Setting Security Baselines in Microsoft 365

Data Security, Enterprise Security

Article | November 22, 2022

Learn the vital risk management strategies for elevated privacy. Secure organizations with the best practices in risk management while being in compliance with the GRC privacy framework in detail. Contents 1. Legal Governance, Risk and Compliance: What a Company Needs to Know 2. Risk Management within the GRC framework: Concepts and Strategies 3. GRC Cyber Security: Essential Strategies for Modern Risk Management 3.1 10 Risk Management Strategies and Best Practices for GRC Privacy 3.1.1 Understanding GRC in Cybersecurity 3.1.2 Role of GRC, Risk Assessment and Digital Tools 3.1.3 Risk Assessment 3.1.4 Risk Mitigation 3.1.5 Continuous Monitoring 3.1.6 Incidence Response Plan 3.1.7 Training and Awareness 3.1.8 Compliance Management 3.1.9 Vendor Risk Management 3.1.10 Cyber Insurance 3.2 GRC Companies to Consider for All Cybersecurity GRC Needs 3.2.1 AuditBoard 3.2.2 Bitsight 3.2.3 Camms 3.2.4 Fusion Risk Management 3.2.5 LogicGate 3.2.6 Ncontracts 3.2.7 Protecht 3.2.8 Resolver, a Kroll Business 3.2.9 SAI360 3.2.10 Secureframe 4. Risk Management: Future Trends and Impact In the wild world of business today, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) stands as a guide along with risk management due to increasing cyber threats. It’s the tool that can help organizations find their way through the thickets of operational challenges, especially those tied to cybersecurity. GRC isn’t just a fancy term; it’s a strategic plan that aligns IT with business goals, manages risks head-on, and ensures rules are followed. It’s the map that helps businesses navigate the tricky terrain of cyber threats and changing rules. The power of GRC lies in its ability to spot potential risks, build strong risk management processes, set up compliance guidelines, and boost openness. It gives a clear view of the business landscape, helping to make smart decisions, manage IT and security risks, cut costs, and meet rules. In the next sections, we’ll dig deeper into the legal side of GRC and how an organization can use GRC strategies to its advantage. 1. Legal Governance, Risk and Compliance: What a Company Needs to Know 1.1 An Approach to GRC Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) It aligns IT with business goals, manages risks, and ensures compliance with regulations. It includes tools and processes to unify governance and risk management with technological innovation. Governance refers to the policies, rules, or frameworks that a company uses to achieve its business goals. It defines the responsibilities of key stakeholders. Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and handling potential risks. Companies use a risk management program to predict potential problems and minimize losses. Compliance is the act of following rules, laws, and regulations. It applies to legal and regulatory requirements set by industrial bodies and also to internal corporate policies. 1.2 Benefits of GRC in Risk Management It enables organizations to Identify risks, Develop risk management procedures, Establish compliance guidelines, and Increase transparency GRC helps companies manage IT and security risks, reduce costs, and meet compliance requirements. It improves decision-making and performance by providing an integrated view of risk management. The GRC provides a framework that integrates governance, risk management, and compliance activities, enabling organizations to streamline operations, mitigate risks, and uphold ethical and legal standards. 2. Risk Management within the GRC Framework: Concepts and Strategies GRC and risk management and Compliance (GRC) is a strategy for managing governance, risk, and compliance. It ensures organizations effectively identify, assess, manage, and monitor risks. 2.1 GRC Risk Management Process The process involves: Risk Identification: Identifying potential risks affecting objectives Risk Assessment: Assessing the impact and likelihood of risks Risk Appetite: Determining the acceptable level of risk Risk Tolerance: Quantifying acceptable risk variation Risk Mitigation: Implementing strategies to reduce risk impact 2.2 Developing Risk Management Strategies The strategy development process includes: Identifying risks Assigning risk severity levels Developing risk mitigation plans Monitoring control effectiveness Communicating risk Continually assessing and adjusting strategies These strategies enhance organizational resilience and success within the GRC framework. 3. GRC Cyber Security: Essential Strategies for Modern Risk Management GRC plays a pivotal role in the success and resilience of an organization’s cybersecurity front. A proactive approach to managing risk in GRC helps boost data privacy and security at all levels. 3.1 10 Risk Management Strategies and Best Practices for GRC Privacy 3.1.1 Understanding GRC in Cybersecurity GRC in cybersecurity is a structured approach that aligns IT operations with business objectives, effectively manages risks, and meets regulatory needs. It comprises three essential elements: governance, risk management, and compliance. Governance: It functions as the architect of protocols and standards, laying down the framework for secure operations within an organization. Risk Management: Operates as the vigilant observer within this framework, detecting threats and vulnerabilities and devising strategies to mitigate or eliminate them. Compliance: Ensures meticulous adherence to the established rules and standards, verifying that all operations align with the predefined guidelines. Understanding GRC in cybersecurity is crucial as it forms the backbone of a proactive approach to managing cyber risk, complying with regulations, and fostering a risk-aware culture. 3.1.2 Role of GRC, Risk Assessment and Digital Tools GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) in cybersecurity is a strategic framework that aligns IT with business objectives, manages risks, and ensures compliance with regulations. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and achieving business objectives. Governance: It guarantees the alignment of corporate activities with business goals. It encompasses ethics, resource management, accountability, and management controls. Risk Management: It is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling financial, legal, strategic, and security risks to an organization. Compliance: It ensures that all operations align with the predefined guidelines. Digital tools play a crucial role in executing and overseeing cybersecurity strategies. They provide a comprehensive perspective on processes, risks, and compliance across various departments, enable more informed decision-making, efficient risk assessment, enhanced IT compliance, and improved performance. These tools bolster the effectiveness of the GRC cybersecurity framework in addressing security risks. 3.1.3 Risk Assessment Risk assessment is a critical component of the GRC framework in cybersecurity. It involves identifying, estimating, and prioritizing information security risks. Here’s a breakdown of the process: Identify and Document Network Asset Vulnerabilities: The first step involves identifying and documenting the vulnerabilities associated with an organization’s IT assets. Use Sources of Cyber Threat Intelligence: Cyber threat intelligence is internal or external information that can help identify cybersecurity risks. Identify and Document Internal and External Threats: With a full view of its IT assets and an understanding of the major potential threats, an organization can search for both internal and external threats. Identify Potential Mission Impacts: Different cybersecurity risks have varying potential impacts on the organization. Determine Risk: At this point in the assessment, an organization has a clear understanding of the various threats and vulnerabilities it faces and the potential impact of each. A comprehensive risk assessment helps organizations prevent and reduce costly security incidents and data breaches and avoid regulatory and compliance issues. It also helps to create a more risk-aware culture. 3.1.4 Risk Mitigation Risk mitigation, a crucial strategy in cybersecurity, focuses on reducing the overall impact of a potential cyber threat. It involves a three-pronged approach: prevention, detection, and remediation. Prevention: This strategy involves applying all available software updates as soon as they become available. Cybercriminals can engineer exploits almost immediately after the release of a patch, making automation crucial. Detection: This strategy requires using modern operating systems that enforce signed software execution policies for scripts, executables, device drivers, and system firmware. Allowing unsigned software can provide cybercriminals with an entry point. Remediation: Crafting a disaster recovery plan (DRP) is key to effectively mitigating cyberattacks. A DRP should address data protection, data restoration, offsite backups, system reconstitution, configurations, and logs. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce an organization’s exposure to cyber threats and ensure a robust cybersecurity defense. 3.1.5 Continuous Monitoring Continuous monitoring is a critical strategy in risk management for cybersecurity. It involves the constant surveillance of IT systems and networks to detect security threats, performance issues, or non-compliance problems. This approach aims to identify potential problems and threats in real time, allowing for quick resolution. The goal of continuous monitoring is not just about identifying threats but also about understanding the health of each component and operation within an organization’s IT infrastructure. It provides a comprehensive perspective on processes, risks, and compliance across various departments, leading to more informed decision-making and enhanced IT compliance. Continuous monitoring is a proactive approach that transitions organizations from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity stance. By continuously monitoring cyber risks, organizations can foresee potential threats and address them preemptively. This strategy is crucial for all stakeholders involved in an organization’s IT infrastructure. 3.1.6 Incidence Response Plan An incident response plan (IRP) is a critical strategy in modern risk management. It is a set of procedures that help security teams identify, respond to, and recover from a cybersecurity incident. NIST and SANS developed the two most well-respected IR frameworks. The NIST framework includes steps such as preparation, detection and analysis, containment, eradication and recovery, and post-incident activity. The SANS framework, while similar, differs slightly in wording and grouping. Having an IRP in place is crucial, as it allows for quick and uniform responses to any type of external threat. It ensures that responses are as effective as possible, reducing the potential impact of a cybersecurity incident. 