In the contemporary digital era, email remains one of the most predominant forms of business communication. With its unrivalled efficiency and ubiquity, email bridges gaps between organisations and their global workforce, facilitating seamless collaboration. However, this prevalence has also placed email at the epicentre of cybersecurity concerns, with cybercriminals leveraging it as a primary vector for nefarious endeavours.

The Double-Edged Sword of Email Popularity

The increasing reliance on email for business operations is evident in the numbers. A report from Statista revealed that approximately 306.4 billion emails were sent and received each day in 2020, a figure projected to increase to over 392.5 billion daily emails by 2026. Further emphasizing email’s significance, the Radicati Group reported that the number of global email users is expected to grow to 4.6 billion by 2025.

While the broad adoption of email has undoubtedly streamlined business processes, it has simultaneously become a beacon for cybercriminals. Recognizing the rich trove of sensitive data, intellectual property, and operational significance within emails, malicious entities are continuously launching attacks. These range from craftily disguised email payloads, such as infected attachments that can paralyze a business with a single click, to more covert endeavours aimed at extracting confidential data. Their ability to leverage email as an attack vector is further enhanced by exploiting the opportunities offered by generative AI tools.

Moreover, email has become the primary conduit for phishing schemes. Instead of viewing humans as the weakest link, we should understand that people represent one of the most essential defence lines in cybersecurity. Their ability to discern and report potential threats significantly augments our collective cyber resilience. Nonetheless, attackers attempt to exploit lapses in judgment or knowledge, sending deceptive emails masquerading as legitimate entities in hopes of misleading users.

Quantifying the Impact of Email-Based Attacks

The repercussions of email-based attacks on businesses are profound and multi-dimensional:

• The IBM 2023 Cost of a Data Breach report revealed that the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, a staggering 15.3% increase from 2020. Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are in the top three of the most expensive data breach factors.
• According to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, a significant 24% of all breaches involved social engineering, of which 60% were BEC and 40% were phishing attacks, emphasizing email’s role as a dominant attack vector. The same report showed that phishing emails were the primary initial vector for spreading ransomware.
• VIPRE reports that the finance industry is the most targeted by far, accounting for 48% of all phishing incidents.

Given the stark numbers, businesses, irrespective of their scale, cannot afford to downplay the email security threat landscape.

Inherent Limitations of Native Email Protections

Platforms like Microsoft 365 Outlook have made commendable strides in offering native email protections. Features such as phishing filters, spam blockers, and malware scanners are now par for the course, and for many, these safeguards might seem sufficiently comprehensive. However, herein lies a critical challenge: the potential for a false sense of security.

Relying solely on these inherent protections could lead businesses into a complacent mindset, believing that they are fully shielded from the multifaceted threats that the cyber environment presents. This can be perilous. Just as a castle with only one line of defence can be breached by a determined adversary, so too can email systems that depend exclusively on native security measures.

As cyber adversaries refine their techniques—employing advanced tactics like zero-day exploits, polymorphic malware, and highly targeted spear-phishing campaigns—these basic security protocols can be outpaced. An environment where security is perceived as ‘good enough’ might stagnate regarding adaptive defence mechanisms, leaving potential vulnerabilities unaddressed. The issue is further exacerbated by the adversarial use of AI tools that help criminals craft and launch persuasive and advanced email-based attacks.

Moreover, many of these native tools function on known threat signatures. Advanced attacks, especially those tailored for a specific organization or individual, might operate below these signature-based detection radars, infiltrating systems undetected. In essence, while native email protections are undoubtedly valuable, treating them as the sole line of defence could result in blind spots.

The Imperative of Third-Party Email Security Solutions

In today’s intricate cyber threat landscape, basic inbox defences often fall short. Businesses must recognize these limitations and encourage proactive measures that complement and bolster these foundational protections.

Third-party email security solutions emerge as crucial, offering an advanced layer of protection beyond native capabilities. These specialized tools not only counter sophisticated threats but also adapt to evolving attack techniques. By investing in them, businesses gain the advantage of continuous threat intelligence, superior anomaly detection, and immediate incident response. In essence, they provide a dynamic shield against both current and emerging email threats, ensuring business continuity and data integrity and reinforcing trust among stakeholders.

