How can your organization's network stay secure?

Maintaining a robust security posture for an organizations network involves implementing a comprehensive approach.One key point is to ensure regular security assessments and audits,including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning,to identify and address any weaknesses proactively.Additionally establishing and enforcing strong access controls and authentication mechanisms,along with regular security awareness training for employees,can significantly bolster the organizations overall security.Employing encryption for sensitive data both at rest and in transit,along with a robust incident response plan and regular data backup procedures,is also crucial in safeguarding the network from potential threats and ensuring business continuity.

Apply the Zero Trust Architecture model , Secure every known endpoint and always stay up-to-date with latest technologies . Implement Next Generation Firewalls , Web Application Firewall , Intrusion Prevention and Detection Systems and all in all conduct security awareness programs

Making individuals aware of an organization's security is, in my opinion, the primary element in securing any kind of organization. Because the organization may still be penetrated even with security measures at all seven levels and above if a member of the organization falls for phishing scams. So take small measures at first and construct your fortress.

Some simple ways to get started is: Use firewalls and access controls. Keep software updated. Educate employees on security. Implement encryption and MFA. Regular backups and incident response plan. Monitor and audit network regularly.

Need to assess your network's current state, make sure you identify vulnerabilities, and ensure your policies align with security standards. Securing your network overall network is like checking your home for unlocked doors and windows to protect against potential intruders.

While implementing layered security, be sure to implement it way that you achieve full visibility to security related events in different layers. Visibility is the key to detect compromises in different layers.

Implementing layered security means creating multiple barriers and checkpoints to protect your organization's network. Each layer serves as an additional obstacle for potential threats, making it more challenging for them to breach your system. Examples of security layers include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and access controls. If one layer is compromised, others remain intact to safeguard your network. This multi-faceted approach significantly enhances your overall security posture. It's akin to securing a fortress with multiple gates and guards; even if one gate is breached, the intruders must overcome more obstacles to access the castle's treasure.

In my opinion, besides layering by multiple security solutions. The selected different brands with good feedback on security incident response will be a valuable consideration. It will minimize the risk when one layer gets infected by Zero-day or 1-day vulnerability. The disadvantages of this idea will fix the vulnerability frequently since it can be found in the applicants more than only one vendor's product.

We need to build strong, interlocking shields to safeguard your data effectively. When layered security is implemented, it involves using various defenses like firewalls, antivirus, and encryption from different angles. This strategy reduces the risk of a single breach compromising your entire network.

About 10 years ago, a small company was successfully attacked because the network administrator relied on only one firewall for security. After that incident and following our security consultant, the company decided to revamp its security strategy. We adopted a multi-layered approach by adding additional security measures. In my experience, implementing layered security has been a game-changer. It provides a robust defense against various types of threats and ensures that a single point of failure does not compromise the entire network. It's an essential strategy for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of network operations

Most attacks on today's networks involve social engineering. Just look at the MGM breach. The best defense against social engineering is a workforce that is trained against social engineering techniques and is accountable for their training. Making sure an accountable, comprehensive, and repeatable training program is put in place is a great starting defense against social engineering and accidental insider threats.

You need to educate users to be your network's first line of defense, just like teaching them to spot and avoid digital traps. If you don’t educate your users they can inadvertently open to cyber attacks.

In one of our projects , We found that many employees were inadvertently falling victim to phishing attacks, which posed a serious threat to our network security. After this incident, we initiated a comprehensive user education program. We organized workshops and training sessions to teach our employees how to recognize phishing emails, malicious links, and social engineering attempts. In my experience, educating our users not only reduced the number of security incidents but also empowered our team to actively participate in safeguarding our network. It created a culture of security awareness and responsibility, making our network much more resilient to cyber threats.

First, make employees aware that they are in a company environment, not in the privacy of their own home. Do not confuse company business with private life. Work with company related things on the provided company devices and environment. Exclude private things (No FB, X and so on). Do not use same passwords on both company and private related accesses (because it is easier to remember..madness). Often change passwords. 2MFA a must. Remember (when reuse or shared passwords happens) with a successful breach (doesn't matter in company or private environment) threat actors can compromise both environment and this could lead a big domino effect. Invest in awareness training in your work environment.

End users often pose a security risk. Training them to spot and dodge cyber threats, like phishing emails, is essential. Enforcing strong passwords, restricting privileges, and monitoring user activity are some other crucial steps.