3.1.7 Training and Awareness In cybersecurity, training and awareness play a significant role in knowledge sharing and implementation. They equip employees with the knowledge to understand cybersecurity risks and how to mitigate them. Engaging employees in various security awareness situations, whether conducted online, in person, or a combination of both, achieves this. Effective training educates employees about the existing cybersecurity threats against the organization, helps them understand potential vulnerabilities, and teaches them the appropriate habits for recognizing signs of danger and avoiding breaches and attacks. It also guides them on what to do if they make a mistake or have any doubts. In essence, training and awareness form the backbone of a proactive approach to cybersecurity, managing cyber risk, complying with regulations, and fostering a risk-aware culture. 3.1.8 Compliance Management Compliance management is a critical strategy in cybersecurity risk management. It involves managing an organization’s responsibilities under laws, regulations, and standards. This includes identifying compliance responsibilities and closing compliance gaps on an ongoing basis. At its core, it means adhering to standards and regulatory requirements set forth by some agency, law, or authority group. Organizations achieve compliance by establishing risk-based controls that protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information. Compliance management is not just a checkbox for government regulations but also a formal way of protecting an organization from cyberattacks. It’s an ongoing effort since the digital attack surface is always expanding. Remember, compliance failures can carry significant financial penalties and even the revocation of core business functions. 3.1.9 Vendor Risk Management Vendor risk management (VRM) is a crucial strategy in cybersecurity risk management. It involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating the cybersecurity risks associated with third-party vendors. In the modern digital landscape, organizations often rely on third-party vendors for various services, including IT products and cloud solutions. However, these relationships can introduce new vulnerabilities into an organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure. VRM is about managing these risks effectively. It combines objective, quantifiable data sources like security ratings and data leak detection with subjective, qualitative data sources like security questionnaires to get a complete understanding of each vendor’s security posture. According to a 2020 Ponemon survey, the average enterprise has 5,800 third-party vendors, with 90% of them using some sort of cloud service. In 2019, IBM reported that the average time to identify a data breach was over six months. Given these statistics, it’s clear that VRM is not just a good-to-have but a must-have strategy for modern organizations. It’s about being proactive, not reactive, in managing vendor-related cybersecurity risks. 3.1.10 Cyber Insurance Cyber-insurance is a key strategy in cybersecurity risk management. It covers financial losses from cyber incidents like ransomware attacks and data breaches. Just like car insurance covers vehicle damage, cyber insurance pays for damaged computer systems, lost revenue, legal expenses, and other cyberattack costs. According to IBM’s report, 83% of organizations have had more than one data breach, costing an average of USD 4.35 million. As the risk of cyberattacks grows, cyber insurance becomes increasingly essential. It can significantly mitigate the impact of data compromise, loss, or theft on a business, ranging from losing customers to reputation and revenue loss. A cyber insurance policy can protect the enterprise against cyber events, including acts of cyber terrorism, and assist with security incident remediation. In essence, cyber insurance is a proactive measure to mitigate the financial impact of cyber threats, making it an indispensable part of modern risk management strategies. 3.2 10 GRC Companies to Consider for All Cybersecurity GRC Needs 3.2.1 AuditBoard Founded in Los Angeles, California, AuditBoard offers the following essential features: Cloud-based platform: AuditBoard is a leading cloud-based platform that is transforming audit, risk, and compliance management. Suite of software solutions: The company offers a suite of software solutions designed to simplify and automate complex processes for auditors, risk managers, and compliance professionals. Flagship products: Its flagship products, such as SOXHUB, OpsAudit, and RiskOversight, integrate critical auditing workflows. Risk assessment: The platform includes features for risk assessment. Document management: Document management is a key feature of the platform. Reporting: The platform facilitates reporting. Real-time collaboration: AuditBoard facilitates real-time collaboration across teams. User-friendly interface: The platform receives praised for its user-friendly interface. Scalability: AuditBoard is scalable, making it suitable for organizations of different sizes. Actionable insights: The platform provides actionable insights that help organizations manage risks more effectively and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards. 3.2.2 Bitsight The major features of Bitsight include: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: Bitsight revolutionizes the way organizations assess and mitigate cybersecurity risk. Leader in Cybersecurity Ratings: As a leader in cybersecurity ratings, Bitsight provides comprehensive, data-driven insights into the security performance of companies and their potential cyber risks. Data Analysis: Bitsight analyzes vast amounts of data on security incidents, practices, and behaviors. Dynamic and Objective Rating System: It offers a dynamic and objective rating system that enables companies to benchmark their cybersecurity posture, identify vulnerabilities, and prioritize remediation efforts. Global Clientele: It serves a global clientele. Pivotal for Risk Management: Bitsight’s platform is pivotal for risk management, cyber insurance, and merger and acquisition due diligence. Informed Decision Making: It helps stakeholders make informed decisions based on cybersecurity risk assessments. 3.2.3 Camms The primary characteristics of Camms in GRC risk management are: Integrated Risk Management (IRM): Provides a comprehensive platform for managing risk, strategy, projects, and people. Risk Assessment Tools: Offers tools for assessing and managing risk. Incident Management: Provides capabilities for managing incidents. Strategic Planning: Supports strategic planning processes. Global Clientele: Serves clients across various sectors worldwide, including healthcare, finance, and government. Innovation: Continuously evolves its product suite to meet the dynamic needs of risk and compliance management. User-Friendly Interfaces: Emphasizes on creating interfaces that are easy to use. Actionable Insights: Provides insights that can be directly applied to improve business performance and compliance. 3.2.4 Fusion Risk Management The major features of Fusion Risk Management include: Cutting-Edge Software Solutions: Offers advanced software solutions to help businesses anticipate, manage, and respond to operational disruptions. Business Continuity: Specializes in maintaining systems of operation during a disruption or disaster. Disaster Recovery: Provides solutions for recovering or continuing technology infrastructure critical to an organization after a natural or human-induced disaster. Risk Management: Offers tools and strategies for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks. Cloud-Based Solution: Integrates critical functions into a single, cloud-based platform. Resilience Through Proactive Planning: Enables organizations to achieve resilience through proactive planning and strategic response mechanisms. Minimizing Impact of Incidents: Focuses on minimizing the impact of incidents and ensuring a swift recovery. Support Across Various Industries: Supports clients across various industries in safeguarding their operations against unforeseen challenges. 3.2.5 LogicGate The key features of LogicGate: Cloud-Based GRC Platform: Offers a cloud-based governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platform that enables organizations to automate and manage their risk and compliance processes effectively. Risk Cloud Platform: Provides a versatile platform that allows for the customization and scaling of GRC applications to meet the evolving needs of businesses. No-Code Application Framework: Leverages a no-code application framework, empowering businesses to visualize and mitigate risks, streamline workflows, and foster a proactive risk management culture. Proactive Risk Management Culture: Fosters a culture that emphasizes proactive risk management. Helps Navigate Regulatory and Risk Challenges: Dedicated to helping organizations of all sizes navigate the complex landscape of regulatory and risk challenges. Transforms GRC Processes: Aims to transform GRC processes from a reactive to a strategic stance. 3.2.6 Ncontracts The key features of Ncontracts include: Risk and Compliance Management Solutions: Provides comprehensive solutions tailored for the banking and financial services industry. Vendor Management: Offers services for managing vendor relationships. Risk Management: Provides tools and strategies for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks. Compliance Assurance: Ensures compliance with industry standards. Audit Management: Provides solutions for managing audits. Streamlined Governance and Operational Processes: Aims to streamline governance and operational processes for financial institutions. Monitoring Regulatory Changes: Offers tools for monitoring changes in regulations. Managing Third-Party Relationships: Provides solutions for managing third-party relationships. User-Friendly Solutions: Dedicated to delivering integrated and user-friendly solutions. Navigating the Complex Regulatory Landscape: Supports financial organizations in navigating the complex regulatory landscape. 3.2.7 Protecht The key features of Protecht are: Risk Management Innovation: An Australian company at the forefront of risk management innovation. Comprehensive Suite of Software and Services: Offers a comprehensive suite of software and services that enable organizations to understand, manage, and mitigate their risks. Enterprise Risk Management: Provides solutions for managing enterprise-level risks. Compliance: Offers tools and strategies for ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. Operational Risk: Provides solutions for managing operational risks. Event Management: Offers tools for managing events. Flexible and Scalable Solutions: Provides flexible and scalable solutions that can be tailored to fit the unique risk profile and requirements of each organization. Embedding Risk Management: Emphasizes embedding risk management into the operational processes of an organization. Enhanced Decision-Making and Improved Business Outcomes: Aims to enhance decision-making and improve business outcomes through better risk intelligence. 