Here are 5 reasons to consider a mobile security risk assessment. Consider today’s most specific and hazardous security threat – our smartphones. These multi-purpose and ever-present devices should be included in your strategic cybersecurity plan including assessments and threat detection.
It is possible to tailor a security risk assessment that is specifically for smartphones or mobile devices.
A mobile security risk assessment identifies smartphone assets and provides an in-depth list of specific applicable threats. This includes both third-party and enterprise web services used by the application as well as other connected resources that might have an impact on the security of the system.
Here are 5 reasons that you should consider the mobile security risk assessment for your organization:
Reason 1: Suspicious Applications
With any BYOD policy, it’s difficult to limit application use for users. Users can easily visit Google Play or the App Store and download any app. With each app they download, this invites an inventory of permission before people can download them. These permissions generally require some quiet access to files or folders on your mobile device. The majority just skim or skip the list of permissions and agree without reviewing them in great detail. This lack of security leaves devices susceptible to mobile security risks.
Although the application works the way it’s alleged to, it still has the potential to mine corporate data and send it to a third-party sort of a competitor and expose sensitive products and business information.
A Mobile Security Risk Assessment will help you have a better idea of which apps are in use that could expose your organization’s sensitive data.
Reason 2: Access to Data
Mobile devices present a treasure trove of opportunities for leaked data. This could happen through user error, malicious intent, phishing attempts, social hacking, etc.
In most cases sending files through cloud storage, accessing confidential information from unauthorized gadgets or devices, reading spam or irrelevant email, and accessing obnoxious links from it. This kind of negligence can be risky for the health departments, school data, and an economic-based or banking firm.
Cybriant’s Mobile Security Risk Assessment will help you understand where your data is being shared and how to stop it if necessary.
Reason 3: Public Wi-fi
Our mobile devices are completely useless without an internet connection. It is so easy to find free access to the internet in a public area, while for many that public Wi-Fi is a necessity, your users should understand the risk associated with Public Wi-Fi. Connecting your phone with an insecure internet connection can be harmful to the device and your data too. Most of the time we travel, visit public places and got the ‘free internet’ connection but without knowing fact how good or bad it will be.
It’s possible with a BYOD policy to limit Public Wi-Fi usage, and a mobile security risk assessment will help you determine if you are users are adhering to that policy.
Reason 4: Outdated Devices
Mobile security was not a big issue in previous years – when we were using simple phones and having slow internet connections without the fear of data leakages or third-party intrusions. These devices are still in use somewhere and connected with the new and fast internet connections though they are not updated or qualify for data and mobile security.
Apple supports its smartphones for about five years after a model is released, giving the devices the latest versions of iOS and the latest patches to known vulnerabilities.
In general, an Android phone won’t get any more security updates if it’s more than three years old, and that’s provided it can even get all the updates before then. After three years, you’re better off getting a new phone. Source
Reason 5: Lack of End-to-End Encryption
While many apps on certain phones offer end-to-end encryption, the vast majority of apps – especially social networking – do not offer end-to-end encryption.
This is shocking considering the quantity of data uploaded to applications counting on the platforms employees use to access corporate data on their phones. A scarcity of mobile application security doesn’t bode well for you. It is just a one-step verification to encrypt your chat, document, or any other data you share through a trustful application. By this, you are saved from the supervision or data hacking from service providers.
How to Address Enterprise Mobile Security
Risk Assessment Strategy:
Mobile security begins with a mobile security risk assessment. This permits the association to name the risks that they are confronted with and the results if significant information and data are lost through malware infection, a framework crash, or burglary.
Other potential threats that can be related to a risk assessment incorporate physical threats like vindictive harm, burglary, power blackout, and additionally fire. Human errors like unintended information removal, input mistakes, or mixed-up data handling are additionally recognized.
Moreover, abuse from different vindictive exercises, for example, corporate undercover work is distinguished. The angles that ought to be considered are the people who have access to the information; people who utilize the web and email frameworks; the firewalls and hostile to malware arrangements; and appropriately staff preparing just as implementing mobile security.
Employee Education:
The best security against robbery or abuse includes the mix of an all-around educated staff, physical security, and technical security. Characterized approaches ought to be executed into the framework and adequately introduced to the staff.
Lock your device when they are not in use – even at home
Don’t leave company property unattended – Take your laptop with you to pick up your order at Starbucks.
Always be on the lookout – even a house guest could potentially make themselves at home on your company laptop.
Use privacy screens – Don’t let your work pique the interest of your neighbor.
Employees are responsible and accountable for company property – Treat it like it’s yours and protect your devices. Report any devices that are lost or stolen immediately.
Mobile Data Security System
Laptop PCs and hand-held gadgets are mainstream in today’s digitally-driven business world. Yet, these mobile gadgets present more risks to the association since they are inclined to damage and theft. In this manner, for mobile data security, powerful safeguards should be put in place to prevent cybersecurity attacks.
Consider CybriantXDR for your organization’s cybersecurity easy button. With three security technologies in place and a team of security experts monitoring your systems, you’ll be able to significantly reduce your threat landscape.
Conclusion
With a large workforce and more and more workers becoming mobile, it’s vital to understand where you stand with mobile security. Start with a mobile security assessment. With Cybriant’s Mobile Security Risk Assessment, Our experienced assessment experts will help distinguish between ensuring corporate data is secure and respecting employee privacy. Each environment also brings with it unique use cases. Political and cultural considerations must be confronted to properly establish an effective policy.
Organizations that are focused on their security may consider several security assessments. But what is a penetration test and why do you need one?
What is a Penetration Test?
