Category: zero trust

[By Rob McNutt, SVP Network Security at Forescout]

The greatest threat to zero trust is not among a group of the usual cybersecurity suspects. It is the marketing hype that has led to unrealistic expectations about its capabilities.

The ability to achieve “100% Security” with zero trust is enticing, but it is a fallacy. The idea that organizations can purchase “zero trust in a box” as some sort of plug-and-play solution is misleading at best. Likewise, deploying zero trust takes time and ongoing management, you cannot “set it and forget it.”

Let’s dispense some of these misconceptions that can negatively impact an organization seeking to implement zero trust. It is time to bust some zero trust marketing myths.

Myth #1: Zero Trust is a Product You Can Buy

Contrary to marketing claims, zero trust is not a product that can be purchased off the shelf. It is an architectural approach that includes multiple aspects. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Zero Trust Maturity Model, the pillars of zero trust include identity, device, network/environment, application workload, and data.

Each one of these pillars has its own unique challenges and requirements, which may necessitate multiple solutions to address. For example, zero trust networking requirements include authentication and authorization, least-privilege access, and continuous risk assessment. Various solutions, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), identity and access management (IAM), network segmentation, network monitoring, and zero trust network access (ZTNA) contribute to achieve these requirements.

Unfortunately, ZTNA has been overhyped to the point that it is negatively impacting zero trust networking and zero trust as a whole.

Myth #2: Zero Trust Network Access Provides 100% Network Protection

Zero trust networking is a crucial component of a zero trust architecture; however, the industry’s attempt to market ZTNA as an all-encompassing solution conflates its role within the larger framework.

While ZTNA provides initial access control, it falls short in offering continuous visibility and control once access is granted. ZTNA can also fall victim to compromised credentials and insider attacks.

The reliance on software agents and decryption of endpoint traffic creates management complexities, especially concerning the diverse landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) devices.

Education is key to dispelling marketing claims about ZTNA. Understanding the hierarchy of terms—zero trust networking, ZTN, and ZTNA—reveals that ZTNA is just one component. It offers access but lacks the broader visibility and control required for a comprehensive zero trust architecture, it does not even provide complete zero trust networking.

Myth #3: Zero Trust = Zero Risk

There is a notion that implementing zero trust removes risk from the equation, but unfortunately this is not the truth. Hypothetically speaking, a perfect implementation of zero trust could eliminate almost all risks, but the reality is that perfection is impossible to achieve.

Implementing zero trust is a complex and on-going process because there are so many interconnected parts. There are very few organizations that have achieved a fully mature zero trust implementation. But even among those that have, it can be difficult to account for blind spots and to close certain security gaps.

In particular, gaining visibility and control into unmanaged devices, OT devices, and IoT devices can represent a significant risk, even for organizations that have implemented zero trust solutions. Without visibility into all devices and endpoints, their collective vulnerabilities and exposures remain unknown.

The dynamic nature of modern threats, and the constant evolution of the modern enterprise network, requires continuous risk assessment and refinement of zero trust policies. Another reason that zero trust cannot completely eliminate risk is because of the trade-off between security and productivity.

If the user experience is hindered by zero trust, then users may resort to less secure methods, such as shadow IT, creating unknown risks due to a lack of visibility. However, if zero trust policies are too relaxed, then compromised user accounts become an effective attack vector.

Organizations must strike a balance between zero trust security and the user experience by leveraging comprehensive visibility, which can provide the additional context needed to enforce zero trust policies without negatively impacting productivity.

One-Size Fits None

Zero trust is not a simple solution, it is a comprehensive framework that requires careful consideration. It comprises multiple pillars, each addressing crucial aspects of security. The integration of insights from multiple sources illustrates the importance of dispelling zero trust marketing myths to better understand its nuances.

By approaching zero trust with a realistic mindset and acknowledging its multifaceted pillars, organizations can fortify their cybersecurity posture in an era where marketing claims often overshadow the true essence of transformative technologies.

The post Don’t Believe the Hype: Myth-busting Zero Trust Marketing appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

[By Jaye Tillson, Field CTO at Axis Security]

In the vast expanse of cyberspace, few threats cast a darker shadow more than ransomware. This digital desperado wreaks havoc on individuals and businesses alike, holding precious data hostage for a hefty ransom. But this villain’s tale stretches back further than you might think, with its roots tangled in the Cold War and its impact resulting in billions lost today. Let’s explore the shadowy origins of ransomware, unfurl its nefarious forms, and discover how Zero Trust plays the role of cyber sheriff, standing guard against this modern-day scourge.