3.2.8 Resolver, a Kroll Business The key features of Resolver include: Integrated Risk Management Software: Offers software designed to empower organizations to protect their employees, operations, and data. Advanced Analytics and Advisory Services: Enhanced its offerings to include advanced analytics and advisory services following its acquisition by Kroll. Comprehensive Approach to Risk Management: Facilitates a comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks. Corporate Security, Compliance, and Incident Management: Provides solutions across various domains, including corporate security, compliance, and incident management. Global Client Base: Serves clients globally across various industries. Informed Decision Making: Committed to providing solutions that enable businesses to make informed decisions. Proactive Risk Management Culture: Aims to foster a proactive risk management culture within organizations. 3.2.9 SAI360 The key features of SAI360 include: Risk, Compliance, and Sustainability Solutions: Globally recognized provider of solutions in these areas. Broad Range of Products: Offers a wide array of products designed to improve decision-making and operational efficiencies. Regulatory Compliance Management: Provides tools for managing regulatory compliance. Risk Management: Offers solutions for managing various types of risks. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS): Provides solutions for managing EHS efforts. Sustainability Efforts: Offers tools for managing sustainability efforts. Integrated Approach: Enables organizations to adopt a holistic view of risk and compliance. Culture of Resilience and Ethical Business Practices: Fosters a culture that emphasizes resilience and ethical business practices. Innovation and Customer Success: Committed to innovation and ensuring customer success. Support Across Various Industries: Supports organizations across various industries in navigating the complexities of the modern business environment and achieving their sustainability and governance goals. 3.2.10 Secureframe The key features of Secureframe: Information Security and Privacy Certifications: Streamlines the process of obtaining and maintaining certifications such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance. Automated Compliance Workflow: Its platform automates the compliance workflow. Continuous Monitoring: Offers continuous monitoring tools. Employee Training: Provides employee training tools. Policy Management: Offers policy management tools. Vendor Risk Assessment: Provides vendor risk assessment tools. Simplifying Compliance: Simplifies the path to compliance, enabling companies to focus on their core business. Industry Standards and Regulatory Requirements: Ensures that company data and processes meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. Dedicated to Manageable and Accessible Compliance: Dedicated to making complex compliance processes more manageable and accessible for businesses of all sizes. 4. Risk Management: Future Trends and Impact 4.1 GRC Risk Management Trends Risk Appetite and Tolerance: Only 33% of organizations have articulated their risk tolerance levels. This understanding is crucial for effective risk management. Digitally-Transformed GRC: Digital transformation is reshaping GRC with the use of AI tools, GRC platforms, and risk maturity models. Third-Party Risks: As businesses become more interconnected, managing third-party risks has become a priority. Non-Financial Risks: Quantifying non-financial risks like reputational or operational risks is increasingly important. 4.2 Impact of GRC on an Organization’s Cybersecurity Posture Integrated Approach: The need for cybersecurity to be integrated into GRC frameworks has increased due to persistent cyber threats and growing regulations. Proactive Compliance: Organizations need to maintain regulatory compliance by being aware of updated regulations and emerging risks. Managing Third-Party Cyber Risks: GRC frameworks are integrating vendor and third-party risk management to evaluate and reduce cyber risks. Improved Security Posture: By integrating GRC functions, leveraging technology, and staying compliant, organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture. These trends highlight the importance of a holistic approach to GRC and cybersecurity for navigating the digital world, mitigating risks, and ensuring robust cybersecurity. As we say goodbye to 2024, it’s clear that risk management isn’t just a strategy anymore; it’s a game plan for success. It’s shown us that taking risk isn’t about courting danger but about seizing opportunities. Companies that have jumped on board aren’t just getting by; they’re flourishing, turning what could have been weaknesses into their greatest strengths. Mixing high-tech risk management tools with a clear vision for the future has opened up new levels of agility and resilience. Businesses have discovered that adaptability and innovative thinking are their most valuable assets during challenging times. The past year has highlighted that in the high-stakes game of risk and reward, the boldest strategies, supported by robust risk management, are the ones that achieve success. This year has given risk management a makeover, showing us that it’s the bedrock of sustainable growth and a lighthouse guiding us through the choppy waters of global business. The 2024 risk management game plan is a shining example of the power of embracing risk as a stepping-stone to success, setting a new gold standard for years to come

Software Security

Article | March 28, 2024

A cyberattack leads to compromise of sensitive data, service disruption and financial losses. Analyzing the causes of past cyber incidents in 2023 and identifying vulnerabilities will save companies. Contents 1. Looking Back at 2023’s Major Cyber Incidents 2. 2023 Cyber Incidents : The Learning Curve 3. Costly Mistakes Smart CISOs are Avoiding 4. Beyond the Cyber Horizon: The 2023 Aftermath The year 2023 was a rollercoaster ride in the field of cybersecurity. High-profile ransomware attacks and data breaches left indelible marks, reminding us of the expanding threat surface. A staggering 8.2 billion records were breached, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. 1. Looking Back at 2023’s Major Cyber Incidents From the crippling ransomware attack on The Guardian to the unique case of Toronto SickKids, where the ransomware provider publicly apologized, raising questions about cyber ethics. Each incident served as a stark reminder of the increasing threat landscape. The year 2023 also witnessed the shocking breach of the World Bank’s database, leading to a global outcry for stronger data protection measures. In another incident, the renowned e-commerce giant, Amazon, fell victim to a sophisticated phishing attack, causing a temporary disruption in its services. In a surprising turn of events, 2023 also saw an unprecedented cyberattack on the global social media platform Facebook, affecting millions of users worldwide. This was closely followed by a massive data breach at LinkedIn, exposing sensitive user data and shaking the trust of its user base. These incidents from 2023 are not just statistics, but lessons for shaping future cybersecurity strategies. They serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the critical need for stringent data privacy laws and advanced security protocols. These cyberattacks should be viewed as catalysts for change, prompting us to rethink our approach to cybersecurity and data privacy. Let’s reflect on these cyber incidents as lessons of awareness that fortify defenses and shape strategies for a secure future. 2. 2023 Cyber Incidents : The Learning Curve The year 2023 was marked by several high-profile cyber incidents that affected various sectors and regions, exposing the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and public services. These cyber incidents revealed the importance of implementing advanced threat detection systems, maintaining up-to-date security patches, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among all employees. They also highlighted the role of international collaboration in mitigating cyber threats. To prevent similar cyber incidents in the future, organizations should adopt the following cybersecurity best practices, based on the latest trends and recommendations in cybersecurity: Create responsive ecosystems: that improve organizational readiness. This involves applying a continuous approach to threat management and cybersecurity validation, which can help improve detection and response capabilities and build more digitally immune identity ecosystems. This will address the pain point of threat volume and complexity, as organizations can better cope with the dynamic and evolving threat landscape and reduce the impact of cyberattacks on their operations and reputation. Restructure approach points to solutions and greater attack coverage: This involves balancing the need for operational simplicity with other platforms and providing solutions to cover more of the expanding attack surface. This can be achieved by consolidating cybersecurity platforms, transforming security operating models, and composing security solutions as needed. This will address the pain point of a growing cybersecurity skills gap, as organizations can leverage the benefits of emerging technologies, such as quantum computing, 5G networks, and edge computing, without compromising their security posture or relying on scarce and expensive cybersecurity talent. Rebalance practices to focus on people, process, and technology: This involves shifting the emphasis from technology-centric to human-centric security design, enhancing people management, and increasing board oversight. This can help reduce human error, phishing, and insider threats, as well as improve employee engagement and accountability. This will thus address the pain points of the need for threat prioritization, as organizations can align their cybersecurity programs with their business objectives and risk appetite, and optimize their return on investment with the effectiveness of their cybersecurity measures. Get into the details of the major cyber incidents in 2023 including data breaches and cyberattacks for analyzing 2023 cyber threats. 