To put it simply, a penetration test is an authorized simulated attack on a computer system or application that looks for security weaknesses. To protect your organization, a penetration test should be run once a year or after a major change to your environment. You’ll receive a detailed report explaining what data was compromised and examples of compromised data. Experienced cybersecurity firms will utilize an experienced ethical hacker since a penetration test is a manual test done by an experienced security expert using multiple tools and techniques.
Penetration Test vs. Vulnerability Scan
No matter your size, all organizations should regularly check their network and systems for vulnerabilities that can allow outsiders to have access to your critical data.
There are two methodologies to do this – Vulnerability Scanning and Penetration Testing. A common error in the cybersecurity world is to confuse these services or to use them interchangeably. Most cybersecurity experts will agree that both services are important and should be used together to have a comprehensive security program. Read more.
Why Perform a Periodic Security Assessment?
Organizations are increasingly bound by governmental regulations that dictate what security measures must be in place and how they are to be audited. PCI, FISMA, Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, NERC, and GSA among others all dictate how to secure different types of data and the systems that manage them. These regulations also require regular security posture assessments.
While regulations are often the driving factor, they aren’t the only reason why an organization should perform (or better yet, have a third party perform) periodic assessments of their infrastructure. A Security Assessment is the equivalent of an organization’s State of the Union. It is a report that looks at every aspect of security and details the severity and potential impact of risks to the company. Furthermore, it produces the fundamental information required to create a roadmap to successfully secure business. To navigate to any destination you must first know where you are.
What Should Be Assessed?
To begin, most organizations only focus on IT data systems or penetration tests during Security Assessments, and this is where things go wrong very quickly. Yes, the firewall must block bad guys, and workstations are kept secure, but what about phone systems or printers? Will your users recognize and report a phishing email attempt? What is the process for when an employee exits your organization? Did anyone remember to disable their key card to the building? A thorough Security Assessment will go beyond the typical IT systems assessment. Here is a list of security domains that should be considered during a Security Assessment:
Access control
Information Governance and Risk Management
Infrastructure Architecture and Design
Cryptography
Operations Security
Network and Telecommunications Security
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plans
Governmental Regulations
Incident Management Policies and Procedures
Physical Security
IT Security Training Programs
Network Boundaries
What about after the Security Assessment?
It is shocking to think that most companies will pay for a third party to audit their systems, processes, facilities, and personnel; then, do nothing to resolve the discovered issues. A high percentage of companies will fail to close gaps discovered during security audits. A vulnerability of any size is important no matter where it exists. All an APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) needs is a toe hold. Once one is presented no matter how small, attackers will use it to gain access to your company’s data.
Once you have received your assessment results, it is imperative to either fix discovered issues or create compensating controls to avoid these issues from being leveraged. As Rob Joyce points out in his video, most companies and organizations fail to act even after issues have been discovered, documented, and reported. Joyce also says not to assume any crack in your defenses is too small or insignificant to be exploited. These toe-holds are exactly what Advanced Persistent Threats are looking for in your environment.
Companies put a lot of effort into securing revenue streams, banking information, and payroll information by default. These areas, they feel, are important to protect. Most companies have a provision in the employee handbooks that instruct employees not to discuss salary information with fellow employees. We don’t often find this level of care and communication when it comes to IT security. Accountants frequently audit the bank and companies for fraudulent activities.
It’s time that companies added IT security to this list of very important, very well-understood activities. Yearly assessments should be the norm and the findings should be well communicated within the company. IT security cannot be the sole responsibility of a few guys in the back of the building. Every employee has to be involved because every employee is a target.
The journey to a secure organization begins with the first step. Your first step should be a Security Assessment to know where to place your foot, and how to find the path ahead. Contact Cybriant to begin your journey. Read more
7 Reasons You Need a Penetration Test ASAP
7 Reasons to Carry Out a Penetration Test
1. Discover the Vulnerabilities Hidden in Your System Early
It is imperative to identify and uncover the vulnerabilities in your system before the people who pose a threat to you do. In this regard, you have to dig deep into the threat and establish exactly what kind of information could be brought out if it is discovered. By revealing whether or not an organization is susceptible to cyber-attacks and making recommendations on ways to secure your system, you protect yourself. It is important to understand the extent to which your organization is vulnerable to hackers.
2. Avoid Remediation Expenses and Reduces Overall Network Downtime
It is very costly to recover from a system attack following a security breach. These costs could be regulatory penalties, loss of business operability and even protecting your employees. By identifying the areas of weakness in your system, you not only shield your organization from massive financial losses but also spare it from reputational prejudices. Through your qualified security analysts, you can get clues on ways through which you can take steps toward, and even make investments that will establish a more secure atmosphere for your organization.
3. Establish Thorough and Reliable Security Measures
From what you discover after the penetration test, you will be able to develop necessary measures to ensure the security of your information technology systems. The results can serve as pointers to security loopholes, how real they and the degree to which they can affect the performance and functioning of your systems. The test will also make the proper recommendations for their timely precautionary measures while at the same time enabling you to set up a security system that you can rely upon to make the safety of your IT systems a priority.
4. Enable Compliance with Security Regulations
Practicing the habit of conducting occasional penetration tests can help you stay by the security regulations as laid out by the security standards in authority. Some of these standards include HIPAA, PCI, and ISO 27001. This will be instrumental in helping you stay safe from the heavy fines which are normally common when compliance guidelines are not adhered to. To remain compliant with such standards, system managers ought to carry out frequent penetration tests alongside security audits as guided by qualified security analysts. The outcome or the results of the penetration tests prompt can even e presented to the assessors of the organization as a symbol of due diligence.
5. Protect Company Image and Customer Trust
When your systems fall victim to cyber-attacks, the company image becomes tarnished in that the way the public used to view the company takes a negative hit. Consequently, customers begin to develop a concern about the security of their information in the hands of the company. The outcome of this may be a consideration on their part to seek the services of an alternative company for the same services you were offering them. Penetration testing will, therefore, help you avoid putting your company in such a position and by so doing, protect the company image as well as maintain the loyalty and the trust of your employees.
