despite some of the concerning statistics above, experiences point to the fact that SaaS is safer than ever before – due to the availability of technologies that allow Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) and security teams to navigate the complex landscape of SaaS security.

Here are eight practical tips to bolster your organization’s SaaS security.

1. Discover and Manage Third-Party Application Risks

To mitigate the risks of third-party breaches, it’s crucial to identify and get ahead of the risks of potential weaknesses in your interconnected SaaS supply chain. By knowing about all the third-party SaaS applications connected to your organization, you can be better prepared to take action should a breach occur somewhere in the SaaS supply chain. In addition, making sure that you onboard only trusted applications with secure third-party security controls, policies and procedures is critical.

A supply chain attack occurs when an attacker singles out a vendor, aiming to exploit it as a means to infiltrate a larger network of companies. Entrusting sensitive data to external SaaS vendors exposes organizations to supply chain risks, beyond immediate security considerations. This approach opens the possibility of data breaches, compliance issues and more extensive security challenges.

  1. Regain Control of Your AI-SaaS Landscape

Your SaaS security toolkit should encompass essential capabilities such as uncovering Shadow Artificial Intelligence (AI), controlling AI usage, identifying impersonator AI applications and automating remediation workflows. Additionally, security teams must take decisive actions by granting or restricting access to AI models and implementing necessary AI security measures.

Efficiently discovering and monitoring all AI-using SaaS applications training on your data is crucial, along with constant monitoring of your broader SaaS environment for updates in their terms and conditions regarding AI usage. Embrace methods that promote cross-organizational collaboration through automated remediation workflows, empowering end users to proactively mitigate risks.

  1. Establish Effective Offboarding Procedures

Weak offboarding practices introduce significant security risks to organizations, such as unauthorized access, data breaches and compromised system integrity. This can result in severe consequences, including legal penalties, financial losses and damage to reputation and customer trust. Shockingly, Wing detected that 1 out of 5 organizations have experienced incomplete offboarding processes for some former employees.

To address this issue, it’s critical to implement effective offboarding procedures, especially for managing insider threats. Leveraging centralized methods like SaaS security posture management (SSPM) can facilitate the manual process of de-provisioning users from core business SaaS and shadow IT applications, minimizing the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access.

  1. Leverage Threat Intelligence for Data Breach Tracking

Access to near-real-time threat intelligence alerts is crucial for staying informed about security incidents, enabling quick reactions to mitigate potential damages. In 2024, CISOs and their teams will continue to face various SaaS security threats, both known and new. To effectively manage these risks, prioritizing threat monitoring and leveraging an SSPM solution is essential.

  1. Gain Control Over Data Sharing Practices

Ensuring effective access control and managing file sharing are crucial steps for organizations wanting to mitigate data-related risks and prevent sensitive data exposure. However, implementing these security measures while adapting to the evolving demands of a rapidly changing business landscape can be challenging.

To address this challenge, implement stringent automated access control measures for your data and regularly review sharing settings and permissions. Additionally, consider adding password protection to sensitive files and actively promote general cybersecurity awareness to prevent data leaks and unauthorized exposure.

  1. Prioritize SaaS Misconfiguration Remediation

Misconfigurations of SaaS applications create vulnerabilities that can lead to data breaches. Mistakes during the setup and onboarding of SaaS applications can lead to accessing sensitive data stored in the cloud. That’s why it is critical to align with best practices in SaaS security to prevent unauthorized access. This can be done by swiftly correcting misconfigurations in your SaaS environment. With a proactive strategy to identify and resolve errors on time, you can boost your defenses against potential breaches.

  1. Optimize Anomaly Detection for Threat Identification

Nowadays, threat actors exploit vulnerabilities more easily, with a growing trend of abusing unsecured credentials found through scanning public codes. Over the past year, this trend has surged across multiple platforms, particularly software development platforms where developers commonly use hard-coded credentials. By remaining vigilant and addressing these vulnerabilities, organizations can effectively mitigate the risk posed by unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Strengthening threat detection capabilities and maintaining vigilance through anomaly detection guards, tracking user behavior, and detecting unusual or suspicious actions are crucial for preserving a resilient cybersecurity posture and safeguarding sensitive data.

  1. Enforce MFA for User Protection

Wing’s findings reveal crucial insights into MFA implementation from within numerous customer environments. We found that a surprising number of organizations did not implement MFA on any of their users, leaving them vulnerable to potential security breaches and compromises. Unauthorized individuals may exploit this lack of authentication protection to gain access to sensitive data, systems or resources.