2.1 Dark Beam Cybersecurity Incident: Date: The incident occurred on September 18, 2023. Attack Type: It was a data breach. Execution Method: The breach happened due to an unprotected Elasticsearch and Kibana interface. Damage Extent: Over 3.8 billion records, including login pairs, were stolen. Detection Method: The breach was detected by Bob Diachenko, CEO of SecurityDiscovery. Immediate Measures: The vulnerability was swiftly addressed upon discovery Future Prevention: The incident led to the implementation of enhanced incident-finding processes, improved incident reporting mechanisms, and an increased focus on supply chain security Reputation Impact: The breach resulted in substantial financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage The aftermath of the Darkbeam breach is significant making it one of the major cyber incidents in 2023. The exposed data poses a threat to individuals and entities, potentially leading to impersonation and phishing attempts. Users with duplicate passwords are advised to change them.This incident underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive defense strategies. It helps learn the potential risks faced by individuals and organizations. 2.2 Real Estate Wealth Network (REWN) Cybersecurity Incident: Date: December 2023 Attack Type: Data breach Execution Method: Unprotected database Damage Extent: Exposure of 1.5 billion records, including data on millions of property owners, investors, sellers, and even celebrities and politicians Detection Method: Discovered by a cybersecurity researcher Immediate Measures: The exposed database has been secured Future Prevention: Users should be cautious when sharing personal information and understand the risks associated with semi-public data Reputation Impact: High, given the scale of the breach and the sensitive nature of the exposed data The aftermath of the Real Estate Wealth Network (REWN) cybersecurity incident is substantial. The breach exposed 1.5 billion records, including real estate ownership data for millions of individuals. The leaked data, which included property history, tax records, and mortgage details, could be exploited by threat actors for social engineering and financial fraud. The database has been secured, but it's unclear if unauthorized access occurred. Property owners are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information and to understand the risks associated with semi-public data. This incident is a reminder for organizations to prioritize the protection of sensitive data. 2.3 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): Date: October 9, 2023 Attack Type: Data breach Execution Method: The exact method is unknown. The data was found being sold on the dark web. Damage Extent: Personal details of over 81.5 crore citizens, including Aadhaar and passport details, names, phone numbers, and addresses, were exposed. Detection Method: The breach was discovered by the US-based cybersecurity and intelligence firm Resecurity. Immediate Measures: The breach was reported, but specific immediate measures taken are not mentioned. Legal Implications: Four people were arrested in connection with the data leak. Reputation Impact: This incident could potentially harm the reputation of ICMR, given the scale of the breach. The breach has raised serious concerns about data protection practices, and individuals are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information. 2.4 KidSecurity Incident: Date: September 16, 2023 Attack Type: Data breach Execution Method: Misconfigured Elasticsearch and Logstash instances Damage Extent: Over 300 million records were exposed, including 21,000 telephone numbers and 31,000 email addresses. Detection Method: Discovered by researchers Future Prevention: Proper configuration of Elasticsearch and Logstash instances Reputation Impact: Significant, as it exposed sensitive user data There are indications that unknown threat actors compromised the leaked data. This cyber incident in 2023, represents a severe breach of privacy and security for the affected users. This incident underscores the importance of proper configuration and security measures in protecting user data. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by data breaches, especially when sensitive information is involved. Users are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information. 2.5 Twitter (X) Incident: Date: January 8, 2024 Attack Type: Account hijacking Execution Method: The perpetrators compromised the admin's phone number, cloned the SIM card, and reset the account password. Damage Extent: The threat actors promoted exchange-traded funds (ETFs) using Bitcoin transactions. The impact was immediate, with BTC prices skyrocketing from $39,000 to $48,000 per bitcoin, only to plummet back to $38,000 in the following days. Detection Method: Discovered by researchers Future Prevention: Implementation of 2-factor authentication to bolster defenses Reputation Impact: Significant, as it exposed sensitive user data This is one of the top cybersecurity data breaches in 2023 that led to a significant drop in user engagement and a rise in AI-generated spam content. The platform, which was rebranded as X after its acquisition by Elon Musk, faced a severe blow to its reputation. The incident has raised serious concerns about data protection practices on the platform. Users are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information. 2.6 TuneFab Cybersecurity Incident in 2023: Date: The incident was publicly disclosed in December 2023. Attack Type: This was a data breach. Execution Method: The breach occurred due to a MongoDB misconfiguration. Damage Extent: Over 151 million records and 280GB of data were exposed. Detection Method:The security researcher Bob Diachenko identified the leak and contacted TuneFab, which fixed the misconfiguration within 24 hours. Notification Delay: The database was left with user data publicly accessible for roughly twenty-four hours. Reputation Impact: The incident could potentially aid threat actors in enhancing previously leaked data. Users of TuneFab are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information. 2.7 Dori Media Group Cyber Incident 2023: Date: December 2023 Attack Type: Data exfiltration Damage Extent: More than 100 TB of data was allegedly exfiltrated. Reputation Impact: The incident has been publicly reported, which could potentially impact the company's reputation. The MalekTeam Group hackers claimed to have destroyed more than 100 TB of data from Dori Media Group, an international group of media companies located in Israel, Switzerland, Argentina, Spain, and Singapore. The hackers threatened to leak the exfiltrated data. This incident represents a serious breach of privacy and security for the affected users. Users are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information. 2.8 Tigo Telecoms Cyber Incident in 2023: Date: July 2023 Attack Type: Data leak Damage Extent: Over 700,000 individuals were affected. Leaked information included names, usernames, genders, email addresses, IP addresses, user uploaded photos, and private messages. Detection Method: The incident was made public by Troy Hunt, who runs the site Have I Been Pwned. Notification Delay: Multiple unsuccessful attempts were made to contact Tigo about the breach before it was made public. Reputation Impact: Tigo has previously faced scrutiny over its data privacy practices. This is one of the notable cyberattacks in 2023 underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the potential impact of data leaks on both individuals and organizations. It serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is not just about protecting systems, but also about safeguarding sensitive user data. 2.9 Cybersecurity Incident at SAP SE Bulgaria in 2023: Date: November 2023 Attack Type: Data Exfiltration Execution Method: Exposure of Kubernetes Secrets in public GitHub repositories Damage Extent: Access to 95,592,696 artefacts with sensitive information like passwords, tokens or keys Detection Method: Discovered by researchers from Aqua Nautilus Future Prevention: Secure handling and storage of sensitive data like passwords, tokens, or keys Legal Implications: Potential GDPR violations due to data breaches Reputation Impact: Significant, as it affected a multinational software company The issue was promptly remediated after the researchers notified SAP SE. However, the incident has raised serious concerns about data protection practices. Users are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information. 2.10 Luxottica Group Cyber Incident in 2023: Date: The data was leaked on hacking forums on April 30 and May 12, 2023. Attack Type: Data breach. Execution Method: The breach occurred at an unnamed third-party data storage provider. Damage Extent: The personal information of over 70 million customers was exposed. Detection Method: Luxottica discovered the breach through proactive monitoring procedures. Immediate Measures: Luxottica reported the incident to the FBI and the Italian Police. Future Prevention: Luxottica remains confident that its systems were not breached and its network remains secure. User Protection: The data did not include individuals’ financial information, social security numbers, login or password data. Legal Implications: The FBI has detained the website’s owner as a result of the data posting. The stolen database was leaked on various hacking forums, making the data far more accessible to threat actors. The incident has raised serious concerns about data protection practices. Luxottica has confirmed the breach and is conducting an ongoing investigation. It is recommended that individuals exercise caution when disclosing their personal information. 3. Costly Mistakes Smart CISOs are Avoiding In the face of escalating cyber threats, savvy Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are avoiding costly mistakes and bolstering their defenses. They're no longer overlooking basic security measures, recognizing that even simple lapses can open doors to attackers. They're also addressing the often underestimated risk of insider threats, acknowledging that threats can come from within as well as from external sources. Investment in staff training has become a priority. CISOs understand that a well-trained workforce is a key line of defense and are ensuring their teams are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and counteract threats. Promoting a security-first mindset has become integral to their strategy. This involves fostering a culture where every team member understands their role in maintaining security and is vigilant about potential threats. Employing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another tactic being widely adopted. MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Finally, they're harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for threat detection. AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, identifying patterns and threats that would be impossible for humans to spot. Complying with the latest GRC laws and regulations is a must for all organizations. By taking these steps, smart CISOs are not just reacting to cyber threats but proactively working to anticipate and prevent them, thereby fortifying their organizations' defenses. 