6. Prioritize and Tackle Risks Based on their Exploitability and Impact
Penetration testing will identify the areas that are vulnerable to cyber-attacks and using such results, you may be able to prioritize the potential risks and come up with a counter plan on how you are going to shield the company from the named risks. Your list of priorities could base itself on the degree to which individual risks are susceptible to exploitation by prospective hackers. You may also choose to attack the risk with a priority put upon the risk that would make for a graver impact on the company. By so doing, you will be cushioning the company against heftier hits in the event of a cyber attack crisis and by so doing deal with the risks that can easily be contained or whose impact is less harmful.
7. Keep Executive Management Informed about Your Organization’s Risk Level
Any properly working executive management of a company would always want to be kept in the loop whenever the company is at risk. More importantly, they also want to know the level of protection the company operates in at any given time from potential cyber attackers. More information
Security Testing Tools: Penetration Testing
Penetration testing is a common service to check the viability of your cybersecurity stems.
When a penetration test is launched, the aim is to carry out a risk assessment of your organization’s security system and controls. This is done by evaluating and picking out the parts of your security firewall that may be targeted by attackers. These parts are then subjected to an attack through a penetration test. When vulnerabilities in the security system are detected, the individual or company may then find out ways to eliminate the potential risk that may arise from these loopholes. This may be done by either getting rid of the defective systems or strengthening them to ensure that they are not exploited.
Read more about the 7 Reasons you need a Penetration Test in 2019.
The evolution of information technology is so fast, that everything is already dependent on computerization of everything. From business industries to governments in every country, they are all dependent on computers and the internet. With this development, cybersecurity experts are trying their best, to be able to find ways to protect the computer systems of big corporations, government agencies, and private individuals. The goal here is to keep their important information secured from being hacked.
What are these Security Penetration Testing tools?
Security Penetration Testing Tools are instruments that are used by cybersecurity experts, to check your computer system’s vulnerability to such cyber attacks. It is because of the fast evolution of computer technology, that system updates are inevitable. The computer system should be tested, to be able to determine, which part of the system is vulnerable. These are the reasons for employing these security testing tools.
Here is a list of some popular Security Penetration Tools in addition to the tools listed above:
Wifiphisher. This tool is an access point tool. Using a wifiphisher in the assessment will lead to actual infection of the system. Burp Suite. This tool is best used with a web browser. This tool is essential to check applications of their functionality and security risks. OWASP ZAP. Another application tool, this one is better used for starters in application security. CME. This exploitation tool helps to automate assessing the security of a large active directory network. PowerSploit. It’s a set of modules to be used for assessments. Immunity Inc.-Debugger. This tool is used by security experts to write exploits, analyze malware, and a lot more features. THC-Hydra. A network log-in cracker, the tool holds several details to allow users to get started.
Our security penetration test is a real-world exercise at infiltrating your network systems. We will identify the key weaknesses in specific systems or applications and provide feedback on the most at-risk routes to the target.
Penetration Tests are used to identify key weaknesses in specific systems or applications and provide feedback on the most at-risk routes into the target. These tests are designed to achieve a specific, attacker-simulated goal.
Cybriant’s security professionals can assist in selecting the right approach to achieve your objective. We won’t just tell you that you have a problem; we will show you how to fix it, or we can perform the services on your behalf. Please contact us for more details on the process and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Companies that focus on protecting their assets from hackers may overlook threat detection. As a result, threats to the network often go undetected for weeks, leaving the organization vulnerable to data theft. Learn how a security risk assessment can show your organization where it is vulnerable to a cyberattack so you can plug holes in your defenses before your organization suffers a breach.
#1 Identify Loopholes in Your Threat Protection
A security risk assessment shows where your system is strong and where it is weak. Using the data, you can hone in on loopholes that represent easy access points for hackers and come up with an action plan to fix things. Since cyber risk assessments show the broader spectrum of your company’s cybersecurity system, they are useful when key stakeholders need to be talked into making additional investments in cybersecurity. The assessment provides demonstrated proof of vulnerabilities. When confronted with such compelling evidence, many naysayers often change their tune and finally fund the infrastructure that is needed to prevent a data breach.
#2 Fill Gaps in Cybersecurity Coverage
The typical company has several network protection systems in place. These often act as a patchwork, because the systems may be cobbled together from a variety of vendors. The cyber risk assessment will show you where gaps in coverage exist–which hackers can exploit to gain access to your system. Once you’re aware of these gaps, you can identify vendors that offer solutions to fill coverage gaps and fully protect your valuable data.
#3 Comprehensive Cybersecurity Protection
It can be easy to wonder if you are doing enough when it comes to cybersecurity. With a cyber risk assessment, you can stop asking this question because you will have a personalized road map to comprehensive protection. All your organization needs to do is follow the specific actions suggested by your organization’s threat assessment to know that you are protected to best-in-class capabilities.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is something of a cat-and-mouse game. As companies arm themselves with better protection, hackers either search for easier targets or get more creative in their attacks. By prioritizing your data safety through periodic threat assessments, you can fine-tune your defenses and reduce the likelihood of suffering a devastating data breach. Cyber Risk Assessment
Our Cyber Risk Assessment is required when determining your security program’s needs or success. Following NIST guidelines, our risk experts perform interviews, documentation analysis, and walkthrough of physical areas to determine the state of the client’s security program. Our Cyber Risk Assessment is a useful tool for any phase of implementing a security program.