From Academic Experiment to Global Plague

In the 1980s, the world of computing witnessed a curious experiment. Joe Popp devised a rudimentary “AIDS Trojan” that encrypted files and demanded payment for their release. Though intended as a social commentary on online trust, the seeds of a much wider threat were sown. Fast forward to 2023, and ransomware has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, leaving a trail of crippled businesses, compromised data, and shattered confidence in its wake. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, ransomware costs are projected to reach a staggering $265 billion by 2031, a grim testament to the reach and power of this digital outlaw. 

A Trio of Terror

Ransomware isn’t a monolith; it comes in various guises, each with its own chilling modus operandi. Let’s meet the infamous three:

  1. Crypto-Ransomware: This classic scoundrel encrypts your files, rendering them inaccessible until you cough up the ransom. Imagine your cherished family photos, work documents, and irreplaceable memories locked away in a digital vault, accessible only through the villain’s cruel terms. Sophos reports in 2023 alone that the average ransom demand reached $1.54 million, a steep price to pay for digital freedom.
  2. Locker Ransomware: Forget encrypted files; this brute force bully slams the door shut on your entire system. Think of being locked out of your own house, unable to access even the most basic functions. In 2022, according to AAG IT Support, 47% of ransomware attacks targeted organizations in the United States, highlighting the widespread reach of this digital siege.
  3. Doxware: This double-barreled bandit not only encrypts your data, but it also threatens to leak it publicly unless you pay up. Imagine facing the humiliation and potential legal repercussions of your private information plastered across the digital landscape. In 2023, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported a 136% increase in data exfiltration incidents, a chilling trend directly linked to the rise of doxware.

Counting the Cost of Digital Mayhem

The impact of ransomware extends far beyond the initial ransom demand. Studies by the Ponemon Institute reveal that average costs associated with a ransomware attack include:

  • Recovery Costs: $761,650
  • Business Disruption: $1,270,000
  • Reputational Damage: $1,648,500

These figures paint a stark picture of the financial and reputational devastation wreaked by ransomware. Not only do businesses lose vital data and incur downtime, but they also face the erosion of trust from customers and clients, a blow that can be even more difficult to recover from.

Enter Zero Trust, the Cyber Sheriff

Traditional network security, like a rickety wooden gate, relies on trust and perimeter defenses. But in the Wild West of cyberspace, trust is easily breached, and perimeter walls crumble under the relentless pressure of sophisticated attacks. Zero Trust, however, operates like a vigilant cyber sheriff, constantly verifying every digital entity attempting to enter the digital town.

Here’s how Zero Trust stands guard against ransomware:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Consider it an extra lock on the digital door, demanding not just a password but an additional layer of verification (biometric scan, phone code) before granting access.
  • Network Segmentation: Instead of a single, vulnerable town square, Zero Trust divides the network into secure zones, limiting the spread of ransomware if it manages to breach one perimeter.
  • Least Privilege Access: Forget everyone having a master key; Zero Trust grants only the minimum level of access needed for each user and device, minimizing the potential damage a compromised entity can inflict.

In today’s Wild West, these measures, combined with ongoing security awareness training and robust data backups, form a formidable defense against the digital outlaws of the 21st century.

Conclusion

The fight against ransomware is a continuous journey, but understanding its origins, recognizing its diverse forms, and wielding the tools of Zero Trust empowers us to ride into the digital sunset with confidence. While the shadow of ransomware may loom large, knowledge is our six-shooter, vigilance our loyal steed, and Zero Trust is the fortified town walls safeguarding our valuable data.

By remaining informed, adopting proactive security measures, and embracing a culture of cybersecurity awareness, we can keep the outlaws at bay and maintain control of our digital frontier. Remember, in the Wild West of cyberspace, preparedness is our strongest weapon, and together, we can ensure that ransomware remains a relic of the past, not a threat of the future.

The post Ransomware: From Origins to Defense – How Zero Trust Holds the Key appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

John Siegel, Director of Strategy, Field CTO, Axis Security

Was it me, or did 2023 roll by fast? It feels like it was a blur to me. The end of the year is here and it’s time to pause, take stock, and then gear up for 2024.  While I will not help you with the first two, I’ll provide perspective on the last item, what are the trends and areas to consider investing your time and resources on in the coming year.