3.1 GRC Software to Consider for Smart Businesses: A GRC software streamlines compliance, risk management, and governance processes, enhancing efficiency and ensuring regulatory adherence. With its robust features, these software empowers businesses to proactively manage risks and maintain a secure, compliant environment. Here are a few to consider: 3.1.1A-LIGN A-LIGN is a technology-enabled security and compliance partner trusted by thousands of global organizations. Its services span across various compliance frameworks, making it a comprehensive choice for businesses seeking robust GRC solutions. Here are the key features: a) World-class audit experience: A-LIGN's audit staff ensures a seamless audit process with consistent communication and support. Its commitment to stringent cybersecurity compliance standards results in thorough audits that customers can trust. b) Audit management technology: Collaborate with auditor and team using A-LIGN's centralized platform for efficient audit management. Streamline communication, track progress, and centralize evidence collection with their easy-to-use audit management dashboard, A-SCEND. c) Widest breadth of services: Beyond SOC 2, A-LIGN helps users tackle multiple audits in a single motion, saving time and money. They integrate seamlessly with leading GRC tools, allowing users to leverage technology while partnering with A-LIGN for an audit. A-LIGN's innovative approach, combined with their expertise, ensures a seamless audit experience resulting in reports or certifications that businesses and customers can trust. 3.1.2AKITRA AKITRA is a cutting-edge, AI-enabled compliance automation platform designed to streamline and simplify regulatory adherence for businesses. Their comprehensive suite of tools empowers organizations to navigate various compliance frameworks seamlessly, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations. Here are the key features of AKITRA: a) PCI DSS Compliance: PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) was formed to safeguard sensitive cardholder data from theft and forgery. Organizations adhere to this framework to prevent theft and unauthorized access to sensitive cardholder data. Compliance with PCI DSS boosts customer trust during payment transactions and helps businesses meet legal requirements in multiple jurisdictions. Key requirements and objectives include maintaining secure networks and systems, protecting cardholder data, implementing strong vulnerability management, enforcing access control standards, conducting periodic network scanning and testing, and having a well-defined data protection policy. AKITRA offers a complete Compliance Automation Solution tailored to simplify PCI DSS compliance. Their solution includes automated scans, real-time monitoring, and simplified reporting to specify vulnerabilities, provide continuous compliance, and enhance audit readiness. b) HIPAA Compliance Automation: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance is crucial for healthcare organizations. AKITRA accelerates HIPAA compliance using automation. c) Features include: Delightful and effortless experience: AKITRA simplifies ongoing security and compliance monitoring. Time and cost savings: Customizable policies, 100+ integrations, and automated evidence collection reduce compliance efforts by up to 80%. Continuous compliance: Stay compliant 24/7 with AKITRA's Continuous Compliance Monitoring. Rapid compliance at a fraction of the cost: AKITRA helps organizations achieve HIPAA compliance efficiently. d) 24/7 Availability of Experts: With AKITRA, organizations have round-the-clock access to knowledgeable professionals who provide guidance and address inquiries related to compliance. AKITRA is trusted by fast-growing SaaS companies globally, making compliance easier and more efficient. 3.1.3Fidelis Security Fidelis Security is a trusted leader in cybersecurity for enterprise and government. With over 20 years of experience, it has been protecting leading organizations worldwide. Here are some key points about Fidelis Security: a) Proactive Cybersecurity Platforms: Fidelis Security provides proactive cyber defense solutions that detect post-breach attacks over 9x faster than competitors. It has defended 7 of the 10 largest US government agencies and 5 of the 6 branches of the US military. Its expertise extends to various sectors, including being the cybersecurity partner for the largest cellphone manufacturer, largest pharmacy chain, largest mobile service provider in the US, largest defense contractor, and largest pharmaceutical company globally. b) Cloud-Scale Security and Compliance: In the era of digital transformation, Fidelis unifies and automates cloud computing security controls and compliance across servers, containers, and more. Its solutions ensure efficiency, cost savings, business agility, and innovation while maintaining robust security. c) Fidelis Elevate: Fidelis Elevate is an Active XDR platform that enables proactive cyber defense across cloud environments and on-premises. It empowers organizations to engage adversaries earlier in the attack lifecycle, reshape the attack surface, and take control of enterprise security. Fidelis Security continues to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions to combat evolving cyber threats. 3.1.4Hyperproof Hyperproof is a cloud-based platform that helps organizations stay on top of their security assurance and compliance work on a continuous basis. It empowers compliance, risk, and security teams to scale their workflows efficiently. Here are the key features of Hyperproof: a) Operationalizing Compliance and Risk Management: Hyperproof enables a user to automate workflows, prepare for audits, and mitigate risk. It optimizes compliance and risk management by mapping common controls to compliance requirements, automating evidence collection, mitigating issues, and monitoring compliance posture in one place. User can manage controls flexibly, create custom controls, and track them efficiently. b) Risk Management: Hyperproof helps identify and prioritize risks, orchestrate and automate risk workflows, and create alignment between risk management and compliance activities. The risk register centralizes risk management, ensuring no risk is missed. Analyze company risks and track risk posture over time. c) Audit Management: Streamline audit preparation with Hyperproof: Connect audit requests automatically to controls and their associated evidence. Collaborate with auditors in a dedicated audit space. Monitor audit progress using the audit dashboard. d) Vendor Management: Manage vendor risk with ease using Hyperproof. Track vendor risk posture over time and ensure compliance. Hyperproof is a powerful solution for organizations aiming to efficiently manage compliance and risk across multiple frameworks, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, and PCI. 3.1.5ISMS.online ISMS.online is an auditor-approved compliance platform that simplifies the process of achieving and maintaining compliance with various standards and regulations. Here are the key features of ISMS.online: a) ISO 27001 Compliance and More: Organizations can quickly achieve and maintain compliance with ISO 27001 and over 100 other in-demand standards using ISMS.online. These standards include ISO 9001, SOC 2, GDPR, NIST, and more. Whether managing multiple standards or new to ISO 27001, ISMS.online provides a comprehensive solution. b) Headstart Content: Up to 81% of the work is already completed with pre-built tools, frameworks, policies, and controls. This streamlined path to first-time certification saves time and avoids unnecessary complexities. c) Assured Results Method (ARM): ARM simplifies the certification process by breaking it down into manageable steps, guiding users through each one. It's a practical, time-saving approach to certification success. d) Integration Capabilities: ISMS.online seamlessly integrates with existing setups, automating tasks and reducing manual effort. Custom integrations can also be created using their public API. e) Risk Management Made Easy: Streamlined risk management within ISMS.online helps identify, evaluate, and treat risks effectively.The platform ensures a stress-free approach to risk assessment. f) Secure Asset Management: Manage all assets in a secure, shared workspace using dynamic asset management tools. g) Supplier Management: ISMS.online facilitates simple, secure supplier management by integrating with supply chains. ISMS.online is trusted by over 1,000 companies worldwide and provides powerful features for controlling compliance across various domains. 3.1.6LogicManager LogicManager is an auditor-approved compliance platform that simplifies the process of achieving and maintaining compliance with various standards and regulations. Here are the key features of LogicManager: a) Enterprise Risk Management (ERM): LogicManager offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to manage risk across various areas: IT Governance & Cybersecurity Third Party Risk Management Compliance Management Business Continuity Management Internal Audit Management Financial Controls Human Resources Risk Management The platform serves as a single source of truth, connecting different departments and providing analytical insights to strategically allocate resources. b) Expert Risk Management Support: Customers benefit from personalized training sessions and best practice consulting services. LogicManager's team of expert risk management consultants helps protect and optimize businesses. c) Corporate Governance & Board Level Reporting: Access to the Risk Maturity Model (RMM) facilitates corporate governance. The RMM provides benchmarking KPIs, actionable steps for program improvement, and reporting ready for board discussions. LogicManager empowers organizations to anticipate future risks, uphold their reputation, and improve business performance through strong governance in today's transparent economy. 