Take a look and get started today: https://cybriant.com/assessments/
At Cybriant, we recommend every new client begin with a cyber risk assessment so your organization will have a full assessment of your current state of security, any gap analysis, and recommendations. Many compliance regulations stipulate the need for an annual risk assessment. Here are three ways a cyber risk assessment can help prevent data breaches.
Companies that focus on protecting their assets from hackers may overlook threat detection. As a result, threats to the network often go undetected for weeks, leaving the organization vulnerable to data theft. Learn how a security risk assessment can show your organization where it is vulnerable to a cyber attack so you can plug holes in your defenses before your organization suffers a breach.
#1 Identify Loopholes in Your Threat Protection
A security risk assessment shows where your system is strong and where it is weak. Using the data, you can hone in on loopholes that represent easy access points for hackers and come up with an action plan to fix things.
Since cyber risk assessments show the broader spectrum of your company’s cybersecurity system, they are useful when key stakeholders need to be talked into making additional investments in cybersecurity. The assessment provides demonstrated proof of vulnerabilities. When confronted with such compelling evidence, many naysayers often change their tune and finally fund the infrastructure that is needed to prevent a data breach.
#2 Fill Gaps in Cybersecurity Coverage
The typical company has several network protection systems in place. These often act as a patchwork, because the systems may be cobbled together from a variety of vendors. The cyber risk assessment will show you where gaps in coverage exist–which hackers can exploit to gain access to your system. Once you’re aware of these gaps, you can identify vendors that offer solutions to fill coverage gaps and fully protect your valuable data.
#3 Comprehensive Cybersecurity Protection
It can be easy to wonder if you are doing enough when it comes to cybersecurity. With a cyber risk assessment, you can stop asking this question because you will have a personalized road map to comprehensive protection. All your organization needs to do is follow the specific actions suggested by your organization’s threat assessment to know that you are protected to best-in-class capabilities.
Cybersecurity is something of a cat-and-mouse game. As companies arm themselves with better protection, hackers either search for easier targets or get more creative in their attacks. By prioritizing your data safety through periodic threat assessments, you can fine-tune your defenses and reduce the likelihood of suffering a devastating data breach.
Penetration tests are an important piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. We like to begin with the end in mind and understand your goals before we recommend any assessments, gap analyses, or pen tests. Read more to find out why you should consider a penetration test.
What is a Penetration Test?
A penetration test, also called a pen test, is a common test that is done to find out if there are issues with an organization’s network or cybersecurity system.
The test is performed to identify both weaknesses and vulnerabilities, including the potential for unauthorized parties to gain access to the system’s features and data, as well as strengths, enabling a full risk assessment to be completed. [Source]
It may also be referred to as a form of cyber attack due to the procedure that is followed when making the test. However, it is not an illegal attack as it requires authorization from the owner of the systems the test is being carried out. This test helps to evaluate if there are any potential loopholes in your security system which may be exploited by cybercriminals.
How a Penetration Test Works
When a penetration test is launched, the aim is to carry out a risk assessment of your organization’s security system and controls. This is done by evaluating and picking out the parts of your security firewall that may be targeted by attackers. These parts are then subjected to an attack through a penetration test. When vulnerabilities in the security system are detected, the individual or company may then find out ways to eliminate the potential risk that may arise from these loopholes. This may be done by either getting rid of the defective systems or strengthening them to ensure that they are not exploited.
7 Reasons to Carry Out a Penetration Test
1. Discover the Vulnerabilities Hidden in Your System Early
It is imperative to identify and uncover the vulnerabilities in your system before the people who pose a threat to you do. In this regard, you have to dig deep into the threat and establish exactly what kind of information could be brought out if it is discovered. By revealing whether or not an organization is susceptible to cyber-attacks and making recommendations on ways to secure your system, you protect yourself. It is important to understand the extent to which your organization is vulnerable to hackers.
2. Avoid Remediation Expenses and Reduces Overall Network Downtime
It is very costly to recover from a system attack following a security breach. These costs could be regulatory penalties, loss of business operability and even protecting your employees. By identifying the areas of weakness in your system, you not only shield your organization from massive financial losses but also spare it from reputational prejudices. Through your qualified security analysts, you can get clues on ways through which you can take steps towards, and even make investments that will establish a more secure atmosphere for your organization.
3. Establish Thorough and Reliable Security Measures
From what you discover after the penetration test, you will be able to develop necessary measures to ensure the security of your information technology systems. The results can serve as pointers to security loopholes, how real they and the degree to which they can affect the performance and functioning of your systems. The test will also make the proper recommendations for their timely precautionary measures while at the same time enabling you to set up a security system that you can rely upon to make the safety of your IT systems a priority.
4. Enable Compliance with Security Regulations
Practicing the habit of conducting occasional penetration tests can help you stay by the security regulations as laid out by the security standards in authority. Some of these standards include HIPAA, PCI, and ISO 27001. This will be instrumental in helping you stay safe from the heavy fines which are normally common when compliance guidelines are not adhered to. To remain compliant with such standards, system managers ought to carry out frequent penetration tests alongside security audits as guided by qualified security analysts. The outcome or the results of the penetration tests prompt can even e presented to the assessors of the organization as a symbol of due diligence.
5. Protect Company Image and Customer Trust
When your systems fall victim to cyber-attacks, the company image becomes tarnished in that the way the public used to view the company takes a negative hit. Consequently, customers begin to develop a concern about the security of their information in the hands of the company. The outcome of this may be a consideration on their part to seek the services of an alternative company for the same services you were offering them. Penetration testing will, therefore, help you avoid putting your company in such a position and by so doing, protect the company image as well as maintain the loyalty and the trust of your employees.