Cutting Through the AI Hype

Let’s start with the hottest topic in IT.  Sorry, it’s not Taylor Swift, but close!  Artificial Intelligence. Despite the hype from the marketing departments of the major network vendors, AI won’t solve all your problems in 2024.  We are too early in the journey but not too early to investigate. So, over the next 12 months, how should you be thinking about AI?

I recommend looking for opportunities where AI can help you lower your operational burden.  Are there areas where you can leverage AI to reduce your requirements for highly compensated network security engineers to maintain and support your networks?  Are there use cases for AI to provide operational intelligence to your frontline NOC and operations teams to resolve tickets without escalations?  Look for AI-enabled “digital co-pilots,” leverage natural language with “chatbot” interfaces to help your network and operations teams troubleshoot network and security events.  Vendors are now beginning to deliver them. Doing so will reduce your “keep the lights on” load and allow your high-end talent to focus on key projects that generate new revenue or reduce business risk.

Trust No One

The second topic that must be on your radar for 2024 is zero-trust networking (ZTN).  While much maligned by marketers in the network and security industry, you need to wade through the messaging to get to the outcomes for your business.  The days of “trusted and untrusted” networks are gone. Cloud started the trend, and the rise of the remote workforce in 2020 was the nail in the coffin. To be successful in this decade of distributed IT where islands of data are strung out across the vast ocean of the Internet, zero trust must be at the center of your security strategy.

For security networking, you must be thinking holistically.  How do I apply this framework to my remote employees, my campus networks, my branch networks, and my WAN networks?  I don’t recommend running out and making 2024 the year of zero trust and trying to accomplish all of the above . However, I strongly urge you to pause and think strategically about how you can revise your network and security systems in this model over a three-five year period.

Start by asking your primary vendors about their roadmaps and determine if they align with your future plans.  Next, map out your priorities in six- month increments.  And then sync up with your finance teams to ensure your plan is in alignment with theirs.  This means getting ahead of the budget/depreciation conversations. Lastly, see if there are any small or medium-sized projects you can get your team involved in that can serve as the starting point of the ZTN transition.

Start Living on the (Security Service) Edge

Which brings me to the third area to invest in for 2024. Security Service Edge or SSE.  If you are going to start the journey to Zero Trust Networking, SSE is a great first step. According to Forbes, securing remote work remains a top challenge for CxOs.  Another top-of-mind issue is retaining top talent. SSE can help with both. Instead of using legacy VPN technology with a series of point solutions for remote access, SSE dissolves and reconstitutes these hardware solutions as software delivered from the Cloud in a SaaS-like format. The result is speed and security for your remote workforce.

Additionally, as your workforce leverages the system, they will share insights into their application experience.  If you can understand their experiences, you can make their work experience which will help as you retain top talent. As for where to start, I recommend a 3rd party or contractor use case. The majority of companies these days are using a VPN to grant access to their “trusted” network.  Due to the nature of the cyber threats and the distributed landscape of IT, this is no longer recommended.  It is too much of a risk.  Alternatively, you can use an agentless version of SSE’s ZTNA technology to limit access to only the applications or systems required based on their identity (and other factors).  The outcome is you never place a 3rd party or contractor on your network. This greatly reduces your attack surface, and business risk and if done correctly, can lower costs. Consider a project like this to start the SSE and Zero Trust Network path.

I hope you enjoyed my recommendations for 2024.  Here is to a great year in front of you!

The post It’s Never Too Soon to Begin Thinking About Your 2024 Cybersecurity Journey appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

By Karen Gondoly, CEO of Leostream

As the world increasingly works remotely, Desktops as a Service (DaaS) are becoming ubiquitous in many industries. Remote workers need access to cloud and on-premise data and applications, and delivering that access in a way that maintains productivity and security is one of IT’s most important tasks today.

Few vendors will acknowledge it, but organizations incur some level of risk whenever they implement DaaS. This is why I urge heightened security, and recommend Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) in any DaaS deployment.

ZTNA is not a product or service per se; rather, it’s a set of concepts and practices that prioritize identity, authorization, good governance, and visibility. Applying the ZTNA model in remote access is the ideal way to protect data, applications, and the organization itself in the modern work-from-anywhere world.