3.1.7Pirani In recent years, GRC management has shifted towards an integrated risk management approach with holistic solutions. Pirani stands out as a pioneer in this space, offering user-friendly software that is easy to use and understand. Here’s what a user needs to know: Key features of Pirani GRC Software include: Centralized Platform: Pirani provides a centralized platform that integrates governance, risk, and compliance functions. Integrated Risk Management: Pirani’s adaptable operational risk management solution enables easy identification, measurement, control, and monitoring of operational risks. Security Risk Management: It helps manage security risks related to an organization’s information assets, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Anti-Money Laundering Solution: Pirani assists in measuring risks associated with money laundering and terrorism financing. Pirani offers various plans tailored to companies of different sizes and maturity levels in risk management. Its hybrid model allows companies to try it first before making a decision. With Pirani, businesses can democratize risk management, protect what matters, and ensure business continuity. 3.1.8RiskOptics (formerly Reciprocity) RiskOptics empowers Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and organizations to turn risk into a strategic business asset. Here's how: Unified Platform: RiskOptics unifies compliance, risk, and governance initiatives, regardless of GRC status. It simplifies and automates processes, transforming GRC from a burden to a strategic advantage. Contextual Risk Insight: Powered by the ZenGRC and ROAR platforms, RiskOptics provides game-changing risk insight in the context of business initiatives. It quantifies the financial impact of risk, helping users communicate effectively with key stakeholders. Automated Workflows: RiskOptics streamlines time-intensive processes, including evidence collection, control testing, and ticket creation. It integrates seamlessly with existing tech infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Salesforce, Jira, GitHub). Business Advantage: By connecting risk to business strategy, RiskOptics enables a user to make informed decisions. It turns risk into a business advantage, ensuring compliance while mitigating data breaches and system failures. 3.1.9Thoropass The features of Thoropass, a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) software that smart businesses should consider: Continuous Compliance: Thoropass ensures ongoing compliance by monitoring data quality and sending alerts based on violations or misuse. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Thoropass securely stores data either on-premise or in an adjacent cloud database to prevent data loss at rest. Cloud Gap Analytics: Analyzes data associated with denied entries and policy enforcement, providing insights for better authentication and security protocols. Compliance Governance: Allows users to create, edit, and relinquish user access privileges. Sensitive Data Compliance: Supports compliance with standards like PII, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, and more. Administration Policy Enforcement: Administrators can set policies for security and data governance. Auditing: Analyzes web traffic and site performance to provide vulnerability insights and best practices. Workflow Management: Creates new or streamlines existing workflows to handle IT support tickets and services. Thoropass is the only end-to-end compliance solution offering expert guidance, thorough preparation, and a seamless security audit experience. With its comprehensive features, it's a solid choice for businesses aiming to navigate compliance with confidence. 3.1.10TrustCloud TrustCloud leverages AI, API-driven control verification, and collaborative tools to cut costs, accelerate revenue, and reduce liability. a) Unified Platform for Trust Assurance TrustCloud combines modern speed and ease of use with the thoroughness of legacy tools. The TrustOps programmatic evidence collection and continuous controls decrease audit prep time by 40%. Organizations maintain 24/7 audit readiness and achieve a 100% audit success rate. b) Speedy Security Reviews with TrustShare TrustShare's secure, public-facing portal invites prospects to view compliance reports without slowing down sales. Pre-fill up to 85% of questionnaires using prior information, demonstrating the security program's competence. c) Predictive Risk Assessments via TrustRegister TrustCloud takes risk management from manual spreadsheets to programmatic, predictive assessments. Monitor and forecast risks in real time, proving financial impact to the board and preventing risks proactively. d) Business Intelligence Reporting (Upcoming) TrustCloud will soon offer BI reporting, enhancing decision-making and visibility. 4. Beyond the Cyber Horizon: The 2023 Aftermath The 2023 cyber incidents have left an indelible mark on the cybersecurity domain. Organizations have ramped up their investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, recognizing the escalating threats and the need for robust defenses. This increased spending, which saw a 70% rise from 2019 to 2023, is a testament to the growing importance of cybersecurity in today's digital age. Governments worldwide have responded by introducing stricter data protection laws in 2023. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) in India and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union are prime examples of such legislative measures. These laws empower individuals with rights over their data and establish clear-cut guidelines for organizations handling their data. Moreover, there has been a heightened focus on international cooperation to combat cybercrime. Initiatives like Interpol’s Global Cybercrime Programme and Europol’s European Cybercrime Center exemplify this collaborative approach. As we look beyond 2023, these developments continue to shape the cybersecurity landscape, reinforcing the need for vigilance, innovation, and collaboration as cyber threats continue to lurk.

Identity Management

Article | February 14, 2024

Decode the art of deception with this cyber deception software comparison guide. Find a curated list of deception technology software for better cyber security. Identify cyber camouflage timely. Contents 1. The Art of Cyber Camouflage: Decoding Deception Software 1.1 Decoding Deception Software: 1.2 Cyber Deception Tactics: 2. The Deception Spectrum: Comparing Top 15 Software Options 2.1 5 Must-have Deception Software Features 2.2 Top 15 Deception Technology Software Compared 2.3 What to Look for in Deception Software Tools for Businesses? 2.4 Operational Challenges in Picking the Right Deception Software 3. Decoding Deception: Making an Informed Choice 1. The Art of Cyber Camouflage: Decoding Deception Software In the cybersecurity space, professionals grapple with an increasing volume and complexity of threats. The ongoing struggle between security teams and threat actors has heightened the demand for innovative solutions. Enter deception technology software, a game-changer that's transforming the cybersecurity space. Cutting-edge technology, known as deception software, creates a cyber camouflage to outsmart cybercriminals. It deploys realistic decoys in a network, mimicking real assets. When attackers interact with these decoys, they reveal their presence, allowing security teams to respond swiftly. The evolution of deception technology and software has been significant. It has broadened its reach beyond governments and major banks, becoming more effective at capturing breaches and less expensive to implement. Modern deception technology defenses borrow heavily from military deception principles employed by the likes of Chanakya, Sun Tzu, Napoleon, and Genghis Khan. This cyber deception software comparison guide allows users to narrowly gauge which software features to prioritize for their organization. It helps with practical guidance on how to pick software that meets their needs and ironclads their cyber defenses. 1.1 Decoding the Deception Software: Evolution and Importance: Deception technology has evolved from being a tool for the elite to a mainstream cybersecurity solution. It's crucial in today's landscape as it provides an additional layer of defense, detecting threats early with low rates of false positives. Creating a Cyber Camouflage: Deception software creates a cyber camouflage by deploying realistic decoys in a network. These decoys act as lures, misleading attackers into interacting with them instead of the real assets. Addressing Pain Points: Cybersecurity professionals face challenges such as threat volume and complexity, a growing cybersecurity skills gap, and the need for threat prioritization. Deception technology addresses these challenges by tricking threat actors into thinking they have discovered vulnerabilities, thereby protecting critical data. 1.2 Cyber Deception Tactics: Decoys and Traps: Cybersecurity teams create decoys or traps that look like valuable data or systems. Fake Environments: These could be fake network environments, bogus credentials, or even whole servers. Misdirection: The objective is to deceive cybercriminals into believing they have found success, when in fact, they have unintentionally fallen into a trap. Protection: While the cybercriminals are busy with the decoy, the real assets of the company are safe. Learning from Attackers: The cybersecurity team can watch the criminals' actions, learn about their methods, and use this information to strengthen their defenses. Part of a Larger Strategy:Deception tactics in cybersecurity are just one part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Ultimately, top deception technology software is not just a tool but a strategic asset in the cybersecurity arsenal, providing an effective countermeasure against advanced threats. 2. The Deception Spectrum: Comparing theTop 15 Software Options Offering a diverse selection of softwareto mitigate all types of cyber deception becomes crucial. This deception software comparison guide aims to guide organizations with features to look for and make data-driven decisions. 2.1 5 Must-Have Deception Software Features 24/7 Support: Cyber threats don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule. They can strike at any time. Hence, round-the-clock support is crucial to promptly address any issues or breaches that may occur. Proactive Report Alerts:The deception technology provides high-fidelity alerts, reducing false positives and enabling faster detection of real threats. This proactive alerting system is crucial for timely threat detection and response. Automated Remediation: This feature drastically reduces response time and minimizes human error. It allows security teams to automatically execute response actions like blocking network traffic or quarantining infected systems. Proactive Threat Hunting: Deception technology simplifies threat hunting by creating tripwires that expose attackers trying to move laterally or escalate their privileges. This proactive approach improves the efficiency of threat hunting efforts and enhances the organization's overall security posture. Customizable Reports: Customizable reports allow security teams to focus on the data that matters most to them, enhancing the efficiency of their threat analysis and response. These features are not just add-ons but necessities in the current cyber threat landscape. They equip organizations with the tools needed to proactively detect, analyze, and respond to threats, thereby strengthening their overall cybersecurity posture. 