Implementing MFA is highly effective in strengthening defenses against unauthorized access and SaaS attacks. It stands as the optimal solution to thwart credential-stuffing attacks. It is recommended to implement multiple forms of identification and multi-step login processes, such as numerous passwords and additional verification steps.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through cloud-based services, the attack surface for organizations continues to grow. From supply chain risks to misconfigurations and the introduction of new risks through AI, the SaaS threat landscape is continuously expanding. However, companies can get ahead of SaaS attacks by taking a proactive and vigilant approach by leveraging the right technology.

Yoav Kalati is the Head of Threat Intelligence at Wing Security, with extensive experience in the security field since 2008. Beginning their career as an Intelligence Analyst with the Israel Defense Forces, they transitioned to a cybersecurity analyst role, eventually leading a team as a cyber threat analyst. In 2018, Kalati assumed the role of Head of Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysis Section at J6 & Cyber Defense Directorate, IDF, subsequently serving as Acting Head of Cyber Research Branch. Currently, Kalati serves as the Head of Threat Intelligence at Wing Security. They attended The Hebrew University of Jerusalem from 2015 to 2018, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Relations.

The post 8 Tips To Protect Your Organization in the Evolving SaaS Landscape appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

[By John Anderson, Enterprise Information Security Manager, Lands’End]

Securing electronic messaging services, particularly when utilizing third-party services, is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of your communications. Limiting who can send on your behalf is crucial to maintaining email reputation, security, and governance, ensuring that your communications are trusted by others while preventing unauthorized senders from spoofing your identity and ruining your reputation.

Industry recommendations are to limit outbound messages from your official sending domain to a single relay point. This can be provided by a specially configured secured email relay solution or a third-party messaging security solution, such as Microsoft, Mimecast, Proofpoint et al. It is essential that all third-party messaging partners relay messages through your configured secured email relay to present a single point of reference that can now have DKIM, SPF, DMARC, and other messaging standards (BIMI) applied uniformly. This will improve your overall reputation in the public messaging industry and allow you to track and remediate any potential issues.

There are multiple security, process, and business integrity reasons why you should not add Third Party Partners to your SPF records. These include but are not limited to the following:

  • Managing multiple partners within your SPF records requires constant attention and risks missing removals or changes in the business direction.
  • SPF record may become too large and cause lookup failures with impact delivery rates.
  • Third-Party partners can inadvertently send messages out with your domain signature that are not authorized or related to your business.
  • You are unable to verify what messages were sent by the third party and to whom. This may lead to a Bad Reputation score as a spammer sending unsolicited messages.
  • Third-Party partners may suffer a breach, and this now becomes your breach.
  • You may lose customers’ confidence and have reduced opening rates for your messages.

Here are some best practices to ensure correct DKIM, SPF, DMARC, and overall security standards:

  • “Choose a Reputable Proxy Service Provider”: Ensure that the third-party proxy service provider you choose has a good reputation for security and reliability. Look for providers with a history of maintaining high standards of security compliance.
  • “Implement DKIM, SPF, and DMARC”: These are essential email authentication protocols for preventing email spoofing and phishing attacks.
    • “DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)”: Sign outgoing messages with digital signatures to verify the sender’s domain.
    • “SPF (Sender Policy Framework)”: Define which IP addresses are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.
    • “DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance)”: Specifies how your domain’s emails should be handled if they fail authentication checks.
    • “BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification)”: BIMI adds a verified sender logo that appears next to your message in the inbox.
  • “Configure DNS Records”: Ensure that your DNS records are correctly configured to support DKIM, SPF, and DMARC. The DNS records should include the necessary public keys, SPF records, and DMARC policies.
  • “Monitor Email Traffic”: Regularly monitor your email traffic to detect any anomalies or suspicious activities. This includes monitoring for failed authentication attempts, unusual message volumes, and unexpected changes in email patterns.
  • “Enforce TLS Encryption”: Require Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption for all incoming and outgoing emails. This ensures that emails are transmitted securely over the internet and are protected from eavesdropping and interception.
  • “Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)”: Require users to authenticate using multiple factors such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to email accounts.
  • “Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing”: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address any vulnerabilities in your email infrastructure. This helps ensure that your systems are up to date with the latest security patches and configurations.
  • “Employee Training and Awareness”: Educate employees about email security best practices, including how to recognize phishing attempts and other email-based threats. Regular training sessions and awareness programs can help prevent security incidents caused by human error.
  • “Review Proxy Service Agreements”: Thoroughly review the service agreements with your proxy service provider to ensure that they comply with your organization’s security requirements and standards. Pay attention to clauses related to data privacy, security, and compliance.
  • “Stay Informed About Emerging Threats”: Keep up to date with the latest developments in email security threats and best practices. Subscribe to security newsletters, participate in industry forums, and collaborate with other organizations to share information about emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

By following these best practices, you can enhance the security of your electronic messaging services when using third-party proxy services and ensure compliance with DKIM, SPF, DMARC, BIMI, and other security standards.