Redefining Priorities: Key Considerations for Next-Generation Email Security Solutions

As we navigate the frontiers of the evolving digital landscape, selecting an independent email security solution goes beyond a checklist; it calls for strategic foresight. Here’s how thought leaders should recalibrate their criteria:

1. Holistic Threat Intelligence: Seek solutions that harness global insights, predicting threats before they materialize, transcending reactive models.
2. Behaviour-Driven Analytics: Prioritize platforms adept at understanding the unique behaviour patterns of users, pinpointing anomalies with precision.
3. Adaptive Sandboxing: Value solutions that can simulate and test threats in real-time, evolving with each interaction.
4. Phishing Acumen: Embrace tools that demonstrate mastery in discerning intricate phishing strategies, from spear-phishing nuances to nuanced business email compromise attempts.
5. Empowerment Through Education: Opt for platforms that actively bolster user vigilance through educational snippets, transforming employees from potential vulnerability points to vigilant sentinels.
6. Agile Scalability and Integration: Champion solutions designed for tomorrow, ones that can scale effortlessly and weave seamlessly into your broader cybersecurity tapestry.

 

In conclusion, while the challenge posed by advanced email security threats is undeniably immense, it is not insurmountable. With a proactive approach, informed decision-making, and the right technological allies, businesses can confidently navigate this evolving landscape. Optimism, bolstered by action, is our most effective counter to the cyber threats of tomorrow.

The post Navigating the Landscape of Advanced Email Security Threats with Optimism first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post Navigating the Landscape of Advanced Email Security Threats with Optimism appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Site safety briefings are an essential – and legally necessary – part of the onboarding process for any new starter on a construction site. By offering in-depth safety knowledge to a worker before they begin, construction companies are arming them with all the information they need to keep themselves and their fellow colleagues safe.

But with the rise of digital and cloud technology, these companies now have more options than ever to deliver this information in a format that may differ from tradition, but ultimately suit the candidate better. Which begs the question: Are site safety briefings best delivered on-site or at home via online inductions? Let’s discuss.

The advantages of delivering site safety briefings on-site

In-person interaction

It’s always nice to be able to gauge someone’s personality and sociability ahead of them joining a new team. While a site induction is a very formal affair, it can still be a great time to get to know a new starter a little better and offer a sense of personability between the new starter and the existing member of staff delivering the inductions. 

The disadvantages of delivering site safety briefings on-site

Information can be rushed

Construction sites are time-sensitive machines, with work needing to be kept on schedule if the job is to be completed on time and under budget. Given the need for hard-working staff members to fill the void quickly, these briefings can feel a tad rushed and treated as more of an unwelcome necessity than an essential component of the job. But it is when safety information such as that presented in these briefings is rushed that workers are uncertain of what to do when the situation calls for it.

New starters can feel overwhelmed

Beginning a new role can be daunting at the best of times. But in an industry as safety-critical as construction, it can be overwhelming for even the best of us. If a new starter is dealing with feelings of anxiety and nervousness, having to onboard an entire site safety briefing in one sitting – often early in the morning on their first day – can all seem like too much. Because of this, the information may not make its way into their subconscious as effectively as managers would like.

The advantages of delivering site safety briefings via online inductions at home

Information can be digested in the workers’ own time

Rather than feeling rushed on the first day, online induction software allows candidates to complete the necessary viewing and reading in their own time at a pace that suits them. This will undoubtedly help the new starter onboard the information more effectively, making them a greater help should a safety emergency arise.

Site inductions can be completed from anywhere

While most candidates may opt to complete an online induction from the comfort of their own home, the truth is that with the right induction software, new starters can complete their sit inductions from virtually anywhere, as long as they have the right digital device to view the content. With a smartphone, laptop or tablet, candidates could view the necessary materials from a cafe, the library, or even on the bus during their commute – the choice is theirs.

Managers can collect information and make decisions well ahead of time

When starting a new role in construction, candidates are required to offer proof they have the necessary experience and qualifications to meet the required standard. But it can sometimes be the case that when new starters arrive with their documents for their first day, the documents they have are not up to scratch. This costs the construction company time and effort, having to wait for the new starter to retrieve the right documents or to find a new candidate entirely.

But with online inductions completed at home, new starters can upload digital copies of these documents, offering managers the chance to view and approve them well ahead of time.

The disadvantages of delivering site safety briefings via online inductions at home

A lack of the personal touch

Online inductions may feel on the “lonesome” side when compared to in-person inductions. However, with the right training materials and video presentations, online inductions can often feel just as personable and reassuring as ones delivered on-site, allowing the candidate to get a good feel of their new working role and team long before they ever even arrive.

Invest in online inductions to give your site the versatility it needs

If you’re looking for a way to make your induction process more efficient, accessible and versatile while upholding legal standards, consider investing in online induction software for your company – you won’t regret it.

 

The post Are site safety briefings best delivered on-site or at home? first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post Are site safety briefings best delivered on-site or at home? appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Swarming or DDoS attacks pose a threat to streamers. Multiple devices flooding your internet connection with traffic can cause slowdowns or crashes. A reliable VPN provider always maintains a DDoS-protected server. Your data goes through a secure server, making it harder for attackers to target your actual IP address. In this article, we will continue to explore how a VPN can fortify your Twitch stream.

https://www.bitdefender.com/blog/hotforsecurity/can-vpn-protect-you-from-dos-and-ddos-attacks/

What’s a DDoS attack?

