What steps can you take to enhance your network's security posture?

Build an A-Team of unlikely friends. All too often we silo our people like we do our technology. Cyber Threat Actors (CTA) do not! Organized CTA's work through skillsets fluidly pulling those interested into the correct stage of an engagement. If you are serious about improving your security posture this would be the team to build. 0. The curious professional who spends time on techincal tasks outside of their workcenter 1. The humble intelligent techy that is comfortable speaking publicly. 3. The efficient lazy. Someone who is curiuos with think in ways others won't while the humble intelligent can deliver the value. Finally the lazy has such a depth of knowledge they will remediate faster than anyone else.

Continuous vulnerability scanning is where I start. It tells me not only where I have things I can patch, but I use it for asset discovery. All too often new systems are brought online without going through proper channels, and not properly hardened. I use vulnerability scanners in both my on-prem and cloud environments and prioritize patching and system hardening. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Step two is determining where critical data lives, and making sure there are only controlled access channels that are properly logged and assigned using the principal of least privilege.

In my experience start with identifying network assets which directly or indirectly connect with your crown jewels. Assess the risk to these assets and prioritise patching these first

For enhancing network security posture, it is important to evaluate the current security state of network. Based on assessment inputs, create strategic plan and operational plan. Some of security control as Network Segmentation, Authentication Mechanisms, Perimeter security (FW, IPS/IDS, WAF, proxy etc), Access control/NAC, System Update/security patches, Data encryption, AV/EDR, Monitoring and Threat Intelligence. Also important to train Staff members for best practices.

Effective network security hinges on regular risk assessments and timely updates. As a leader, embedding risk assessment into the organizational culture ensures continuous identification and mitigation of threats. Regular updates and patch management are crucial to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities, with automated systems complemented by human oversight. Integrating these practices into strategic planning aligns cybersecurity with business goals, optimizing resource allocation. Leading by example, we foster a security-first mindset, enhancing our defenses and ensuring resilience against evolving threats. This proactive approach safeguards digital assets and maintains stakeholder trust.

Patch management is very important. Invest in regularly updating your system and with the critical systems you should patch within 7 days when a patch is available. Know all the application residing inside your network to know what to patch or update. Avoid many legacy systems as the are mostly difficult to find updates for.

Maintaining robust security means staying vigilant with software and hardware updates. Manufacturers frequently release patches to thwart potential exploits, underscoring the importance of timely updates. Automate update settings or establish a routine for manual checks across all systems, from operating systems to firmware for routers and firewalls. By prioritizing updates, you shield against emerging threats and safeguard your digital assets.

Maintaining an updated inventory of assets is key. Prioritizing them in view of the business impact is the second critical step. Applying updates especially to the critical assets with "due diligence" ensures readiness against threats. These three steps are nothing but proactive defense! Patch in time saves nine!

I agree all the operating systems applications or software for all the network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls and also the operating systems and applications for the systems inside the infrastructure, they should be updated so that the infrastructure can defend from all the threats that are all out there. If possible there should also be a staging environment, Where you can test these new release patches as well so that way we will have an idea how our devices will respond to different threats or configuration changes.

It is necessary to maintain a robust vulnerability management program where there must be observability of manufacturers' updates to apply them within the deadline agreed in the policy, after positive results in the test environment.

Encryption has always been very important for both data in transit and data rest, but today, with remote work and the growth of cloud computing, encryption has greater importance than ever before. But just as important as the use of encryption is the choice of encryption standards and key sizes. They must be well chosen to equalize security and business.

Encryption and hashing are both essential and play a vital role in aiding confidentiality and integrity of data. However as with any control the importance of implementing the control stems from criticality of the data that is in question. Non essential/public data need not necessarily be protected as using encryption as every control comes at a cost. Hence every control needs to have a cost vs benefits analysis that needs to be done prior to implementation

Data in Transit: Use encryption protocols such as TLS/SSL for web traffic, VPNs for remote access, and WPA3 for Wi-Fi networks. Data at Rest: Encrypt sensitive data stored on servers, databases, and storage devices using tools like BitLocker, VeraCrypt, or built-in database encryption. Email Encryption: Implement email encryption solutions to protect sensitive information sent via email.