The post Recommended Practices for Enterprise Electronic Messaging Security and Governance appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

As organizations increasingly migrate their operations to public cloud environments, the need for robust security measures has never been more critical. Cloud penetration testing emerges as a crucial component in ensuring the integrity and resilience of systems hosted in public clouds. In this article, we will explore the significance of cloud penetration testing, its unique challenges in public cloud settings, and best practices to fortify your cloud infrastructure against cyber threats.

Understanding Cloud Penetration Testing:

Cloud penetration testing involves simulating cyberattacks on cloud-based systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This proactive approach allows organizations to discover and address potential security issues before malicious actors exploit them. In the context of public clouds, where resources are shared among multiple users, the need for thorough penetration testing is amplified to safeguard sensitive data and maintain regulatory compliance.

Challenges in Public Cloud Environments:

1. Shared Resource Environment: Public clouds operate on a shared resource model, making it essential to assess potential risks associated with neighboring cloud tenants. Penetration testers must navigate through this shared environment to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers attempting to compromise the confidentiality and integrity of data.

2. Elasticity and Dynamic Nature: Public clouds offer scalability and dynamic resource allocation. This elasticity introduces challenges in maintaining a consistent and secure configuration. Penetration tests in public clouds must account for the dynamic nature of the environment, ensuring that security protocols adapt seamlessly to changes in resource allocation.

3. Compliance and Data Residency: Public cloud users often face stringent compliance requirements, and data residency concerns may restrict where certain types of data can be stored. Penetration testing must address compliance issues, ensuring that security measures align with industry regulations and regional data protection laws.

Best Practices for Cloud Penetration Testing in Public Clouds:

A.) Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Begin with a thorough risk assessment to understand the specific threats and vulnerabilities relevant to your public cloud deployment. This foundational step enables penetration testers to tailor their approach to the unique aspects of the cloud environment.

B.) Emulate Real-world Scenarios: Simulate real-world attack scenarios to identify vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malicious actors. This includes testing for common cloud mis-configurations, insecure APIs, and weak access controls that could jeopardize the security of your cloud infrastructure.

C.) Collaboration with Cloud Service Providers (CSPs): Engage in open communication with your cloud service provider to understand their security measures and obtain support for penetration testing activities. Many CSPs offer specific guidelines and tools to enhance security within their platforms.

Continuous Monitoring and Testing: Recognize that the cloud environment is dynamic and subject to constant changes. Implement continuous monitoring and regular penetration testing to adapt security measures in response to evolving threats and the ever-changing nature of cloud configurations.

Conclusion:

Cloud penetration testing in public clouds is a proactive and strategic approach to fortify digital assets against cyber threats. By understanding the challenges unique to public cloud environments and implementing best practices, organizations can confidently embrace the benefits of the cloud while ensuring the security and compliance of their operations. As technology advances, the synergy between robust security measures and cloud innovation will be fundamental in building a resilient and secure digital future.

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Penetration Testing in Public Clouds appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

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.

The post So You Want to be a Leader in Cybersecurity? Follow this Path appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” ― Michael Jordan

Words of wisdom from the athlete the National Basketball Association calls the greatest basketball player of all time. The fact is, you can’t win if you don’t play. But sometimes the worry of missing that first, second or third shot can keep you from jumping in the game.

Don’t let fear hold your back. Cybersecurity certification is a career game-changer, one that opens new possibilities wherever your goals take you.

Get the Confidence Boost You Need
We’ve all experienced the fear of failure. When it comes to pursuing a rigorous cybersecurity certification, like the CISSP from ISC2, that anxiety can be even more intense, thanks to the high stakes involved. But remember, even the most accomplished cyber professionals have to stand up to uncertainty — not only in their pursuit of certification but in the work they do every day.

You can do this, and we’re here to help. Use these five proven strategies to help build confidence leading up to exam day.

1. Set realistic expectations. No one becomes a cybersecurity expert overnight. Set an achievable goal and focus on steady progress instead of immediate perfection. Celebrate every milestone along the way, no matter how small.

2. Embrace a growth mindset. Understand that your knowledge and skills will grow with dedication and hard work. Embrace challenges as opportunities rather than seeing them as potential failures.