6. Prioritize and Tackle Risks Based on their Exploitability and Impact
Penetration testing will identify the areas that are vulnerable to cyber-attacks and using such results, you may be able to prioritize the potential risks and come up with a counter plan on how you are going to shield the company from the named risks. Your list of priorities could base itself on the degree to which individual risks are susceptible to exploitation by prospective hackers. You may also choose to attack the risk with a priority put upon the risk that would make for a graver impact on the company. By so doing, you will be cushioning the company against heftier hits in the event of a cyber attack crisis and by so doing deal with the risks that can easily be contained or whose impact is less harmful.
7. Keep Executive Management Informed about Your Organization’s Risk Level
Any properly working executive management of a company would always want to be kept in the loop whenever the company is at risk. More importantly, they also want to know of the level of protection the company operates in at any given time from potential cyber attackers.
Penetration Tests
Penetration tests are evidently of utmost relevance to the successful running of a company and should, therefore, be integrated into the maintenance procedures of a company. They can put you in a better position to identify the areas in your system that is vulnerable to cyber attacks, help you design a list of priority in terms of your precautions, enhance compliance measures and make everything legitimate for the good of all stakeholders of the company in their various capacities, including the customers.
A Penetration Test is a Piece of the Cybersecurity Puzzle
Penetration Tests and Vulnerability Assessments are two key tools utilized to improve and harden an organization’s security program. Penetration Tests are used to identify key weaknesses in specific systems or applications and provide feedback on the most at-risk routes into the target. These tests are designed to achieve a specific, attacker-simulated goal.
Alternatively, Vulnerability Assessments are designed to identify and affirm where key gaps are in your overall security program and yield a prioritized list of vulnerabilities that can be addressed to strengthen the environment.
We like to begin with the end in mind and understand your goals before we recommend any assessments, gap analyses, or pen tests.
Cybriant’s security professionals can assist in selecting the right approach to achieve your objective. We won’t just tell you that you have a problem; we will show you how to fix it, or we can perform the services on your behalf.
No matter your size, all organizations should regularly check their network and systems for vulnerabilities that can allow outsiders to have access to your critical data.
There are two methodologies to do this – Vulnerability Scanning and Penetration Testing. A common error in the cybersecurity world is to confuse these services or to use them interchangeably. Most cybersecurity experts will agree that both services are important and should be used together to have a comprehensive security program.
Information security assessments are a necessity in today’s cyber-insecure world. Be sure to consider these 6 things when you select a security assessment vendor.
Risk assessments (often referred to as security assessments) are a critical part of any compliance program. More often than not, these risk assessments are required to be performed by an external party.
Hiring a firm to perform a risk/security assessment can be a daunting task. With little to go on we often fall back on the old standbys of contracting a vendor: reputation, size, certifications, etc, etc. And often that results in poor performance or obvious cookie-cutter results. How then should we approach the task of ensuring we get value from our security assessment vendor?
After years of performing risk/security assessments and gap analyses for various companies with different vendors, I’ve noticed some themes and want to share six items to look for when selecting a vendor.
Fortunately, these are items that can be teased out in negotiation long before signing the contract.
6 Factors to Look for in a Security Assessment Vendor:
1. They consider People, Processes, and Technology
This one seems like it should be obvious. Isn’t that what a security assessment vendor should be doing? In theory, yes. However, as you have probably experienced that is not the case most of the time.
Why?
Human nature. Believe it or not, auditors are human too, and with that comes comfort zones, preferences, dislikes, and biases. If you have an auditor who came up through the ranks as an accountant or another non-technical analytical personnel, you’ll have someone very comfortable with the processes of security but may not understand the nuances of people or the technology supporting the business.
The same can be said for a highly technical individual with no people skills or the adamant extrovert who crammed well enough on the technical side to pass the PCI QSA test by whiskers.
A good security assessment vendor will have the processes and procedures in place to ensure that; one, only well-balanced individuals are selected to be auditors, and two, even treatment is given to all aspects of security. Just because an auditor is more comfortable in one area than another doesn’t give them leeway to abandon other areas.
2. Spreadsheet mania
This one is a bit counter-intuitive. Spreadsheets and auditors are like mac and cheese, they just go together.
However, let me ask you one thing. Have you ever had an auditor that you felt truly understood what you did and how you did it? I haven’t. Most of the time they sit across a table with a laptop open entering their responses into a spreadsheet like an automaton.
Sure they’ll ask some questions to get a better understanding, but only enough to answer what the spreadsheet wants to know. Spreadsheets are great for identifying risks in technology or gaps in processes, but what about people?
Whatever happened to the art of conversation, I ask?
Here at Cybriant, and any other good security assessment vendor, all the technicalities of the spreadsheets can be asked beforehand, or after. What we’re there to do is understand your risks and that includes what and how your people perform their daily duties. I have story after story of finding major risks to an organization through conversation that a spreadsheet approach would have never caught.
Let me give you a great ‘for instance’.
I was performing a security assessment for a college and knew of the locked, secured, shred bins as well as the policies dictating their use.
However, after conversing with a funding representative I had to ask,
“So do you use the shred bin upstairs?”
“Of course I do!” was the response.
Based on other answers I probed some more; “well, I put the credit card information in this cardboard box beside my desk when I’m done with them and once a week I dump the paper in the shred bin”.
Need I say more? When considering a vendor try to have a conversation with the auditor who will be assigned to your account. Do they ask good questions? Are they personable?
I wonder if you caught something odd about the story above, other than the blaring PCI violation. As part of a security assessment, we were speaking to a funding representative, not a technical resource.
While technical resources are an absolute must when interviews are concerned, so are the rank and file. Processes, policies, guidelines, standards, security controls, and technology are all good and well, but users have an uncanny ability to destroy all our good work without even trying sometimes.
As such your assessor must speak with others in your organization. Often external assessors are brought in to verify what the technical staff or leadership already suspects. However, because of our insistence on interviewing non-technical personnel, we have found countless unknown security risks.
