We specialize in: Ensuring your security tools and strategy hold up to real-world cyber threats, via penetration testing, simulating ransomware and other cyber-threats, and red-team exercises. Running compromise assessments and threat hunts, making sure your environment is truly free of hidden and sophisticated threats. Aligning your security program with regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks. Providing insights and support into security and GRC solutions for your organization.
Format Cyber的外部链接
Format Cyber转发了
Format Cyber is here as a sponsor for the ISACA New Jersey Chapter's NIST 2.0 Conference - great turnout. Already met a ton of great folks and had several interesting conversations about security and compliance challenges and trends. Corn muffins, coffee, and cyber conversations FTW! #ISACA #NIST #cybersecurity
???Unlock the Power of Offensive Security!??? Ever wondered if your security controls and MDR services are truly up to the task? Or if there are hidden compliance gaps lurking in your systems? Our offensive security services are designed to put your defenses to the test, ensuring everything is functioning as expected and uncovering vulnerabilities before the bad guys do. By simulating real-world attacks, we help you identify and fix weaknesses in controls and gaps in SLAs, giving you peace of mind and a stronger security posture. Ready to ensure that your network's armor is up to the task? Let's talk! #Cybersecurity #OffensiveSecurity #Compliance #DataProtection
???Device Hardening: Basic But Often Overlooked??? Ever heard the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? When it comes to ransomware, this couldn't be more true. One of the best ways to prevent these attacks is through?device hardening. But what exactly is device hardening, and why should you care? Think of device hardening like putting a super-strong lock on your front door. It means configuring your devices (like computers, routers, and servers) to be as secure as possible, to minimize the attack surface. This involves turning off unnecessary features, updating software, and setting strong passwords. Here's why it matters: ???Reduces Attack Surfaces: By disabling unused services and ports, you limit the ways attackers can get in. In fact, organizations that implement device hardening see a?30% reduction in successful cyberattacks ????Enhances Compliance: It helps you meet security standards and regulations, which is crucial for avoiding hefty fines and maintaining trust with your clients. ???Mitigates Insider Threats: Strong passwords, screen locks, and access controls prevent unauthorized access, even from within your organization. ???Protects Against Zero-Day Exploits: A hardened device is better equipped to withstand new and emerging threats, reducing the risk of being caught off guard. ???Aligns With Best Practices: CIS Control 4 focuses on securing the configuration of enterprise assets and software. It includes best practices like establishing a secure configuration process, maintaining it, and using automated tools to ensure consistency Best Practices for Device Hardening: Disable Unnecessary Services: Turn off features and services that aren't needed. System Defaults: Change default passwords Regular Updates: Keep your software and firmware up to date. Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords and change them regularly. Access Controls: Limit user access based on roles and responsibilities. Automated Tools: Use tools to automate the hardening process and ensure compliance (Microsoft's Security Compliance Toolkit, and DoD's STIG Templates, for example). As ransomware attacks become more sophisticated, device hardening is a simple yet powerful step you can take to protect your organization. So, let's lock those doors and keep the bad guys out! ????? #CyberSecurity #DeviceHardening #RansomwareDefense
GRF has just released its H2 2024 Semiannual Ransomware Report, and the findings are eye-opening. Their analysts tracked 2,250 successful ransomware attacks, revealing some critical trends: ???Manufacturing?remains the top target with 322 victims, marking the sixth consecutive report where this industry leads in attacks. ???Commercial Facilities?follow closely with 307 victims. ???Ransomhub?has emerged as the most prolific threat actor with 297 successful attacks, surpassing LockBit post-prosecution. ?? The?United States?bore the brunt of these attacks, accounting for 62%, while 19% targeted companies in the EU and UK. ???AI tools?are enhancing ransomware capabilities, improving targeting, phishing email quality, and evading detection. Stay informed and vigilant! Read the full report (available at the GRF website) to understand how these trends could impact your industry. ???? And be sure to test your defenses to ensure that your security controls will actually detect and block a ransomware attack! Need help? We safely simulate ransomware and APT attacks using our proprietary attack simulation tool to test and validate that your endpoint defenses are prepared for real-world threats. #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #AI