Here is a basic action plan for using ZTNA principles to enhance DaaS security:

Trust no one

As the term implies, zero trust means zero. To establish trust, end users must first be authorized to even enter your environment. Currently the best system is multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a foundation of the ZTNA playbook, because it’s a secure way to establish the end user’s identity, before they are granted access to the organization’s resources.

MFA should be required with any DaaS environment, but the factors can differ for various access locations. In your physical office, you can allow employees to sign-in with only a username and password, since they probably used a key or key card to get in. That’s still two-factor authentication: their sign-in credentials plus their physical key. When that same user is working from home, you will need different factors, for example, username and password and then a one-time password token or dynamic password.

Access control rules

Access control rules dictate the information and applications each end user or group of users is permitted to, well, access. Grant and restrict access based on the user’s identity, not the asset itself. Then fine-tune that privilege depending on locations, devices, and workloads for even finer-grained control if needed.

DaaS environments offer a great deal of flexibility to pool and share resources, use hybrid platforms, assign peripherals like printers, and other nice features; they also offer flexibility in creating access control rules. This is especially welcome when applying ZTNA practices to large user pools, large data sets, and environments combining cloud and on-premise resources.

Ditch the VPN

Also fundamental to ZTNA is eliminating virtual private networks (VPNs), which ironically introduce weaknesses. Using VPNs essentially opens the entire network to end users, when zero-trust dictates otherwise.

Secure DaaS requires replacing VPNs with a gateway managed by one or more connection brokers that carry out access control rules and other governance policies. With secure gateways and a connection broker, you account for the many different locations and devices from which users log in, and the various resources they need to connect to.

Secure it, but faster

DaaS will probably never be as fast for the end user as working on local machines, but properly configured, they should offer more than adequate performance for the workload. However, introducing multiple security checkpoints tends to slow connection traffic.

VPNs are notorious for choking performance, so replacing a VPN with a secure gateway goes a long way towards addressing the performance overhead of new security practices. Still, it’s important to maintain performance without introducing new bottlenecks, and deliver the expected end-user experience. If necessary, multiple connection brokers can be clustered to distribute the login and processing load.

Trust, but verify

No security, business continuity, or data protection system can be relied on if it’s untested and unaudited. Monitor for unusual activity and track user logins, login locations, resource connections and usage, length of sessions, and other details to ensure that nothing strange is going on. In other words, don’t even trust your zero-trust systems.

Along with troubleshooting, identifying potential breaches and vulnerabilities, this will help you spot trends in workloads to help prepare for the future.

My intention certainly is not to scare anyone away from DaaS. Quite the opposite: DaaS enables a level of remote and hybrid work that is necessary today as people work from home, from the office, from the road, and in the field, using data and applications that can also be anywhere. In fact, supporting a remote and hybrid workforce is likely the most relevant and in-demand IT skill today. Using the ZTNA model in a DaaS environment is the ideal way to keep your organization secure and your end users productive.

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Karen Gondoly is CEO of Leostream, a remote desktop access platform that works across on-premise and cloud, physical or virtual environments.

The post Why you need ZTNA with Desktops-as-a-Service appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Jaye Tillson, Field CTO at Axis Security

In an era where cyber threats are evolving at an alarming pace, the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has never been more critical. Today, CISOs are the guardians of an organization’s digital assets, and in this role are facing a very daunting task–they are being called to protect sensitive data, maintain customer trust, and ensure business continuity. With an ever-expanding threat landscape, the ability to deliver on these three fronts has never been more challenging. As a result, it’s essential for CISOs to establish clear priorities to navigate these turbulent waters successfully.

In my role, I have the opportunity to meet regularly with security professionals from a variety of businesses all over the globe. Over the past six months in particular, that includes some extremely informative discussions with a sizeable group of CISOs. In this article, I wanted to share what I believe are the top three priorities that are at the forefront of their agenda.