When assessing your potential vendor be sure to ask who all are considered for interview candidates. If it’s just technical staff and minimal leadership, back away slowly.
4.They see the big picture
Very similar to the spreadsheet item, there is one item that seems to elude a vast majority of assessment firms, big-picture thinking.
After performing dozens of security assessments I have realized that most findings can be distilled into what we call Cybriant: Risk Themes. These are overarching risks that are not part of any framework but contribute to the overall security profile.
Examples of Cybriant: Risk Themes are a company culture that ignores security or lack of proper network design which exposes several risks. While our assessments do include specific risks we also include any Cybriant: Risk Themes to help guide the organization towards the most efficient method of addressing the outlined risks.
Ask to see a sanitized assessment, do they address risk themes?
5. They give a roadmap to success
A good security assessor understands technology to the point that they can provide a roadmap that addresses the most critical findings first and how to fix them. This is critical to a successful implementation of remediating security risks.
Tell me if this sounds familiar. A security assessment vendor performs a security assessment and you receive a PDF containing page after page of faults with your environment, and that’s it. No recommendations on how to remediate, no path towards completion, and no way of knowing which ones pose the highest risk to your organization.
When choosing a security assessment vendor they must consider what technology you have in place and the most efficient path towards remediating the identified risks.
However, they can only do that if . . . . .
6. They understand technology
In previous points, it may have seemed as if I were discounting technical knowledge. Let me squash that rumor now.
A disturbing trend in the security assessment world is the tacking on of technology auditing to other fields such as accounting.
I like my CPA and trust them with my taxes, but I wouldn’t want them to pass judgment on my BGP network. Just because you can sit in a CISSP boot camp and memorize enough to pass the test doesn’t mean you understand the nuances of a system or network design.
This trend is resulting in strict adherence to spreadsheets above any extenuating circumstances and discounting of any client explanation. That in turn results in frustrated and dissatisfied clients.
Above all, an assessor needs to understand technology well enough to understand how your organization uses said technology and any potential downfalls therein. When determining which security assessment vendor to select be sure to have your technical talent probe the assessor for technical knowledge.
Some of the brightest most capable employees and coworkers I have ever had the privilege to work with do not have college degrees or certifications; however, by what metric do we normally measure a potential employee? The reason we do this is that it is very difficult to assess whether a potential candidate has the “right stuff” so we fall back on the defacto standard.
Hopefully, I have given you the tools to look past the standard fodder of evaluating security vendors and equip you to ask intelligent questions and look for signs that you have found the diamond in the rough.
As a CIO, you are responsible for the cyber security of your organization. But how can you be sure that your defenses are strong enough? A full cyber risk and security assessment should be a vital piece of your risk management strategy.
What is a Cyber Security Assessment?
A cyber security assessment is a process that evaluates an organization’s information security posture by identifying vulnerabilities and potential risks that could be exploited by hackers or other malicious entities. The assessment involves a comprehensive analysis of an organization’s network, systems, applications, and other assets to determine the overall level of security., Security professionals will work to develop a remediation plan that outlines specific steps to address any issues that have been uncovered and perform a cybersecurity risk. This could involve implementing new security controls and policies, reconfiguring network settings, or updating software applications to ensure they are secure.
Overall, the goal of a cyber security risk assessment report is to help organizations improve their security posture and reduce their risk of a cyber attack. By identifying vulnerabilities and potential risks, organizations can take steps to remediate these issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors, ultimately enhancing their overall security posture and protecting their information assets from potential harm.
A cyber security assessment typically involves the use of specialized tools and techniques, such as vulnerability scanners, penetration testing, and network analyzers, which enable security professionals to identify weaknesses and potential threats within an organization’s infrastructure.
The assessment process typically begins with a thorough inventory of an organization’s information assets, including hardware, software, and data. This is followed by an assessment of existing security controls and policies to determine their effectiveness in mitigating potential security risks.
Once potential vulnerabilities and risk areas have been identified, security professionals then work to develop a remediation plan that outlines specific steps to address any issues that have been uncovered. This could involve implementing new security controls and policies, reconfiguring network settings, or updating software applications to ensure they are secure. And finally, the assessment will likely culminate with further investigation into any affected systems to confirm that the vulnerabilities have been addressed and the business operations security posture is improved.
By conducting in-depth cyber security risk assessments beforehand, organizations can take steps to identify weaknesses and potential threats before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This helps to ensure an organization’s information assets are protected from potential harm.
Here are five reasons why you should perform a Cyber Security Assessment
1. Cybercrime is on the rise and costing businesses billions of dollars each year
According to a recent report, cybercrime is on the rise and costs businesses billions of dollars each year. While the costs of cybercrime are significant, there are steps that businesses can take to protect themselves.
One important step is to invest in managed services. Managed services can help businesses to stay compliant with cybersecurity best practices and mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime. In addition, managed services can help businesses to respond quickly and effectively to security incidents because of cybercrime.
By their security teams investing in managed services, businesses can protect themselves from the growing threat of cybercrime.
2. A cyber security assessment can help you identify your company’s vulnerabilities and protect your data
A cyber security assessment is an important tool for any business that wants to protect its data. By identifying vulnerabilities and potential threats, a company can take steps to mitigate the risks. In addition, a well-designed cyber risk assessment can help to improve the overall security of the company’s systems.
There are many different types of vulnerability management services available, and choosing the right one can be a challenge.
However, working with a reputable provider that offers managed services can help to ensure that your company’s data is safe and secure. By taking the time to assess your company’s cyber security needs, you can help to protect your data and reduce the risk of a devastating data breach yourself.