Garage Daze: Why Data Classification is a Must-Have You walk into a garage that's a total mess—tools scattered everywhere, random items piled up. Trying to find anything important would be a nightmare. That's what happens when organizations skip proper data classification. Poor data classification can lead to all sorts of security issues. It's tough to protect something if you don't know where it is or how to safeguard it. Why Data Classification Matters Sensitivity: Not all data is the same. By classifying data based on how sensitive it is, organizations can make sure the most critical info gets top-notch protection. Think financial records or personal client info—these need extra security. Internal vs. Client Data: Internal data might be employee records or business strategies, while client data could be personal details or transaction histories. Each type needs different handling and security measures to keep things compliant and trustworthy. Real-World Impact Take a major healthcare provider that had a data breach because they didn't classify their data properly. In 2023, sensitive patient records were exposed because they weren't secured right. This not only compromised patient privacy but also led to hefty fines and a damaged reputation. The Triad of Effective Data Classification: Policy, Process, and Technology Policy: Set clear policies on how data should be classified based on sensitivity and ownership. Process: Put in place solid processes for classifying, handling, and protecting data. Regular audits and reviews help keep everything in check. Technology: Use tools like automated data classification, encryption, and access controls. These can make the classification process smoother, cut down on human error, and boost overall data security. Easing the Administrative Burden Data classification can significantly ease the administrative burden of security and IT operations: Streamlined Data Management: By categorizing data, organizations can quickly locate and manage information, reducing the time and effort spent on data retrieval and handling. Automated Processes: Advanced data classification tools can automate many tasks, such as tagging and sorting data, which reduces manual workload and minimizes errors. Improved Incident Response: Knowing exactly where sensitive data is stored allows for faster and more effective responses to security incidents. Enhanced Compliance: Clear classification helps ensure that data handling complies with regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties. Resource Optimization: By identifying and prioritizing critical data, organizations can allocate resources more efficiently, focusing on protecting the most valuable information. Data classification isn't just a good idea—it's a must. By classifying based on sensitivity and ownership, organizations can cut down the risk of data breaches and make sure critical info is well-protected. #DataSecurity #RiskManagement
Data Governance is Non-Negotiable Think of your company's data like a high-performance car. You wouldn't skip oil changes, ignore strange noises, or drive without a maintenance manual, right? Neglecting data governance is like ignoring your car's upkeep—eventually, it leads to breakdowns. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Yet, this is the reality for many organizations that overlook the critical importance of data governance in their cybersecurity strategy. Pillars of Data Governance Classification: Not all data is created equal. By classifying data based on its sensitivity and value, organizations can prioritize their protection efforts. This ensures that the most critical data receives the highest level of security. Least Privilege: Granting employees only the access they need to perform their job functions minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. This principle of least privilege is a cornerstone of effective data governance. File Activity Monitoring: Keeping an eye on file activities can help detect suspicious behavior early. Monitoring who accesses, modifies, or deletes files can provide valuable insights and trigger timely responses to potential threats. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Implementing DLP solutions helps protect sensitive data from being lost, stolen, or misused. DLP tools can identify and block unauthorized data transfers, ensuring that critical information stays within the organization. Automated Data Discovery: With the sheer volume of data generated daily, manual data management is impractical. Automated data discovery tools can help identify and classify data across the organization, ensuring comprehensive and consistent data governance. Real-World Example: The Securitas Data Breach In 2021, Securitas left nearly 3 TB of sensitive data exposed in an Amazon S3 bucket. This misconfiguration allowed anyone to access approximately 1.5 million files containing personal information about employees and business operations. The breach included photos of ID cards, job roles, and even GPS locations, highlighting the severe consequences of inadequate data governance. The Triad of Effective Data Governance: Policy: Clear, well-defined policies are the foundation of data governance. Policies should outline the classification, handling, and protection of data, ensuring that everyone in the organization understands their responsibilities. Process: Robust processes ensure that data governance policies are consistently applied. This includes regular audits, access reviews, and incident response protocols to maintain data integrity and security.. Technology: Automated tools for data classification, access management, and monitoring can streamline processes and reduce the risk of human error. Don't leave your data unguarded—invest in data governance and fortify your cybersecurity defenses. #Cybersecurity #DataGovernance #DataSecurity
We advocate for honesty and accountability in breach notifications, ensuring clients are well-informed and protected. Let's move beyond the spin and focus on real solutions.