Cyber Resilience

Today we are all operating in an interconnected world and many of the CISOs I spoke to believe that it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ a cyberattack will occur. It’s hard to argue with their view. Taking that viewpoint into account, their focus was on building cyber resilience within their organizations. For them, this meant preparing for, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents effectively. Here are some key strategies that they are considering:

  • Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update a comprehensive incident response plan. Once this has been shared throughout the organization, make sure that all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities during a cyber incident. From there, it’s imperative to put this plan to the test. This includes conducting regular drills and simulations to gauge the plan’s effectiveness and, if necessary, adjusting it as needed.
  • Data Backups and Recovery: Even with the best plan, data loss is always a possibility, especially since it is no longer housed in a single, central location. These CISO’s touched on the need to implement a robust data backup and recovery processes to minimize any data loss in case of a breach. This includes verifying the integrity of backups regularly and storing them securely offline to prevent ransomware attacks.
  • Threat Intelligence: Invest in threat intelligence tools and services to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities. These CISOs widely agreed that having regular access to this information would help them proactively defend against attacks.
  • Employee Training: No matter how many solutions you invest in and the simulations you conduct, human error still remains a significant factor in security breaches. In fact,  Verizon’s 2022 Data Breaches Investigations Report (DBIR) found that 82 percent of data breaches involve a human element. According to the DBIR, this includes incidents “in which employees expose information directly (for example, by misconfiguring databases) or by making a mistake that enables cyber criminals to access the organization’s systems.” Findings like this reinforce why these CISOs state it’s essential to conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. The goal of these efforts is simple–ensure that everyone across the businesses fully understands the importance of security best practices.

Zero Trust

Many of the CISOs felt that the traditional perimeter-based security model is no longer sufficient to protect their business against modern threats. These solutions were effective when their we focused on protecting everyone within a castle and moat (i.e., the corporate office)/ But we don’t work in castles anymore.

For this group there is widespread agreement that the answer is to adopt a Zero Trust approach to secure their organization’s digital assets. Zero Trust operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” and it requires a fundamental shift in how security is implemented. Their priorities were:

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM): Implement strict IAM policies to ensure that users and devices are authenticated and authorized before accessing any resources. This includes the use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
  • Micro-Segmentation: Divide the network into micro-segments to limit lateral movement for potential attackers. With micro-segmentation, each individual segment should have its own access controls and monitoring mechanisms.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Because security threats never sleep, businesses must employ continuous monitoring solutions that track user and device behavior, detect anomalies, and trigger alerts for suspicious activities in near real-time.
  • Application Security: Ensure that all applications, whether on-premises or in the cloud, are secure by design. In addition, regularly assess and update the business’s security posture to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Regulatory Compliance

As data privacy regulations continue to evolve worldwide, compliance is a significant concern for many of the CISOs, and with good reason. Non-compliance often leads to hefty fines and reputational damage. Just ask Amazon which in 2021 incurred an $877 million fine for breaches of the GDPR.  To address this priority, the CISOs intended to:

  • Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, NIS2, or any other relevant laws based on their organization’s geographic footprint and industry.
  • Data Protection: Implement robust data protection measures, including encryption, access controls, and data retention policies, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Third-party Risk Management: Evaluate and monitor the security practices of third-party vendors and partners to ensure they meet compliance standards, as their actions can impact their organization’s compliance status.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough records of security measures, audits, and compliance activities and be prepared to provide documentation to regulatory authorities if required.

Conclusion

As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex and volatile, these CISOs knew they would be facing the formidable challenge of safeguarding their organizations against a barrage of cyber threats.  What was clear through my conversations is they all felt that by prioritizing cyber resilience, adopting Zero Trust, and ensuring regulatory compliance, they could build a robust security posture that not only protects their organization’s sensitive data but also strengthens customer trust and ensures business continuity in an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. They also acknowledged that their role was seen as pivotal in the modern business world and that these top priorities should be their guide in securing the digital frontier.

Image by gpointstudio on Freepik

The post Top 3 Priorities for Today’s CISO: Safeguarding the Digital Frontier appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Join the webinar “5 Reasons Why Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Triumphs Over VPN” live on September 21 [ save your seat ].

Recent findings from the 2023 VPN Risk Report have set off alarms, with a staggering 90% of organizations expressing concerns over VPNs potentially acting as concealed entry points for third-party threats. The implications for your organization are profound.

What does this mean for you and your organization? Traditional VPNs are now grappling with an array of issues ranging from degraded user experience to increasingly sophisticated attacks against VPN infrastructure, exploiting a rapidly expanding attack surface due to remote and hybrid workforces.

Join cybersecurity industry experts Kanishka Pandit (Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Zscaler) and Holger Schulze (Founder, Cybersecurity Insiders) as they discuss the challenges of connecting employees to applications via traditional VPNs, why fully remote and hybrid workforces need better defenses against common attacks, and why zero trust alternatives are quickly replacing VPNs.