A distributed denial-of-service attack globally harasses and attacks legitimate users and organizations. It is akin to everyone in a crowded room simultaneously screaming “John!” – the overwhelming task of determining who said your name first. Much like our brains, which can only process so much, web servers targeted by a DDoS attack have their limits.

This method is employed by hackers to overwhelm routers and firewalls with an excessive number of network connections. Consequently, like feeling overwhelmed after being called your name a thousand times in a single second, devices that receive more connection requests than they can handle quickly become overwhelmed and start shutting down.

Cybercriminals utilize botnets to launch DDoS attacks. Typically, botnets consist of hundreds or thousands of computers or zombie hosts whose owners are unaware that their devices are being used as an attack platform.

The role of VPN in protection against DDoS attacks

Attackers first locate the target to initiate a denial-of-service attack. On the Internet, every entity is assigned an IP address for identification. Once the attackers obtain the target IP address, they can launch a DoS or DDoS attack against the victim.

VPNs are primarily recognized for their capability to conceal your IP address, making it extremely challenging for threat actors to target you with denial-of-service attacks. To address your query: yes, a VPN can prevent DoS and DDoS attacks.

Because VPN can anonymously stream, streamers can eliminate the possibility of disclosing their IP address. But you must have a good VPN for Twitch so that it provides sufficient speed, works stably, supports kill switches, and protects against IP and DNS address leaks. It is also preferable to choose a VPN with a no-logs policy, like VeePN.

Tips for deploying a DDoS defense home

Remember, using a VPN can help prevent DDoS attacks, but it can’t completely stop them once they’re initiated. To maximize the effectiveness of a VPN in avoiding cyber threats, keep the following points in mind:

• Always use a kill switch to prevent your IP address from being exposed if your internet connection becomes unstable. This can help prevent a DDoS attack on your real IP.
• Select the server location carefully when establishing your connection. Choosing a local server enhances security and reduces latency, especially for latency-dependent services like gaming. Alternatively, consider using a P2P VPN that connects directly to the end server.
• Use different forms of VPN. If you want to level up your streaming game, use the desktop version of the application. To protect your streaming in your browser, you can use Chrome VPN, and you should also use it for surfing. This way you can control which connections will be secure and which will be direct.
• Be careful when changing servers. Some VPN providers may flag your account if they detect multiple IP addresses accessing it using the same account.

DoS vs DDoS attacks

https://www.fortinet.com/de/resources/cyberglossary/ddos-attack

Denial-of-service attacks, as their names imply, aim to disrupt network activity by overwhelming a targeted resource with traffic. While DoS and DDoS share the goal of rendering network resources unavailable, several characteristics set them apart:

• DoS attacks occur between systems, while DDoS attacks utilize multiple machines to flood the target.
• DDoS attacks prove more challenging to detect and mitigate because they employ machines from remote locations. Botnets are frequently used in DDoS attacks, complicating origin tracking.
• DoS attacks operate from single locations, resulting in slower speeds compared to their distributed counterparts.
• DDoS attacks generate vast volumes of traffic, overwhelming network resources rapidly and efficiently.

Are you under a DDoS attack?

To identify if a DDoS attack is underway, there are numerous indicators to consider:

• Your website becomes inaccessible, displaying an HTTP 503 error code.
• There is a significant decline in your connection speeds.
• Logging into banking or financial systems becomes impossible.
• Your Wi-Fi connection abruptly disconnects.

Hackers typically choose the busiest times of the day to carry out these attacks, maximizing their impact. If you realize you are being targeted by a DDoS attack, attempting to restart your router may result in receiving a new dynamic IP address that the hacker is not targeting.

Conclusion

Why is the best VPN for gamers and streamers so often searched for? Two primary considerations revolve around speed and security. A pro gamer may opt for either a direct connection or leverage a VPN with split-tunneling to strike the optimal balance between these two aspects and reap the benefits from both options. In this case, one tunnel will establish a direct connection, and the second will establish a secure connection via VPN.

 

The post VPN to protect against DDoS attacks on Twitch first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post VPN to protect against DDoS attacks on Twitch appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Mobile faxing is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, driven by both businesses and individuals seeking paperless alternatives. Unsurprisingly, many are now opting for mobile fax apps. If you’re an iPhone user on the lookout for a mobile fax app, consider yourself fortunate.