3. Most cyber-attacks are not sophisticated and can be easily prevented with the right precautions
Despite headlines warning of sophisticated cyber attacks, the vast majority of attacks are actually fairly unsophisticated and can be easily prevented with the right precautions. Network security is the first line of defense against cyber attacks, and it is important to make sure that all networked devices are properly secured.
Endpoint security is also critical, as this is where most attacks originate. By taking simple steps to secure network and endpoint devices, businesses can dramatically reduce their risk of being attacked.
4. Cybersecurity is not just for large companies – even small businesses can be targeted
While small businesses may not be the first target for cybercriminals, that doesn’t mean they are immune to attack. In fact, small businesses are often appealing targets because they usually have fewer resources dedicated to cybersecurity. As a result, small businesses need to be extra vigilant in protecting their data and systems from attack.
There are a number of steps small businesses can take to improve their cybersecurity, including investing in robust security software and training employees in best practices. By taking these steps, small businesses can help to protect themselves from the growing threat of cybercrime.
5. Investing in cybersecurity is an important part of protecting your business and should not be taken lightly
Investing in cybersecurity is an important part of protecting your business. Cybersecurity is not something that should be taken lightly, and businesses need to make sure that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their data and systems.
There are a number of different ways to improve your company’s cybersecurity, but it is important to remember that there is no silver bullet. The best approach is to take a holistic view of your company’s security and implement a range of different measures.
By taking a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, you can help to protect your business from the growing threat of cybercrime.
Importance of Cyber Security
As the world increasingly moves online, the importance of cyber security cannot be understated. Businesses of all sizes must ensure that their systems are properly protected against cyber threats. One way to do this is by conducting regular cybersecurity evaluations. These evaluations help to identify weaknesses in security controls and assess the effectiveness of current security measures. By addressing these issues early on, businesses can minimize the risk of a cyber-attack and protect their data from being compromised. In today’s digital age, cyber security is essential to doing business. By taking steps to ensure their systems are secure, businesses can protect themselves from costly cyber attacks.
Information Security Assessments
information security assessments are important for all businesses, regardless of size. By regularly evaluating their security controls, businesses can identify weaknesses and take steps to mitigate them. In addition, these evaluations help businesses to ensure that their current security measures are effective. By taking these precautions, businesses can minimize the risk of a cyber attack and safeguard their data.
Network Security Assessments
Network security and cybersecurity risk assessments are important for all businesses, regardless of size. By regularly evaluating their security controls, businesses can identify weaknesses and take steps to mitigate them. In addition, these evaluations help businesses to ensure that their current security measures are effective. By taking these precautions, businesses can minimize the risk of a cyber attack and safeguard their data.
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
A cybersecurity risk assessment is an important tool for businesses of all sizes. By identifying the risks their business faces, businesses can put in place the appropriate security measures to mitigate them. In addition, by having a formalized security risk assessment process, businesses can ensure that they are regularly evaluating their security posture and addressing any potential weaknesses.
Risk Assessment Process
The risk assessment process begins with identifying the assets that need to be protected. Once these critical assets have been identified, the next step is to identify the risks that could potentially compromise them. Once the risks have been identified, businesses can put in place the appropriate security measures to mitigate them. Finally, businesses should regularly review their security posture and update their risk assessment as needed.
Consider Cybriant for a comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment template. Risk management, security controls, and more will be assessed.
Here are the top cyber security assessment tools: In today’s dynamic threat landscape, organizations need to adopt comprehensive cyber security assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks. Here are some of the top cyber security assessment tools that provide an in-depth risk analysis of an organization’s information security posture:
1. Nessus: A widely used network scanning tool that helps identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in an organization’s assets.
2. Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer that captures and examines the packets in real time, revealing potential vulnerabilities and attacks.
3. OpenVAS: An open-source vulnerability scanner that helps identify potential security threats in an organization’s network.
4. Qualys: A cloud-based security solution that scans and analyzes an organization’s assets for vulnerabilities in real time.
5. Burp Suite: A comprehensive web application testing tool that allows for in-depth analysis and identification of web-based vulnerabilities.
6. Metasploit: A powerful penetration testing tool that provides a comprehensive framework to perform a wide range of security assessments.
7. Nmap: A powerful network vulnerability scanner that uses a combination of techniques to identify potential weaknesses in an organization’s network.
8. Acunetix: A web application security solution that scans and identifies vulnerabilities in web applications.
9. Rapid7: A cloud-based vulnerability management solution that provides automated vulnerability scanning, dashboards, and vulnerability prioritization.
10. SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM): A powerful Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool that provides real-time monitoring, threat detection, and compliance management.
These cyber security risk assessment tools, when used in conjunction with a comprehensive cyber security strategy, can help organizations identify and remediate vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and ultimately enhance their security posture.
What is a Network Security Assessment?
A network security assessment is a process that evaluates an organization’s network infrastructure to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks that could be exploited by cyber attackers. This assessment involves a comprehensive analysis of an organization’s network components, including hardware devices, software systems, and data transmission mechanisms, to determine the overall level of security.
To conduct a network security assessment, security professionals use a variety of tools and techniques such as network scanning, penetration testing, firewall analysis, and intrusion detection. These tools help to identify weaknesses in the network topology, configuration errors, and other network security issues that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Security professionals also evaluate the effectiveness of existing security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and access control mechanisms, to determine their ability to detect and prevent cyber-attacks.
Once identified, potential vulnerabilities and risk areas are assessed to determine the level of potential damage they could cause to the organization. This enables security professionals to prioritize the remediation efforts needed to address the most critical vulnerabilities first.
Their aim is to develop a remediation plan that outlines specific steps to address any issues or cyber risks that have been uncovered. This could involve implementing new security controls and policies, reconfiguring network settings, or updating software applications to ensure that they are secure.