You’ll learn about:
• The expanding VPN Attack Surface: A comprehensive look at VPN vulnerabilities, including real-world examples of VPN attacks and how the threat landscape is rapidly changing.
• The CISO perspective: An analysis of changing market sentiment towards VPNs, especially among top-level executives, drawn from the new 2023 VPN Risk Report.
• The Path to Zero Trust: A strategic exploration of modern remote access solutions that provide secure connectivity through zero trust, with best-practices guidance for fast and secure implementation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your organization’s remote access security posture and to stay ahead in a constantly evolving cybersecurity environment.

Register for the live webinar

 

 
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By Jaye Tillson, Director of Strategy, Axis Security

Over the past few years, our world has evolved at a rapid pace. This rapid evolution has given rise to innovative networking and security architectures such as SD-WAN, SASE, SSE, and Zero Trust. These are relatively new architectures (excluding SD-WAN) and I often get asked what are the differences between them and what are their key features so in this article, I will cover my definition of each, and highlight what I believe to be the key features.

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)

SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a technology that is designed to simplify the management and optimization of wide area networks (WANs). Traditional WANs often struggled to provide reliable connectivity, low latency, and efficient traffic routing across geographically dispersed locations. SD-WAN was designed to address these challenges by using software to dynamically manage and route network traffic based on real-time conditions. It enables organizations to leverage multiple network connections, such as MPLS, broadband, and cellular, while ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic path selection: Traffic is directed along the most suitable path based on application requirements and network conditions.
  • Centralized management: Network policies can be easily configured, monitored, and managed from a centralized console.
  • Application-aware routing: SD-WAN can prioritize critical applications, ensuring their performance even in congested network conditions.
  • Cost optimization: By utilizing multiple network links, organizations can reduce reliance on expensive dedicated lines.

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)

SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, envisioned by Gartner in 2019, is a holistic networking and security architecture that merges network connectivity (SD-WAN) and security services (SSE) into a single cloud-based solution. The core concept of SASE is to provide secure access to applications and data regardless of user location. By converging network and security functions, SASE aims to simplify management, improve user experience, and enhance overall security posture.

Key Features:

  • Cloud-native architecture: SASE operates from the cloud, allowing for scalability, flexibility, and easy updates.
  • Zero Trust security model: SASE assumes zero trust, requiring strict verification for users and devices before granting access.
  • WAN optimization: SASE optimizes traffic routing to ensure fast and reliable application performance.
  • Integrated security services: SASE combines features like firewalling, secure web gateways, data loss prevention, and more.

SSE (Secure Service Edge)

SSE, or Secure Service Edge, released by Gartner in 2021 places a strong emphasis on ensuring security at the service level. At its core is the concept of Zero Trust. In an SSE architecture, security is embedded directly into the service infrastructure, reducing the need for external security tools. This approach enhances protection for services and data, fostering a secure-by-design environment.

Key Features:

Service-level security: Security measures are integrated at the service layer, safeguarding data and applications.

Decentralized security controls: Each service has its security controls, reducing the potential impact of a breach.

Agility and scalability: SSE supports rapid deployment and scaling of services without compromising security.

Automated threat response: SSE platforms can autonomously respond to security threats based on predefined policies.

Zero Trust

Zero Trust is a security framework that challenges the traditional perimeter-based security model. It operates under the assumption that threats can originate from both internal and external sources. Instead of trusting entities based on their location (inside or outside the network perimeter), Zero Trust requires verification of all users, devices, and applications before granting access to resources.

Key Principles:

  • Verify before trust: Users and devices must be authenticated and authorized before accessing any resources.
  • Least privilege access: Access rights are granted based on the principle of least privilege, limiting potential damage.
  • Micro-segmentation: Networks are divided into smaller segments, reducing the lateral movement of threats.
  • Continuous monitoring: Ongoing monitoring ensures that security policies are consistently enforced.

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Mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, seamlessly integrating into our personal and professional routines. However, this increased reliance on mobile technology has also made these devices prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities through mobile malware. As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, traditional security approaches are often insufficient to protect against sophisticated threats. This article explores how adopting a Zero Trust security model can play a crucial role in curbing mobile malware and enhancing overall mobile security.