2.2 Top 15 Deception Technology Software Comparisons Deception Software 24/7 Support Proactive Report Alerts Automated Remediation ProactiveThreat Hunting Customizable Reports Arctic Wolf X ✓ ✓ X X Argos Threat Intelligence Platform X ✓ X X X Blackpoint Cyber ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Blumira Automated Detection & Response X X ✓ X X CYREBRO X ✓ ✓ X X eSentire ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Expel ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Flashpoint Ignite X ✓ ✓ X X Group-IB Threat Intelligence X ✓ ✓ X X Huntress Managed EDR ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Semperis Directory Services Protector X X ✓ X X Silo by Authentic8 X ✓ ✓ X X ThreatDown X X ✓ X X Todyl Security Platform ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ UnderDefense MAXI ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2.2.1Arctic Wolf: Arctic Wolf is a cloud-native platform that provides 24x7 security operations solutions. It collects, enhances, and analyzes security data at scale, sending essential security data to its Concierge Security Teams in real time to detect threats and risks. The platform processes over 3 trillion security events weekly. Built on an open XDR architecture, it collects and enriches endpoint, network, and cloud telemetry and then analyzes it with multiple detection engines. Machine learning and custom detection rules deliver personalized protection for an organization. The Arctic Wolf Concierge Delivery Model reduces alert fatigue, promotes continuous improvement, and caters to the unique needs of an organization. The platform works seamlessly with existing technology stacks, making it easy to adopt while eliminating blind spots and vendor lock-in. 2.2.2Argos Threat Intelligence Platform: Argos is a comprehensive platform that combines threat intelligence, attack surface monitoring and digital risk protection services. It provides real-time, actionable threat intelligence, gaining insights from a variety of sources such as the open, deep and dark web, social media, and more. Even before they launch, the platform detects and stops emerging phishing attacks. It also offers social media monitoring to identify impersonations and avoid damage. Argos provides supply chain intelligence to protect an organization against risks stemming from third-party vendors and technologies. The platform features a Forensic Canvas tool for deep dives into the attributes of specific entities. It provides vulnerability intelligence specific to an organization's external attack surface. Argos also provides risk intelligence feeds (IOC) to turbocharge a security stack. The platform visualizes, analyzes, and realizes data through effective dashboards. Advanced threat detection algorithms and real-time threat intelligence have upgraded Argos to offer organizations the best possible protection against cyber threats. 2.2.3Blackpoint Cyber: Blackpoint Cyber provides 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) technology that stops breaches by detecting threats at the earliest signs. It offers continuous monitoring of privileged users, accounts, and activity. The platform's design detects and isolates emerging threats before they can spread laterally. BlackpointCyber's technology terminates malicious processes and stops the threat from moving laterally into other systems. It provides immediate response and remediation by isolating endpoints. The platform includes a lightweight agent, ensuring easy deployment. It also offers an automated, anti-ransomware capability. Blackpoint Cyber supports threat detection for PC and Mac. It also extends its MDR service to support the increasing shift to hybrid and cloud environments. 2.2.4Blumira Automated Detection and Response: Blumira provides an automated threat detection and response platform that can detect threats five times faster. It offers automated host isolation to stop the spread of ransomware or prevent attackers’ lateral movement. The platform centralizes an organization’s data into a SIEM, analyzes that data with automated detection rules, sends notifications of detected events, and responds automatically. It can automatically block malicious source IPs or domains with Blumira’s Automated Blocking (for dynamic blocklists). Blumira provides playbooks for every finding that walks a user through a timely threat response. The platform categorizes threats by priority levels so a user knows what to respond to immediately. It also offers automated evidence gathering for correlated data for investigation. Blumira's platform gives the lean IT team at organizationsthe tools to quickly identify and respond to threats without requiring a SOC (security operations center) to manage them. 2.2.5CYREBRO: CYREBRO is a managed Security Operations Center (SOC) infrastructure that provides enterprise-grade cybersecurity to businesses of all sizes. It offers advanced 24/7/365 capabilities, including threat intelligence and hunting, forensic investigation, and incident response. The platform integrates all of an organization’s security, network, infrastructure, and cloud logs into one central command, providing complete clarity, insights, and real-time actionable steps to mitigate and remediate cyber threats. CYREBRO utilizes the knowledge and expertise of Israeli cyber experts and the ongoing wisdom of the masses to teach and operate the ML-based detection, investigation, and response that is the ‘CYREBRO Brain.’ It offers over 1,500 ready-made, unique and proprietary detection algorithms, written, tested, and executed over years of real-world cyberoperation and detection experience. CYREBRO also provides proactive threat hunting by searching through an organization’s networks, endpoints, and databases to hunt down malicious, suspicious, or risky activities that have evaded existing security tools. The platform offers continuous indication of compromise (IOC) based on granular contextual information and data mining tools, providing highly accurate proactive alerts. CYREBRO's approach to monitoring, detecting, and responding is based on continuously learning, improving, and evolving its detection algorithms. 2.2.6eSentire: eSentire is a leading authority in managed detection and response (MDR), protecting critical data and applications for over 2000 organizations in 80+ countries across 35 industries. It offers exposure management, managed detection and response, and incident response services designed to build an organization’s cyber resilience and prevent business disruption. Users highly rate the software and optimize it for quick response. eSentire's network sensors are highly praised and considered a cornerstone of many security stacks. However, some users have complained that the Security Operations Centercould perform better because it can take hours or even days to respond to tickets and requests. eSentire provides an unparalleled level of visibility and threat-hunting expertise. 2.2.7Expel: Expel is a private company founded in 2016 andbased in Herndon, USA. It offers managed detection and response(MDR),, remediation, phishing, vulnerability prioritization, and threat hunting. The company's security operations platform integrates with existing tech investments, automates analysis for vendor alerts, filters out false positives, and enriches the alerts that matter with context. The platform is praised for its diverse feature-rich support for key security tooling (tech-stack independence), including EDR, ingestion of cloud-native signal across the big 3 cloud service providers, and support for API-direct security signal ingestion across many varied toolsets. Expel's services are designed to take actions across key integrated sources (EDR) through their service, good integration into workflows and case management, and a demonstrably strong team of analysts and service builders. 2.2.8Flashpoint Ignite: Flashpoint Ignite is a threat intelligence platform that offers orchestration, security workflow automation, deployment, proactive alerts, malware detection, intelligence reports, and endpoint intelligence. It provides visibility into the deep and dark web, OSINT/surface web, vulnerabilities, breach data, or geospatial intelligence. The platform uses timely and active intelligence to connect, collaborate, and remediate risk more quickly. Users have praised its ability to search all types of sources and formats (text, images, etc.). However, there are no critical reviews available at this time. Flashpoint Ignite is a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to improve their situational awareness and inform national security initiatives. 2.29Group-IB Threat Intelligence: Group-IB Threat Intelligence, based in Singapore, specializes in the provision of services aimed at the detection and prevention of cyberattacks, the identification of online fraud, high-tech crime investigations, and the safeguarding of intellectual property. The platform offers orchestration, security workflow automation, deployment, proactive alerts, malware detection, intelligence reports, and endpoint intelligence. It provides unparalleled insight into past, present, and future attacks targeting organizations, industry, partners, and clients. Users have praised its ability to provide users with automated threat-hunting capabilities and its events and intelligence correlation feature. Group-IB Threat Intelligence is a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to improve their situational awareness and inform national security initiatives. 2.2.10Huntress-Managed EDR: Huntress Managed EDR is a security platform that surfaces hidden threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits. It is highly rated. The platform helps IT resellers protect their customers from persistent footholds, ransomware, and other attacks. Huntress combines a managed detection and response (MDR) platform with a team of human threat hunters to help defend businesses from today’s determined cybercriminals. It provides additional visibility into endpoint activity and strengthens the EDR functionality within the Huntress Managed Security Platform. By monitoring for malicious processes, it builds an extensive view of cyber threats as they occur. Users have praised its support, light footprint on machines, great dashboard, and wonderful alerting. However, some users would love for it to integrate with Defender for Business instead of just the free Windows Defender. 