We have created a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best fax app for your iPhone, highlighting key features to consider. With this guide, you can find the best application to send fax without compromising privacy.

https://www.pdfgear.com/scan-pdf/best-fax-apps-for-iphone.htm

What to Look for When Choosing a Fax Application?

#1 Compliance with Requirements

You want to ensure that your information is securely transmitted when sending a medical document or a personal photo. Be sure to look for an application with HIPAA and GDPR adherence for sensitive faxing needs. The best fax apps use encryption to guarantee privacy and comply with standards like HIPAA and GLBA. They store all incoming and outgoing documents in a fully encrypted archive to keep them safe.

One of the market’s best fax apps for iPhone and iPad strictly complies with HIPAA regulations – fax from iPhone. This service offers multiple security features, including 256-bit SSL end-to-end encryption and passcode or Face ID authentication for access. This best iOS fax app is even suitable for sending discreet documents. Moreover, users can scan documents and send them in bulk to numerous numbers worldwide.

Another exceptional fax tool streamlines communication and operations for long-term care institutions, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. Its HIPAA-compliant cloud-based platform provides various other features, such as faxing, document management, and team collaboration. Setting it up is easy, it is affordable, and it supports a wide range of devices. You can even try it for free and save money by purchasing fax credits in bulk.

#2 Don’t Ignore the Trial Version

Most iPhone fax apps offer a free trial option, allowing users to test the software before buying. However, it’s crucial to carefully review the terms of your free trial – some providers may charge you if the trial expires and you fail to cancel it, while others may automatically end it after a specific number of days. The longest trial period available is 30 days, but there are also options for 14 days and seven days.

#3 Easy to Use

https://www.ifaxapp.com/blog/best-fax-app-for-iphone/

A simple and user-friendly free fax app for iPhone is available for anyone to begin using. The app has a clean and intuitive interface, with most offering a free trial to help users evaluate its software. Some even provide unlimited faxes for a week!

One of the most popular fax apps for iPhones allows you to directly add files from Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive. It offers an elegant yet straightforward user interface. The app also provides the option to edit files by adding a title, description, and other recipient details. Moreover, the software offers various cover pages, allowing you to customize your fax based on your specific needs.

#4 Check the Available Number of Faxes

Carefully read the publisher’s terms and conditions before selecting a phone app to learn about its limitations, such as the number of incoming and outgoing faxes you can send.

Most fax services provide a fixed number of faxes you can send and receive per month, usually ranging from 100 to 1,000 pages. Make sure to check the additional charges if you exceed the monthly limit. The service will assign you a dedicated fax number for your faxes.

What Are the Main Criteria for Choosing a Fax Apps?

To ensure the security of your sensitive data when faxing, it is recommended to opt for a fax app that encrypts your documents while they are in transit. Typically, this security feature is available in fax apps with advanced functionalities. The option we mentioned is ideal for secure data transfer. Thus, it is advisable to carefully read the full description on their website or the App Store store page.

Additionally, it is important to assess the provider’s data storage security. This includes evaluating how customer information is protected, as well as the measures taken to safeguard private documents such as contract agreements, tax returns, and private emails. Seek out a provider that utilizes secure servers to ensure the safety of your sensitive data.

Conclusion

If you are interested in secure international faxing with top iOS apps, you will have to spend a little time searching for the ideal service. If you want a quick tip, here it is. The minimum level is fax from the iPhone app, it has everything. If you can find a service with additional features, then good, but definitely don’t settle for anything less.

 

The post The best iOS fax app to protect your privacy first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post The best iOS fax app to protect your privacy appeared first on IT Security Guru.

As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time for cybersecurity experts to gaze into their crystal balls and predict what the next year has set in store for the security industry. In the first part of our predictions round-up experts at My1Login, i-confidential, and OSP Cyber Academy reveal what they believe will be the biggest trends in the year ahead.

Mike Newman, CEO of My1Login: Cloud migration will expand the attack surface

“In the last year organisations have continued to transform by moving more of their applications and data into the cloud. While this has improved the efficiency and availability of services, it has also expanded the enterprise attack surface.

In parallel, we are also seeing organisations migrate their entire corporate directory to the cloud, typically with platforms like Microsoft Entra ID. Many of the applications that historically integrated with the on-premise corporate directory for Single Sign-On will now require manual, password-based authentication, increasing the burden on users and also further extending the attack surface for malicious actors.

Despite its widespread adoption, Microsoft Entra ID only provides a Single Sign On experience for a subset of enterprise applications. This means employees will have a continued, and potentially increasing, reliance on multiple passwords to access cloud applications that can’t natively integrate with Microsoft Entra ID. But this leaves login credentials in the hands of employees, where they are least safe, and it also leaves worrying gaps in enterprise security.