Understanding Mobile Malware:

Mobile malware encompasses various malicious software designed to target smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. These threats include but are not limited to viruses, trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Mobile malware often infiltrates devices through seemingly harmless apps, malicious websites, or infected files, and once inside, it can compromise sensitive data, steal personal information, or grant unauthorized access to the device and its functions.

Challenges in Mobile Security:

Traditional security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software, are inadequate for addressing the evolving complexities of mobile malware. Mobile devices frequently connect to various networks and access multiple applications, leading to increased attack surfaces. Moreover, employees often use personal devices for work purposes, further blurring the line between personal and corporate data, creating potential security gaps.

The Zero Trust Security Model:

Zero Trust is a security framework that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Unlike traditional perimeter-based security models, Zero Trust does not rely solely on the assumption that devices within the network are trustworthy. Instead, it continuously verifies the identity of users and devices, as well as their security posture, before granting access to resources.

Implementing Zero Trust for Mobile Security:

Device Identity Verification: To curb mobile malware, it is essential to ensure that only authorized and secure devices can access corporate resources. This involves device identity verification through methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device attestation, which assess the device’s integrity and security status.

User Authentication: Zero Trust emphasizes strong user authentication methods, such as biometrics, smart cards, or one-time passwords, to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and applications.

Least Privilege Access: Limiting access privileges to the bare minimum necessary for an individual’s role or task significantly reduces the impact of a potential breach.

Continuous Monitoring: Employing continuous monitoring and behavior analysis allows organizations to detect unusual activities and potential threats in real-time, providing timely responses to mitigate risks.

Micro-Segmentation: By dividing the network into smaller segments, Zero Trust isolates sensitive data and applications, preventing lateral movement of malware if a breach occurs.

Benefits of Zero Trust for Mobile Security:

Enhanced Security: Zero Trust’s proactive and dynamic approach significantly reduces the risk of mobile malware attacks, safeguarding sensitive data and corporate assets.

Improved User Experience: Zero Trust allows users to access resources seamlessly while maintaining robust security measures in the background.

Simplified Compliance: The implementation of Zero Trust aligns with regulatory requirements and data protection standards, aiding organizations in achieving compliance.

Conclusion:

As the reliance on mobile devices continues to grow, the threat of mobile malware becomes increasingly concerning. Adopting the Zero Trust security model offers a powerful strategy to counter these threats, ensuring robust protection against mobile malware while maintaining a seamless user experience. By continuously verifying user and device identity, enforcing least privilege access, and implementing real-time monitoring, organizations can strengthen their mobile security posture and stay one step ahead of evolving mobile malware threats.

The post Curbing Mobile Malware with Zero Trust: Enhancing Mobile Security appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Invary is advancing a new age of cybersecurity, focusing on restoring trust in existing cyberdefense tech stacks. Led by Jason Rogers and Dr. Wesley Peck, the company aims to bolster security infrastructure by addressing the crucial yet often overlooked runtime security gap.

Breaking Assumptions to Break Ground

During a recent interview, Rogers and Peck emphasized the necessity of questioning and testing long-standing assumptions within the cybersecurity sector. An alarming loophole lies in the common assumption that the operating system is always uncompromised and trustworthy. This blind spot persists even in advanced defenses like XDR, SIEM, and CNAPP solutions, creating a dangerous window of opportunity for threat actors.

To close this gap, Invary’s Runtime Integrity offering will enforce continuous validation of the operating system, forming an integral part of a “trust nothing” Zero Trust architecture. The innovative technology promises superior protection for the digital environment, efficiently detecting compromise.

Funding Fuels Expansion and Innovation

The successful completion of the pre-seed funding round, led by Flyover Capital, NetWork Kansas GROWKS Equity program, and the KU Innovation Park, is not merely a monetary boost for Invary, but a strong endorsement of their innovative approach to cybersecurity. The funding will catalyze the launch of Invary’s Runtime Integrity offering and support its broader mission to prevent data breaches and ransomware attacks.

Dr. Peck shared his enthusiasm about the funding in the interview, explaining that the investment validates their work and will help them “improve Invary’s Runtime Integrity Service while making our agent open source.”