3. Break down your goals. The journey to certification can feel overwhelming at times. Break down your exam prep into smaller, manageable tasks. By tackling them one step at a time, you’ll build confidence and chip away at the larger goal.

4. Find a support system. Surround yourself with people who will support you with encouragement, guidance and accountability. Join the ISC2 Community and attend your local ISC2 Chapter meetups.

5. Learn from mistakes. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement and adjust your approach accordingly.

Now move forward with confidence and embrace the exciting world of cybersecurity!

Preparing for the CISSP, CCSP or another ISC2 exam? Watch ISC2 Exam Ready webinars, where expert panels answer common questions about training course content and exams. Another great webinar to check out for last-minute study tips: Exam Prep Hacked.

The post 5 Ways to Conquer Your Certification Exam Fears appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

The need for cybersecurity professionals has been building for years, and nearly exponentially since COVID came on the scene. At this point, it’s painfully evident there’s a wide talent gap in the field, and research proves it — the global workforce needs an influx of 2.7 million cybersecurity professionals to meet demand.1

In a recent survey of cybersecurity professionals, more than three-quarters said it’s “extremely or somewhat difficult to recruit and hire security professionals.”2 A majority (95%) said the cybersecurity skills shortage and its associated impacts have not improved over the past few years, and close of half (44%) say it’s gotten worse.

If the face of today’s pressing need for skilled professionals, there’s never been a better time to launch a career in cybersecurity. The field is ripe with opportunity for all experience levels, from entry-level up.

Lack of IT experience should never be considered a barrier to anyone considering a career in cybersecurity. More than half of cyber professionals today got their start outside of IT.

If you’re thinking of a career in cybersecurity, these tried-and-tested career tips will help you get started.

Tip #1: Sharpen Your Focus

The first question to ask yourself is, “How do I see myself fitting into a cybersecurity career?” What do you bring to the table that’s relevant to the kind of work that’s done in cybersecurity? What elements of cybersecurity do you find interesting, and how can your current skill set and background help you advance? Once you’ve narrowed your target area of focus, start learning all about it by doing your research.

Tip #2: Get Certified

Cybersecurity experts agree, there’s no better way for entry-level professionals to demonstrate their commitment to a career than certification. It not only helps you with foundational education, it can be a door-opener when you’re looking for your first opportunity in the field.

Tip #3: Network

Getting certified can introduce you to like-minded professionals who want to work in cybersecurity or to those who already work in the field. Some certification programs come with a membership to the issuing organizations. Their industry conferences and other events are invaluable for forging connections and learning about open roles.

Social media can also be a helpful place to make contacts and learn about jobs. Many networks, such as LinkedIn, having dedicated cybersecurity forums you can join to stay on top of important industry trends and topics.

Get more tips on how to break into a career in cybersecurity in the ISC2 ebook, Cybersecurity Career Hacks for Newcomers.

 

1 ISC2 2021 Cybersecurity Workforce Study

2 ESG Research Report: “The Life and Times of Cybersecurity Professionals 2021”

The post New to Cybersecurity? Use These Career Hacks to Get a Foot in the Door appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Keeping customer, employee, and company information secure can mean the difference between staying in business and going under. That’s why the importance of cybersecurity can’t be understated.

But exactly how do you keep your systems secure? Here are seven tips that will help you get started.

Work With the Right Data Center

Having an in-house data center is always an option, but it requires a lot of maintenance. You have to be extremely savvy about security too. Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time before your data is compromised.

It’s much easier to work with a data center that is digitally secure, but it is equally as important to work with a data center that is committed to creating a secure physical environment for cloud data centers.

Important information can be compromised over the internet, but it can also be compromised in person. A good data center has digital protections in place, and they are also careful about things like:

  • Access provisioning, so only the appropriate people have access to the appropriate systems
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery, so extreme weather is never an issue
  • Properly locked rooms so servers can’t be removed
  • Regular threat assessments that prevent attacks that are designed to sabotage the data center

Install a Security System

Cybersecurity involves physical security at a data center, but surprisingly, it also includes physical security at your physical location.

Make sure your business has a modern security system and be mindful of how it is set up. You’ll want cameras that focus on the register and the entrance if you have a retail shop, but there are other areas that should be monitored.

Monitor areas where data is stored and secure certain devices, like laptops, by locking them up each night. You can also add trackers to devices so they can be found, should they ever be lost or stolen.

Train Your Employees

Employee training is important for many reasons, but it is especially important when it comes to cybersecurity, as even the most intelligent people can fall prey to cybersecurity threats.