Use hybrid encryption for data at rest for more efficiency. By combining symmetric encryption for large data and asymetric encryption for key share management, encryption/decryption process and key sharing is more efficient.

Perhaps the strongest and most effective security mechanism is our trained and enlightened employees. Let's call it Human Detection & Response (HDR)! Employees/ roles are one of the assets which should be assessed as part of risk assessment. Continuous learning, awareness, training, testing and assurance sets apart organizations with less likelihood of compromise. Some organizations associate security training and its success with employees' appraisals having a direct impact on their annual performance. Guess what... AI powered training systems are gaining grounds... making human based defense more relevant and effective.

Based on my experience, to enhance network's security posture, one should focus on cybersecurity awareness and training for end users. Training equips employees with the skills to identify, manage, and contain security threats, addressing risks before they escalate. Since 90% of data leakage is caused by human error, training helps mitigate this risk. Employees learn to recognize phishing emails and avoid malicious links, and they understand the dangers of downloading software from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping devices updated to prevent malware infections. This approach ensures the network remains secure by making employees the first line of defense against cyber threats.

Drawing from my experience, I've found that human error can be the Achilles' heel in network security. That's why I advocate for comprehensive employee training on security best practices. From identifying phishing attempts to managing passwords securely, instilling these skills cultivates a culture of vigilance where every team member feels invested in safeguarding company data. Conducting regular training sessions not only keeps security top of mind but also mitigates the risk of inadvertent breaches. Empowering your workforce with knowledge is akin to fortifying your first line of defense against cyber threats.

Phishing simulations are crucial in cybersecurity training because about 80% of data breaches happen due to phishing. These exercises help employees recognize fake emails by simulating real attacks. By learning to spot suspicious signs and practicing regularly, employees can better protect against phishing. Regular simulations, along with ongoing training, are essential for preventing successful phishing attacks and keeping data safe.

Security Awareness: Conduct regular security awareness training to educate employees about phishing, social engineering, password hygiene, and other cyber threats. Policy Training: Ensure employees are familiar with your organization’s security policies and procedures. Simulated Attacks: Use phishing simulations and other tactics to test and reinforce training effectiveness.

Your risk assessment dictates controls to safeguard your assets in line with their criticality. Controls should cover all layers - users, data, applications, systems, networks - both on prem and cloud(s)... physical security aspects can't be ignored as well. A new asset category to safeguard is deployed AI models. The attack surface is widening, demanding for new breed of controls...

Access Control: Use role-based access control (RBAC) to limit access to sensitive information based on job roles. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all critical systems and services to add an extra layer of security. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Deploy and properly configure firewalls and IDS/IPS to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Endpoint Security: Use antivirus, anti-malware, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on all endpoints

Set up and configure firewalls to control incoming and outgoing traffic. Regular Software and Firmware Updates and Implement Security Policies.

It is important to regularly review controls to ensure their proper implementation and to stay ahead of new threats that arise.

Engaging professional monitoring services help offload your overheads and allows you to focus on your core businesses. Automated and AI-powered system can efficiently identify suspicious activities.

Get the management buy-in, secure sponsorship and oversight during the process. Leadership plays a decisive role in the success of security risk management programs. Ideal opportunity for leaders to rise and shine!

Conducting a network security audit is crucial to verify the proper implementation of security measures and to identify opportunities for ongoing enhancement of security protocols.

First, perform a comprehensive risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities to enhance your network's security posture. Implement robust, unique passwords and mandate the use of multi-factor authentication. Regularly update and patch all software and hardware to close security loopholes. Utilize firewalls, anti-malware tools, and intrusion detection and prevention systems to create multiple defence layers. Segment your network to control access and limit potential breaches. Conduct frequent security awareness training for all users. Encrypt sensitive data and ensure secure configurations are in place. Regularly back up data and establish a robust incident response plan to address any security breaches quickly.

Few steps you can follow are: Regularly assess your organization’s security risks and vulnerabilities. Find your Threats and Vulnerabilities. Implement Preventative Measures. Regularly update software and apply security patches. Network Segmentation to limit lateral movement during an attack. Monitor alerts and respond.