Commitment to the Ecosystem

Apart from its proprietary services, Invary offers a free Runtime Integrity Score (RISe) service. Available now, this service lets customers assess their system’s integrity and spot hidden malware. This initiative reflects Invary’s steadfast dedication to enhancing the safety of the entire cyber community. CEO Jason Rogers stated in the interview, “We are thrilled to have secured this pre-seed funding, as it validates the need for Invary’s novel technology to shore up existing cyber defenses against high impact hidden threats.” Considering the fact that 72% of cyberattacks occur in production, according to Datadog’s latest State of Application Security report, the need for a solution is both apparent and urgent.

The Powerhouse Team

Invary’s leadership team boasts decades of operational expertise in Trusted Computing research. The company’s security credentials are further fortified by the inclusion of founder Dr. Perry Alexander, an eminent authority in Trusted Computing research, and his protégé Dr. Wesley Peck.

Unique Focus on Runtime Security

Invary’s unique approach to runtime security plugs this critical gap in the security infrastructure. Built on an exclusive intellectual property grant from the NSA, Invary’s Runtime Integrity service mandates continuous validation of the operating system, uncovering hidden threats that often go undetected by conventional threat detection systems. This strategy aligns with the principles of a Zero Trust architecture, which mandates a “trust nothing, verify everything” approach to cybersecurity.

By ensuring the integrity of the operating system and neutralizing threats at the runtime, Invary provides a critical layer of security that fortifies an organization’s defense against high-impact attacks like ransomware and data breaches. Its Runtime Integrity Score (RISe) service also allows customers to spot-check their system’s integrity and identify hidden malware, providing a vital, proactive tool in maintaining a secure digital environment.

Recognition from the Industry

Invary’s innovative approach has garnered praise from industry leaders. Jon Broek, CEO of Tenfold Security, commended Invary’s technology, stating, “Invary Runtime Integrity gives us an unfair advantage over the competition when deployed with our security solutions for cloud and virtual machines.”

With its unique approach, a proven team, and strong financial backing, Invary is closing a critical gap in Zero Trust security, setting a new standard in the industry.

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Zero Trust is a cybersecurity framework that can greatly support Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) in their roles of securing organizational systems and data. Zero Trust shifts away from the traditional perimeter-based security approach, which assumes trust within the internal network, and adopts a more holistic and proactive strategy. Here’s how Zero Trust can benefit CISOs and CTOs:

Enhanced Security Posture: Zero Trust advocates for a “never trust, always verify” approach, which means that every user, device, and network connection is treated as potentially untrusted until verified. This approach significantly reduces the risk of lateral movement and unauthorized access within the network. By implementing strict access controls, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring, Zero Trust strengthens the overall security posture of an organization.

Protection Against Insider Threats: Insider threats, whether intentional or unintentional, can pose significant risks to an organization’s security. Zero Trust principles help mitigate these threats by limiting access privileges based on the principle of least privilege. Each user and device is granted the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. Additionally, Zero Trust emphasizes monitoring and anomaly detection, allowing CISOs and CTOs to detect and respond to suspicious user behavior or unusual access patterns.

Improved Visibility and Control: Zero Trust provides granular visibility into network traffic, user activities, and device behavior. This enhanced visibility allows CISOs and CTOs to gain deeper insights into their network and identify potential security gaps or anomalous activities. With this information, they can make informed decisions, enforce access policies, and quickly respond to security incidents.

Simplified Compliance: Compliance with industry regulations and data protection laws is a significant concern for CISOs and CTOs. Zero Trust frameworks align well with compliance requirements by implementing strict access controls, enforcing encryption standards, and logging and auditing user activities. Implementing a Zero Trust architecture can simplify the compliance process, ensuring that the organization meets the necessary security and privacy standards.

Scalability and Flexibility: As organizations evolve and adopt new technologies, CISOs and CTOs face the challenge of maintaining a secure environment. Zero Trust frameworks are designed to be scalable and adaptable, allowing organizations to easily incorporate new applications, cloud services, and devices into their security infrastructure. This flexibility supports the dynamic nature of modern IT environments and helps CISOs and CTOs ensure security across various platforms and technologies.

In conclusion, Zero Trust provides a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity, which significantly supports the roles of CISOs and CTOs. By implementing Zero Trust principles, organizations can strengthen their security posture, protect against insider threats, gain better visibility and control, simplify compliance, and adapt to evolving technological landscapes. CISOs and CTOs can leverage the benefits of Zero Trust to enhance their overall cybersecurity strategy and better protect their organization’s systems and data.

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