Malicious actors will continue to exploit these gaps in the year ahead, but their attacks will be super charged with the power of Generative AI.

They will use AI to spoof the login pages of legitimate applications, and create sophisticated phishing emails to trick employees into handing over corporate login credentials. Once stolen, these login details will be used to access a wide range of corporate resources to steal sensitive data or execute ransomware.

With the global migration to the cloud leaving gaps in enterprise security, and tools like ChatGPT landing in the hands of criminals, it’s safe to say the stars are set to align for malicious actors in the year ahead.”

i-confidential: People will be the solution

Defending Against Attacks

Ransomware attacks will continue to dominate the threat environment in the next year, and organisations must increasingly look to their people to help them survive in this digital battlefield.

To achieve this, investment in awareness programmes and phishing simulation exercises is essential. These shouldn’t be one-off initiatives. They need to be continuous and updated regularly to ensure they remain relevant as attacks evolve.

When organisations view employees as their first line of defence, and arm them appropriately, it doesn’t matter how phishing or ransomware attacks are executed. Whether they use the latest advancements in Generative AI or go back to their historic roots with Nigerian princes emailing out of the blue with an offer you can’t refuse, people will know to think hard before they click.

Maintaining Strong Foundations

Foundational security isn’t a hot new topic, but its importance will continue to increase in the year ahead, especially in the face of Generative AI.

People are still at the heart of maintaining security. Organisations must focus on getting the basic principles right to help block attackers from getting into their networks. Foundational controls must also take into account complex supply chains, which have the ability to impact data. Some key areas to focus on include:

• Having an up-to-date asset inventory and an understanding of critical assets.
• Having an up-to-date third-party inventory.
• Ensuring policies and standards are current, regularly reviewed, and tested.

The payback is that organisations will be in control of their security. They’ll be able to make sound decisions about priorities, investments, and future strategy. They will also be able to investigate incidents more quickly and effectively.

Organisations struggling with weaknesses in their foundational security will invariably need to turn to experienced security practitioners for help, not AI.

Again, it is people who can make the biggest difference, helping to build foundational controls based on specific business needs.

The Gap is People, Not Tools

Organisations still struggle to find people with the skills needed to fix their security problems. In the year ahead, closing these gaps will become more important than ever because AI is set to change the threat landscape in the favour of adversaries.

No one can afford to overlook these security challenges. Relying on ‘gig economy’ workers and savvy recruiters will become more important than ever, while innovative university courses, such as ethical hacking, and college apprenticeships will spawn a new generation of cyber talent.

Organisations need to look to these initiatives to address their control weaknesses and bolster their inhouse teams with new talent.

Thomas McCarthy, CEO of OSP Cyber Academy: AI will be weaponised by attackers and defenders

“If 2023 was the year that tech companies revolutionised AI, 2024 will be the year attackers weaponise it.

AI has the potential to be weaponised by both attackers and defenders, leading to a “cyber arms race” in what will be an unregulated and unharmonised fight.

In the year ahead, AI will be used as a mass-cyberattack tool, with criminals using the technology to launch sophisticated phishing scams at scale. These scams will be highly convincing, down to the spelling, font, and tone of a legitimate brand, so internet users will fall victim at scale.

AI is currently dominating C-level conversations, with CEOs and CTOs wanting to understand how threats will evolve and where they are most vulnerable.

The entire technology stack is at risk. AI will be used to scan and exploit vulnerabilities across all IT systems and supply chains, and it will target people with social engineering and phishing.

To tackle the threat, we will see more defenders using AI to detect attacks quicker and learn about AI-generated phishing scams, so they can be blocked before they reach user inboxes.

AI will dominate the cyber landscape in 2024 in ways few people can imagine. If they thought this year was bad, they ain’t seen nothing yet.”

The post 2024 Cybersecurity Industry Experts Predictions: Part 1 first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post 2024 Cybersecurity Industry Experts Predictions: Part 1 appeared first on IT Security Guru.

For attackers, Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” has guidance on war strategy. For starters, “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”

Another is: “In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.” What if one is not an attacker, but is on the gentler side of things? Merriam-Webster’s dictionary says a strategy is “a careful plan or method.” The Cambridge dictionary says it’s “a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as…business, industry…or the skill of planning for such situations.” Harvard Business Review says that strategy is not the same as operational effectiveness but is “about being different. It means deliberately choosing a different set of activities to deliver a unique mix of value.”