2.2.11Semperis Directory Services Protector: Semperis Directory Services Protector is a product of Semperis, a private company founded in 2015 and based in Hoboken, USA. The platform provides a complete picture of risk exposure in hybrid environments, monitoring for cyber threats in both Active Directory and Entra ID. It offers features like backup and recovery of critical Entra ID resources. The software has been highly regarded, with users praising its ability to auto revert dangerous changes to AD. Users also value its real-time reporting and immediate notifications when objects undergo modifications or changes. Semperis Directory Services Protector is a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to improve their situational awareness and inform national security initiatives. 2.2.12Silo by Authentic8: Silo by Authentic8 is a secure and encrypted browser that insulates an organization’s browser from malicious websites and also manages an organization’s passwords. It gives users security when working on the network, the software is comprehensive, flexible, and easy to implement on any device. The company's policies for the browser are very safe and there have been no complications with downloads. Good cloud storage is crucial to maintaining confidentiality. However, some users have reported that Silo redirects the blocked links to the sandbox and when the redirection occurs, they always get an error message that the path can't be found. Silo by Authentic8 provides a secure browsing experience and password protection. 2.2.13ThreatDown: Malwarebytes powers ThreatDown, which replaces the previous Malwarebytes for Business product suite by combining Malwarebytes' endpoint security capabilities into four bundles. The basic Core tier includes incident response, next-gen AV, device control, vulnerability assessments, and the ability to block unwanted applications. With Malwarebytes EDR, users can mitigate the spread of infection using accelerated investigation workflows to detonate malware securely in a sandbox environment. The 72-hour one-click Ransomware Rollback capabilities provide peace of mind, enabling customers to quickly and easily return to a pre-ransomware state without any disruption to their business. Users have praised its ability to manage the application easily, the clean dashboard for review, and the immediate status of each machine on the network and each user's security status. ThreatDown is highly valued by organizations as a reliable solution for protecting end- user machines. 2.2.14Todyl Security Platform: The Todyl Security Platform is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that unifies networking, threat prevention, detection, response, and compliance tools into a single platform. The platform aims to help enterprises of all sizes simplify security operations, stop advanced threats, verify trust, and ensure regulatory compliance. It converges SASE, SIEM, Endpoint Security, GRC, MXDR, and more into a cloud-native, single-agent platform purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and mid-market IT professionals. Each module is designed to be deployed in a targeted, agile manner to meet any use case. TOverall, the Todyl Security Platform is highly valued by organizations as a reliable solution for protecting end-user machines. 2.2.15UnderDefense MAXI: UnderDefense MAXI is a holistic security-as-a-service platform that allows a user to consolidate, orchestrate, and manage all the security tools within one interface. Teams of one or hundreds can effectively monitor, detect, block, and respond to threats 24/7 with the help of the SECaaS platform. It works perfectly for cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, regardless of scale and complexity. UnderDefense MAXI offers organizations a wide range of functions and features for end-to-end business protection and compliance. It allows a user to monitor any data leaks and appearances on the dark web and promptly detect and block suspicious activity across a user’s networks, endpoints, and users. The solution offers comprehensive forensics and insights into the root. 2.3 What to Look for inDeception Software Tools for Businesses? Ease of Deployment: Consider how easy it is to install and configure the software. Some solutions may require technical expertise, while others may be more user-friendly. Detection Capabilities: Look at the software's ability to detect various types of threats. This includes traditional threats like viruses and malware, as well as more advanced threats like zero-day exploits. Integration: Check if the software can easily integrate with other security tools that a user is utilizing. This can help streamline a company’s security operations. 24/7 Support: It's important to have access to support whenever a company needs it, as cybersecurity incidents can occur at any time. Proactive Report Alerts: The software should be able to alert a user in real-time when it detects a threat. Automated Remediation: Some advanced solutions can automatically respond to detected threats, which can save time and resources. Proactive Threat Hunting: This feature involves actively searches for indications of potential threats or vulnerabilities. Customizable Reports: The ability to customize reports can make it easier to understand a company’s security posture and communicate it to others in the organization. Remember, the best software for a company will depend on a user’s specific needs and circumstances. It's always a good idea to take advantage of free trials or demos when available to get a feel for how the software works before making a decision. 2.4 Operational Challenges in Picking the Right Deception Software Selecting and implementing deception software can present several operational challenges: Understanding the Network Architecture: Deception technology requires a deep understanding of an organization's network architecture, assets, and potential attack vectors. This knowledge is essential to creating effective decoys and traps that blend seamlessly with the real environment. Complexity: The complexity of cyber deception presents a significant challenge. It involves creating a dynamic environment that lures attackers into revealing their tactics and intentions. This requires sophisticated planning and execution. Maintenance and Updates:Regular updates are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of deception environments. This includes updating decoys to reflect changes in the real environment and adjusting traps based on evolving threat landscapes. False Positives: Deception technologies can generate false positives, which can lead to alert fatigue and resource waste. It's crucial to have a system in place to filter out irrelevant alerts and focus on genuine threats. Integration with Existing Systems: Deception technologies need to integrate seamlessly with existing security infrastructure. This can be challenging, especially in complex or heterogeneous environments. Different software options address these challenges in a variety of ways: Arctic Wolf: Arctic Wolf provides a robust, streamlined cybersecurity ecosystem. In addition to visibility, the Arctic Wolf SOC quickly and effectively remediates attacks by acting upon alerts on behalf of the user. Argos Threat Intelligence Platform: Argos continuously uncovers known and unknown vulnerabilities and weaknesses. From exposed web interfaces and cloud storage exposure to email security issues and open ports, Argos’ autonomous discovery maps out an organization’s external exposures and prioritizes impactful remediation. Blackpoint Cyber:Blackpoint Cyber detects and detains threats on a user’s behalf immediately. By the time a user hears from Blackpoint, the threat has already been triaged and removed from an organization’s environment. Blumira Automated Detection and Response:Blumira's platform combines prioritized detections with pre-built playbooks, or security guides, that give a user’s team the steps to walk through remediation. CYREBRO: CYREBRO provides a unified intelligence experience across the organization. With a holistic view of risk in one place, security and intelligence practitioners can close the gap between data, intelligence, and action. eSentire: eSentire's Threat Intelligence provides unparalleled insight into a company’s adversaries and maximizes the performance of every component of an organization’s security with strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence. Expel: While I couldn't find specific information on how Expel addresses these challenges, they generally provide 24/7 threat monitoring and response, helping organizations quickly identify and respond to security incidents. Flashpoint Ignite: Flashpoint Ignite is a technology ecosystem that delivers tailored intelligence across multiple security functions in a combined workspace. It enables security teams to connect and remediate risk faster with access to Flashpoint’s extensive intelligence. Group-IB Threat Intelligence: Group-IB Threat Intelligence provides strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence to understand threat trends, anticipate specific cyber attacks, and strengthen defenses. Each of these platforms has its own unique approach to addressing the challenges of implementing deception technology, and the best choice will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the organization. 3. Decoding Deception: Making an Informed Choice Choosing the right deception software can be tricky. Here are some things to keep in mind: Adapting to Threats: Pick software that can keep up with new cyber threats. Scalability: The software should be able to grow with a company’s network. Network Performance: It should boost security without slowing down an organization’s network. For operations professionals, it's important to have a clear plan for using the software. It should work well with a company’s existing systems and not disrupt normal processes. Keep a company’s team in the loop and provide necessary training. Consider the software's adaptability, scalability, impact on network performance, and ease of use when making a choice for an organization. This deception software comparison guide will serve as a roadmap to help improve the user’s organizational cybersecurity.

Article | February 17, 2020

The subject of how information security impacts different industry sectors is an intriguing one. For example, how does the finance industry fare in terms of information security compared to the health sector, or the entertainment business? Are there some sectors that face greater cyber-threats and risks than others? Do some do a better job of keeping data secure, and if so, how and why?A new study of credit management professionals has revealed that improving the quality of data and decision-making will be a top priority for the credit industry in the next three years. The research, from Equifax Ingnite in collaboration with Coleman Parkes, takes a deep dive into the views of credit management pros across retail, banking, finance and debt management/recovery sectors.