A few ways to train your staff to avoid potential cyber threats include:

  • Educate your staff on how to identify potential phishing attempts
  • Create mock cyberthreats and see how your employees react
  • Train employees on what to do if they think they have received or reacted to a phishing attempt

Make sure employees are being continuously trained on cybersecurity threats. Hackers and criminals are always changing their techniques, so it is important to keep your employees up-to-date on the latest scams.

Limit Access to Information

Not everyone needs access to everything. It’s actually much better from a cybersecurity standpoint to be very selective about who has access to what.

That means password-protecting certain systems and changing those passwords anytime someone changes roles within your organization or leaves to work for another company.

It also means cracking down on password sharing. Employees need to know that they should never give out their password. If another employee needs access to protected information, the information itself should be passed on without compromising the entire system.

Have a Plan for Mobile Devices

Work doesn’t always take place on a desktop computer in the office. Work can be done from anywhere on any device. That’s extremely convenient, but it can be dangerous, as other devices aren’t likely to have the same protections in place as the devices at work.

Make sure you have a mobile security plan. If employees want to be able to store sensitive information or access the corporate network on their phone, make sure that their devices are password protected, the right security apps are installed, and data is encrypted.

If you want greater control over mobile devices, like laptops, cell phones, and tablets, consider providing these devices to your employees. That way you have complete control over the setup of those devices.

It’s also important to have a procedure in place for lost or stolen devices. For example, make sure remote wiping is installed on every device so data can be deleted remotely if the device goes missing.

Upgrade Hardware

Most business owners are always looking for ways to save money. One way to do that is to get the most use out of expensive technology as possible. Just make sure you don’t stretch the lifespan of that technology too far.

Hardware gets outdated relatively quickly. Security patches are only released for newer hardware that can handle the updates. If your hardware is too old, it doesn’t get the update, and it opens you up to cybersecurity threats.

It’s a good idea to update important hardware, like your wireless routers and computer hard drives, every few years so that you know those devices are getting all of the latest updates.

Backup Your Files

Even the most prepared companies can fall prey to cyberattacks. It’s important to have a backup plan, which means regularly backing up your files.

There’s nothing wrong with storing important information locally, but that information also needs to be located somewhere else. Schedule regular backups to be stored on an external hard drive or back up your information to the cloud online.

Fortunately, this is something you no longer have to do manually. You can set up automatic backups that store your information in multiple places without you having to do it manually. Just make sure you double check that the program is backing up the right information at the right intervals to the right location.

Cybersecurity is one of those things that business owners are always thinking about, but it’s often something that gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list in the name of completing more pressing tasks. That is, until your business experiences a data breach.

Prioritize the cybersecurity of your business by following the tips on this list. When you do, you can work confidently knowing that you’re doing everything in your power to keep your important information as safe and secure as possible.

The post 7 Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Children worldwide are increasingly drawn to mobile phones and tablets, largely due to captivating games and applications that not only engage them but also provide a sense of meaning from their unique perspectives. While it’s a reality that we can’t entirely distance them from digital devices, it is possible to shield them from cyber threats, such as viruses and espionage, through the use of apps, settings, and specific tools.

In light of this, here is information to empower parents in safeguarding their children against online threats prevalent in the current cyber landscape:

Google Family Link:

Google has introduced a parental control application called ‘Family Link,’ designed to limit a child’s screen time and is now a default app on numerous Android tablets. Alphabet Inc, the parent company of Google, assures users that data stored on its servers regarding children will never be sold, and children will not be targeted with related ads.

Child Security:

To enhance online security for children, Google provides account controls, allowing parents to set up two-factor authentication for added protection. Additionally, it enables device encryption with a passcode, a feature available for devices running on Android 9 and earlier versions.

Safety Aspect:

All Android devices now come equipped with a Safety Check feature. This feature allows children to contact emergency contacts if they feel unsafe, automatically sharing their location with designated emergency contacts such as 911, parents, or guardians. This safety measure remains active for a maximum of 24 hours. Furthermore, if the child has an AirTag (Apple iPhone) tracking them, the device will recognize this as a potential threat and notify emergency contacts, provided Bluetooth is activated on the child’s device.

For those less tech-savvy, accessing parental controls is simple. Head to the Google Play Store, sign in with your Google email ID, navigate to the top right corner or the profile picture icon, proceed to settings, and find the parental controls tab. Enable it, and much of the work in protecting your child from online threats is managed by the search giant, Google.

The post How to protect kids on Google Android devices from Cyber Threats appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.