The value of strategy

Having a strategy is essential for several reasons, regardless of the area to which it is applied. Here are several key reasons for having any kind of strategy:

• Direction, Purpose, and Alignment: A strategy defines one’s long-term goals and objectives, helping stay focused on what you want to achieve. A well-defined strategy also ensures that all members of an organisation or team are on the same page. It aligns everyone’s efforts towards common objectives to improve overall efficiency and productivity.
• Resource Allocation: Strategy helps in effectively allocating resources. It ensures that resources are used efficiently and productively to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Risk Management: A strategy includes a plan for mitigating the risks and challenges that could arise. By considering potential obstacles, one can reduce the likelihood and impact of negative outcomes.
• Competitive Advantage: In business and other competitive environments, a strategy can provide a competitive advantage. It helps organisations differentiate themselves from competitors and find unique ways to meet customer needs.
• Adaptation to Change: Strategies are not static; they evolve over time. Having a strategy allows for flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances, whether in response to market shifts, technological advances, or unforeseen events.
• Measurement and Accountability: Strategies often include KPIs (key performance indicators), which provide a basis for measuring progress and holding individuals or teams accountable for their contributions to the strategy’s success.
• Effective Decision-Making: A strategy serves as a framework for decision-making. When you encounter choices or challenges, you can refer to your strategy to make informed decisions that are in line with your long-term goals.

Applying these concepts to information security and cyber security in general, we can easily see that having a strategy is a) nothing novel and b) applicable to all. Just fill in the blank for: Strategy for  ______________ (e.g., business, family, sports, non-profit) and you’ll see that it crosses all fields and borders.

Filter down further for Security, then API security, and that’s where we are now.

The security strategy is derived from mission and vision of org; and since innumerable businesses use APIs, those orgs need to include APIs in their strategy.

Let’s open the box (not Pandora’s box, I hope!), and look even closer.

 

The gears of API security strategies

An API (Application Programming Interface) security strategy is a plan or set of measures designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of APIs in an organisation. APIs are essential for enabling communication between software systems, but they also represent potential security risks if not adequately protected. A robust API security strategy aims to mitigate these risks and ensure the secure operation of APIs.

Here are several key components of an API security strategy:

• Authentication and Authorisation: Ensuring that only authorised users or systems can access your APIs is fundamental. And once a user or system is authenticated, it’s essential to define and enforce proper access controls and permissions. This ensures that they can only access the resources or perform actions they are authorised to.
• Encryption and API key management: Data transmitted over APIs should be encrypted to prevent eavesdropping and data breaches. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) should be used to secure API communications. If you’re using API keys for authentication, it’s crucial to manage them securely. This includes rotating keys, restricting their usage, and monitoring their usage for suspicious activity.
• Rate limiting: Implementing rate limiting can protect APIs from abuse or overuse. By restricting the number of requests a client can make within a specific time frame, one can prevent denial of service attacks and API abuse.
• Data validation and input validation: Ensuring that data sent to the API is properly validated can help prevent common security vulnerabilities, such as injection attacks.
• Monitoring, logging, and alerting: Implementing comprehensive logging, monitoring, and alerting for your APIs is essential for detecting and responding to security incidents. Monitor for abnormal activity such as anomalous traffic patterns or unauthorised access attempts.
• API versioning: Managing API versions can help ensure that changes and updates do not break existing client applications or introduce security vulnerabilities. Well-defined versioning strategies are important for API stability.
• Security testing: Regularly testing your APIs for security vulnerabilities, such as through penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, can help identify and address weaknesses before they are exploited.
• Security awareness and training: Educating your development and operations teams about best practices for API security is essential. Ensuring that your staff is aware of potential risks and how to mitigate them is a key component of your strategy.
• Incident response plan: Have a well-defined plan in place for responding to security incidents related to your APIs. This includes steps for investigation, mitigation, communication, and recovery.

It’s not a place, it’s a journey

Back to Sun Tzu’s lessons on strategies, it’s important to understand how attackers think and what they do. A recent report shows that “unique attackers have grown by 400% within a six-month period. And yet, 30% of respondents still have no API security strategy in place.” Threat actors work smart against APIs – trying to deceive systems into thinking the attack is normal activity and scanning APIs to find the weak points and abuse those.

API security is not a single road trip from coast to coast but is an ongoing process. Robust API security strategies should be continuously reviewed, updated and improved to adapt to changing security landscape and business requirements.

The post Most API security strategies are underdeveloped. Let’s unpack that. first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post Most API security strategies are underdeveloped. Let’s unpack that. appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Have you ever wondered who keeps our online world safe from all the bad guys? The heroes who do this have a special kind of training – they have a Master’s degree in something called Cyber Security. 

It’s like being a detective in the digital world, where you need to solve online mysteries and catch cybercriminals. This field is expanding as corporations everywhere seek digital detectives to protect their data. 

Always evolving and entertaining, it’s a terrific job to make money in. Not only do companies need to be safe, but so must all internet users.  