We take the security of our customers' data VERY seriously! ?? In the wake of data breaches, too many companies resort to using "weasel words" in their notifications, frustratingly downplaying the severity and responsibility of the incident. Phrases like: "The security of our customers' data is our top priority" Is it really? How curious. ?? "We have no evidence your stolen personal information has been maliciously used" How did you come to that conclusion? ?? "Those affected will be given one year of free credit monitoring" Oh joy! Thanks for keeping tabs on my blood pressure after the car crash. And didn't you just claim my info hasn't been used for malicious intent? ?? These are all too common, offering little comfort or clarity to those affected. But it's all boilerplate C.Y.A. fluff. It's time for organizations to adopt a more transparent and straightforward approach, clearly communicating the risks and steps being taken to mitigate them. And more importantly, if post breach, you're suddenly doubling or tripling your investment in cybersecurity governance, tech, and staff, I've got to ask, didn't past security and risk assessments (that surely you conducted!) suggest you do something along those lines anyhow - PRIOR to the breach? It certainly seems like many organizations choose to play a game of chicken, cyber-edition, and hope for the best while investing the bare minimum to keep clients and auditors appeased. That's a business decision, well-informed or not. Milton Friedman would probably give thumbs up. I don't agree with it. But I get it. If you choose that path, and you do get breached, how about at least show some humility and spare us the platitudes? https://lnkd.in/ebFcEh6C #DataBreach #Transparency #Accountability #ClientTrust
Understanding DORA: The New Standard in Cyber Resilience The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), an EU regulation, effective from January 17, 2025, is set to revolutionize how financial entities handle digital and cyber threats. Here’s a quick rundown: DORA aims to bolster the IT security of financial entities like banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. It ensures these organizations can withstand, respond to, and recover from severe operational disruptions. Key Highlights: Uniform Standards:?DORA establishes consistent rules across the EU, enhancing the digital resilience of financial systems. Risk Management:?It mandates comprehensive ICT risk management frameworks and regular resilience testing. Incident Reporting:?Financial entities must report major ICT-related incidents to competent authorities. Third-Party Oversight:?DORA includes stringent requirements for managing risks associated with third-party ICT service providers. Why It Matters: Enhanced Security:?By standardizing operational resilience requirements, DORA helps protect against cyberattacks and operational failures. Regulatory Compliance:?Staying compliant with DORA not only safeguards financial stability but also boosts consumer confidence. Proactive Measures:?Regular testing and information sharing among entities ensure vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly. As cybersecurity professionals, staying ahead of these regulations is crucial. What are your thoughts on DORA? How is your organization preparing for these new regulations? Share your insights and let's discuss! #Cybersecurity #DORA #FinancialSecurity #CISO #Compliance
Insider Threats: A Growing Risk for Law Firms In the legal industry, insider threats pose a significant risk, often exacerbated by unique cultural challenges and the absence of a strict top-down power structure. Law firms, with their vast repositories of sensitive client information, are prime targets for cyberattacks originating from within. Key Challenges: Cultural Barriers:?The collaborative and often decentralized nature of law firms can hinder the implementation of stringent security measures. Lack of Hierarchical Control:?Without a clear top-down authority, enforcing consistent cybersecurity policies across all levels can be challenging. Best practices, like least privilege, can be difficult to gain approval to implement. Human Error:?Employees, from partners to support staff, may inadvertently compromise security through phishing attacks or mishandling of data. Statistics Highlighting the Risk: Prevalence of Insider Attacks:?61% of organizations (industry agnostic) experienced at least one insider attack in the past year. Detection Delays:?49% of insider incidents took at least a week to detect. Financial Impact:?Insider threats can cost up to 20% of a company's annual revenue. Negligence:?56% of insider-driven incidents are caused by individual negligence. To mitigate Insider Threat risks... Comprehensive Training:?Regular, tailored cybersecurity training sessions for all staff members to foster a security-first mindset. Robust Policies:?Implementing and enforcing clear, firm-wide cybersecurity policies that address the unique needs of a law firm. Advanced Monitoring:?Utilizing sophisticated monitoring tools, like User & Entity Behavior Analytics, File Activity Monitoring, and DLP, to detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time. By addressing these challenges head-on, law firms can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats and protect their most valuable asset, client trust. #Cybersecurity #InsiderThreats #LawFirms #DataProtection #CyberAwareness
Cybersecurity trends: IBM’s predictions for 2025 In a world where many organizations still struggle with basic asset management and data governance, is the fixation on A.I. threats a distraction from securing the foundation? ???Key Highlights: Shadow AI: Unsanctioned AI models are more common and risky than we thought. Time to tighten those governance policies! Identity Transformation: With hybrid cloud and app modernization, identity is the new security perimeter. An effective identity fabric is crucial. AI Interdependence: AI is both a boon and a bane. It's improving threat detection but also being exploited by attackers. But, the report also highlights that long-standing threats, and not A.I., are still the major factors in the security events we're seeing: Credential Theft: Attacks using compromised credentials have surged, posing serious risks. Cloud Intrusions: As more companies rely on the cloud, there's been a spike in cloud-based attacks. Build a solid foundation with an eye towards the future, so you can run a resilient cybersecurity program which can adapt to emerging challenges. Let's discuss how we can tackle them together. ???Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eRRxMecR #CyberSecurity #AI #Predictions