Regularly updating your systems is like changing the locks on your doors to keep up with the latest security standards. This will ensure that your network is equipped with the latest security defenses, reducing vulnerabilities to cyberattacks.

Follow your system vendors security related news, sometimes there is urgent configuration based mitigations available before actual updates or patches.

Patches win Matches! Regular system updates are key to network security. Applying patches and fixes promptly helps close vulnerabilities. Additionally, frequent and secure data backups act as a safety net in the event of unexpected disasters or cyber threats.

Outdated systems are like open invitations to cybercriminals, as they often have known vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit. Regular updates and patches from software vendors and security providers are essential for fixing these vulnerabilities and fortifying your network's defenses. Neglecting updates can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and service interruptions. It's a bit like maintaining a car – without regular servicing and repairs, the vehicle becomes unreliable and prone to breakdowns. Make patch management a priority, and you'll significantly reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks on your organisation.

It is important to periodically test the network's security. * Audits and reviews measure its effectiveness and compliance, ensuring it's up to the mark. * Simulating cyberattack scenarios/conducting table top exercises evaluates resilience, much like fire drills for safety.

Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing (Pen Testing) Firewall Auditing and Monitoring Network Scanning Wireless Network Assessment Phishing Simulations Security Policy Assessment Incident Response Testing Patch Management Assessment Compliance Audits Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Testing Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) Testing

Regularly testing your security measures through techniques like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments is a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential weaknesses. These efforts provide valuable insights into your network's strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to take corrective actions. It's like stress-testing a bridge to ensure it can withstand heavy loads – by conducting security tests, you ensure your network can withstand the pressures of a constantly evolving threat landscape, ultimately preventing potential breaches and data loss.

Periodically conduct security audits and penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your network. Keep an eye on Mitre Att&ck framework attacks and techniques that will help you to find road map for your security policies.

If testing is done periodically by inhouse security team, consider using 3rd party to make test. Using 3rd party can give you another opinion of security posture of your network.

La seguridad en las redes es un esfuerzo continuo, el estar informado es la clave para mantenerse a la par de los ciberdelincuentes, intentando siempre estar un paso por delante, teniendo como referente todos los marcos de referencia provistos por autoridades certificadas y las nuevas metodologías de seguridad, ya que hacen la diferencia adaptándose a los nuevos riesgos que puedan llegar a existir.

Staying informed may be one of the hardest parts in today's world of security. There is a massive amount of information and ingesting all of it is impossible. I have found that honing in on what is key to your organization and shutting out the noise can help some. If your environments security are built around the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, of course stay up to date with NIST changes that affect your security posture and compliance. Identifying "champions" in your organization for certain information types is also helpful, it allows members to become integral parts of the security posture while reducing the amount of information ingestion needed by each single person, having an informal information sharing session monthly helps.

Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices through continuous learning, participation in industry forums, and engagement with cybersecurity communities. Understanding evolving threats and tactics allows organizations to adapt their security measures effectively.

Implementing or practicing basic cyber hygiene prevents 98% of cyber attacks, as per the Microsoft Digital Defense Report of 2022. The best practices include: regularly updating systems, proper use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) as required, identification and classification of organization data and implementing proper access controls, use of a modern endpoint protection solution for detection and response, having a regular information security awareness training for employees, etc. By implementing these kinds of basic security practices, an organization's network can be kept secure

There are many different aspects of secure your organization and that depends on what is your organization’s area. Best practices of privacy regulations should be considered such as GDPR, HIPAA or CCPA.

key steps to help keep your network secure: 1.Firewalls. 2.Regular Updates. 3.Strong Authentication. 4.Network Segmentation. 5.Access Control. 6.Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS). 7.Regular backups. 8.Employee Training. 9.Patch Management. 10.Security Policies. 11.Encryption. 12.Monitoring and Logging. 13.Incident Response Plan. 14.Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management. 15.Security Audits and Penetration Testing. 16.Compliance with best practice frameworks. 17.Cybersecurity Awareness. Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your security measures to adapt to evolving threats and technology.

Threat Model your network and not just your applications Sit down with the network team and role-play different scenarios where a breach can happen. Too often network controls are looked at in isolation and not as part of a larger picture Involving your network team makes them feel a part of the exercise and not someone who the cybersecurity team orders around Tools like Breach and Attack Simulation can help a lot to show attack paths and areas where blind spots are present

One aspect is OSINT security posture of company. OSINT visibility, specially reports from darkweb about company related information like accounts for sale.