To help you, we’ll explore the reason why a Master’s in Cyber Security is an excellent investment and ticket to a thriving career. Here are the following reasons:

Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

The expanding digital landscape has created a lucrative playground for people who want to work in cyber security. Cybersecurity specialists are in high demand as more firms go online. 

Obtaining a Master’s degree equips you to solve complex security problems and protect digital assets. Not capturing fraudsters but providing a safe digital environment for businesses and individuals. 

As an expert in the field, you’ll play a crucial part in the modern world’s functioning. This makes you an invaluable resource. By doing this, you’ll be in high demand, which will make it simpler for you to find employment and grow in your profession.

Wide Range of Career Opportunities

This degree requires more than just knowing about codes and algorithms. You’re allowing yourself access to a world brimming with possibilities. Imagine working for a top tech company, securing their systems, or maybe being a secret agent of sorts, fighting against cybercrime. 

The range of career opportunities in this field is vast, and it’s not limited to just IT companies. Banks, hospitals, government agencies, and schools need digital security professionals. 

Careers range from Security Analyst to CISO, offering intellectual and financial rewards. This is truly a field that doesn’t limit you but enables you to constantly grow and explore new frontiers. 

High Earning Potential

Just like top musicians or athletes earn a lot of money, cyber security professionals also get a pretty hefty paycheck. They safeguard digital information, after all, and that is a huge deal. Therefore, businesses are willing to pay a lot of money to individuals who can help safeguard their sensitive data. 

That’s why having this degree can mean you’ll be earning a great salary. You may make a lot of money in this field because huge businesses, hospitals, banks, and even local schools need digital protectors. 

Your earning potential also rises with experience and job advancement. This way, you can be financially secure while doing a job that excites and challenges you.

Constantly Evolving Field

The world of Cyber Security is dynamic and ever-changing, much like a thrilling rollercoaster ride. With technology’s rapid advancement, new and more complex cyber threats are surfacing constantly. 

This means if you have this degree, you’re always learning and evolving. Also, it stays agile and up-to-date with the latest technical knowledge. Figuring out creative ways to outsmart cybercriminals keeps your work exciting and fresh. 

As a Cyber Security professional, you’re always on your toes, making your job not only important but also stimulating and rewarding. You can even dabble in cloud security and ethical hacking, ensuring a never-ending career.

Global Relevance 

The internet isn’t something we use in one country or continent – it’s a global network. Also, that makes your skills in cyber security relevant no matter where you are in the world. This degree teaches you universal methods for protecting any firm or system, which is awesome.

Whether it’s an American tech giant, a European bank or an Asian hospital, they all need cyber security professionals. So, no matter where you want to live or work, your degree can open doors. Plus, since cyber threats keep on evolving, so does your job. 

It’s like playing a thrilling game with changing rules! This keeps the job exciting and fun because you’re continually learning and solving problems.

Final Thoughts

A Master’s in Cyber Security will lead to great jobs with financial and intellectual advantages. You’ll constantly learn and improve while keeping the world safer in this dynamic sector. 

If you seek an exciting, developing, and globally relevant profession, a Master’s in Cyber Security is excellent. Consider the above information and see how obtaining this degree can be your ticket to a thriving career.

The post Why a Master’s in Cyber Security is Your Ticket to a Thriving Career first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post Why a Master’s in Cyber Security is Your Ticket to a Thriving Career appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Cybersecurity professionals stand on the frontlines, ever-vigilant against an increasing tide of cyber threats. From protecting sensitive corporate data to safeguarding our personal information, the battle against cybercrime is ongoing. In today’s digital era, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and professional in their methods.

Hybrid work models and broadly adopted cloud technology create highly dispersed environments that assist bad actors in remaining covered in the shadow and accomplishing malicious acts against businesses of any size and sector. The predictions are on their side, as more intense and frequent cyber attacks will drive up costs by 15% per year. At the same time, data loss will have serious repercussions, including financial losses ($10.5 trillion in annual costs in 2025), operations disruptions, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.

Recognising the threat patterns

Shaping a better cybersecurity future is imperative. Businesses and organisations shall realise the threats, their size and origins. They shall also understand the significance of data loss, the unauthorised or accidental destruction, alteration, or exposure of sensitive information through various means, malicious or erroneous, and the impact on their business.

They must recognise the scam patterns that may threaten a business’s data and take a unified approach to prevent data loss and mitigate cyber threats. Data are vital for an organisation and must be protected against exfiltration and exploitation through the implementation of an adequate data loss prevention (DLP) strategy.

Spear Phishing

While phishing remains one of the most prevalent methods cybercriminals use, spear phishing represents a refined form of the traditional phishing technique. Unlike the indiscriminate approach of generic phishing, vishing, and smishing, where malicious actors mimic legitimate communications from trusted entities to prompt a random recipient to click a link, download an attachment, or input sensitive information, spear phishing is highly targeted.

Cybercriminals invest time and effort to research their intended victim, often a high-profile individual or organisation. By gathering specific information, they craft a meticulously personalised message that appears legitimate, making it exceedingly difficult to distinguish from authentic communication, given their increasing sophistication.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

BEC attacks have experienced a significant upsurge in recent years. According to the FBI, BEC is considered one of the fastest-growing, most financially damaging internet-enabled crimes and has resulted in more than $43 billion in reported losses.

In a BEC attack, malicious actors impersonate high-ranking officials within a company, often assuming the guise of the CEO or CFO to defraud the organisation. These impostors then request financial transactions, divulge sensitive data, or issue instructions that, on the surface, appear legitimate. What makes BEC attacks particularly treacherous is the level of authenticity bad actors project in their communications, including the use of convincing email addresses and insider knowledge.

Tech Support Scam

While they may seem like a relic of the past, tech support scams continue to thrive and deceive numerous victims. In this scheme, cybercriminals pose as tech support agents and contact individuals, claiming a problem exists with their computers. They urgently insist on immediate action, which typically involves payment or granting remote access to the victim’s device, only to introduce malware or steal data.

The psychological manipulation and exploitation of users’ fear and lack of technical knowledge make them particularly susceptible to this type of threat.

Malvertising

Malvertising is a tactic where cybercriminals exploit online advertising networks to disseminate malicious advertisements. Unsuspecting users who click these malevolent ads may unknowingly download malware or ransomware onto their devices. Via malvertising, bad actors frequently leverage users’ trust in well-known websites, adding a layer of deception to their attacks.

A prevention approach

A multi-layered approach is essential for businesses to defend against the multifaceted threats. That unified strategy shall include the following:

• Continuous Education and Training: No matter how robust your technical defences are, human is the most critical cybersecurity factor, as it involves mental processes, perception, reluctance, ignorance, and mood swings. As human errors have always been a significant cybersecurity risk and vulnerability, continuous security awareness education is paramount. Conduct regular training sessions to educate your people about the latest threats and minimise the negligent insider threat risk. Utilise realistic phishing simulations to test their preparedness and hone their skills.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods to gain access. It’s an effective way to prevent unauthorised access: even if cybercriminals acquire login credentials, they’ll be thwarted without the second authentication factor.
• Regular Backups and Updates: Consistent and regular backups ensure that you can recover your data in the event of an attack. Store these backups offline and in multiple locations to protect against potential data loss. Regularly update all systems, software, and applications to patch potential vulnerabilities and stay ahead of threats.
• Implement Endpoint Security: Endpoint security solutions provide a network-wide defence by monitoring and managing all endpoints. Use advanced endpoint protection platforms that employ machine learning and behavioural analysis to detect and block malicious activities in real-time, shielding the network from potential breaches.
• Establish Clear Communication Protocols: Ensure your organization has clear protocols for communication, especially concerning financial transactions or sharing sensitive data. These protocols can prevent BEC and other cyber attack tactics by making it harder for attackers to impersonate trusted entities. Email filtering to detect and quarantine suspicious emails can be an essential ally in this cause.
• Incident Response and Breach Notification: Businesses can react to data breaches efficiently when they have a well-defined incident response plan in place. The impact of data loss incidents is minimized by establishing mechanisms for breach notification, both internally and to impacted parties.
• Collaboration and Insights’ Sharing: One of the most potent tools in the arsenal against cybercrime is collaboration. By sharing insights, strategies, incident experiences, and lessons learned within the cybersecurity community, businesses can present a united front against these malicious entities. Platforms, forums, and conferences dedicated to cybersecurity provide professionals with a space to share, learn, and evolve.

Humans’ and machines’ collaboration can protect data

In an ever-evolving cyber landscape, where cybercriminals employ advanced attack techniques against companies’ vulnerabilities, recognising scam patterns is only half the battle. A unified approach to data loss prevention that implements an adequate DLP solution, bundled with continuous awareness training, robust security protocols, and community collaboration, is crucial for ensuring that defences are not only reactive but proactive and that a powerful shield is formed against the majority of cyber threats.

Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, complacency is the enemy. Stay informed about scam patterns, stay vigilant, and always be prepared to adapt by adopting adequate DLP solutions to safeguard your critical data and maintain the integrity of your digital assets.

The post Recognising Scam Patterns and Preventing Data Loss: A Unified Approach first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post Recognising Scam Patterns and Preventing Data Loss: A Unified Approach appeared first on IT Security Guru.