The final step in this vulnerability assessment is to conduct a post-assessment analysis to verify that the vulnerabilities have been addressed, and the security posture is improved. This involves re-scanning the network environment, conducting follow-up penetration testing, and reviewing system logs to confirm that the implemented security controls are effective.
By performing a network security assessment, organizations can identify weaknesses and potential threats before they can be exploited by cyber attackers. This helps to improve their overall security posture, reduce the risk of a cyber attack, less data breaches and safeguard their information assets from potential harm.
Cyber Crime Risk Assessment
A high-level cyber security risk assessment is an evaluation of the risks associated with an organization’s digital systems and data. The process involves identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and risks associated with the system and taking measures to mitigate them. It typically includes an assessment of physical security, network architecture, application security, authentication practices, and more.
The process of a Cyber Crime Risk Assessment begins with an analysis of the organization’s current security posture, including identifying areas where additional protection may be needed. After this initial assessment is complete, the security team can then begin to evaluate any existing systems and processes that could be vulnerable to attack and develop appropriate countermeasures.
These measures should include regularly scheduled security reviews, the installation of appropriate software and hardware to monitor activities, as well as identifying potential risks that could result from a lack of cybersecurity training.
Once these measures are in place, the team should then develop an effective communication plan to ensure all personnel within the organization are aware of any threats and how to respond appropriately. This plan should include instructions on what to
Enterprise Security Assessment
An enterprise security assessment is critical to assessing the security of an organization’s computer systems, networks, and applications. These assessments help organizations identify possible malicious software, unauthorized access points, data breaches, and other threats against sensitive data and resources.
Security assessments provide IT teams with information on the level of risk associated with any potential breach or attack and enable them to develop appropriate countermeasures to protect the organization’s digital infrastructure.
A cyber security evaluation will help ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, as well as identify security weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors. By regularly assessing the organization’s security vulnerabilities, organizations can better protect their sensitive data against serious data security breaches and other cyber threats.
Steps Involved in Conducting a Cyber Security Assessment
1. Identify critical infrastructure:
The first step is to identify the organization’s critical systems, networks, and applications that require protection. This may include computing systems such as servers and network-attached storage devices, as well as web applications and other databases.
2. Identify security gaps:
Once the critical infrastructure has been identified, it is time to assess what measures are in place to protect these assets. This may include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and other measures. It is important to identify any potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
A comprehensive cyber security assessment will also involve developing a response plan in case of an attack or breach. This includes identifying the necessary procedures for containing any damage from a breach, as well as measures to mitigate any potential risks and vulnerabilities.
4. Test security systems:
As part of the assessment process, it is important to test the organization’s existing security systems to identify any weaknesses or shortcomings. This may include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, or other measures to identify any potential security issues that could be exploited by malicious actors.
5. Identify risks:
A cyber security assessment should also involve assessing the potential risks posed by different types of threats. This may include examining the organization’s internal policies and procedures, as well as external threats such as phishing and malware attacks.
6. Report findings:
Once the assessment is complete, it is important to create a report detailing the results of the assessment and any recommendations for improvement. The report should also include specific steps that can be taken to improve cyber security measures in order to reduce the risk of an attack or breach.
7. Monitor and review:
Finally, it is important to continuously monitor and review the security systems in place to ensure that they remain up-to-date and effective. This includes regularly updating software patches, hardware components, and other measures necessary to reduce the risk of a breach or attack. Additionally, organizations should also consider investing in critical infrastructure protection and incident response plans in order to quickly deal with any security incidents.
Do You Need A Corporate Security Assessment?
When it comes to protecting your business, a corporate security assessment is essential. By conducting this assessment, you can identify potential risks and weaknesses in your organization’s cyber security strategies, as well as ensure that all employees are aware of the importance of keeping their data secure. This includes evaluating employee policies, procedures, and processes related to cyberspace operations, identifying areas that need to be strengthened, and providing recommendations on how to improve security.
A comprehensive security assessment should include an analysis of your organization’s existing policies, procedures, technologies, and operations related to cyberspace operations. As part of this process, you’ll want to assess the current state of your cyber security program in order to identify areas of improvement or potential threats. This assessment should take into account all aspects of your organization’s cyber security program, including authentication and authorization, data protection, user education and awareness, incident management processes, and patch management.
Once the assessment is complete, you’ll be able to identify any gaps in your corporate security program and make recommendations for improvement. This could include improving existing policies or procedures related to cyber security, implementing new technologies or procedures, and creating a corporate security awareness program.
By taking the time to conduct a thorough corporate security assessment, you can ensure that your organization’s data is secure and protected against potential threats. This will help protect your business from malicious actors looking to exploit vulnerabilities in your network or access sensitive information. Additionally, it will provide peace of mind knowing that your organization is taking the necessary steps to ensure its data is safe and secure. Ultimately, a corporate security assessment will provide you with the tools and knowledge to help protect your business from cyber threats and ensure that your critical information is secure.
Once you have identified any potential risks or areas for improvement through an assessment, it’s important to create an action plan to address any issues that have been identified. This could include implementing new security protocols or policies, training staff on the importance of cyber security and best practices, and regularly monitoring your network for potential threats. By creating a comprehensive action plan, you can ensure that your organization’s data remains safe and secure from malicious actors.
The bottom line is that a corporate security assessment is an essential step in protecting your business from cyber threats. By evaluating your existing systems and practices, you’ll be able to identify any potential risks or areas for improvement that need to be addressed. Through a comprehensive action plan, you can then take the necessary steps to protect your critical information and ensure that your organization remains safe and secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cyber risk assessments are an important part of any organization’s security protocols. By taking the necessary steps to identify and prioritize risks, organizations can make informed decisions about their business objectives and better protect their assets from potential threats. Taking these steps now can help organizations be better prepared for future attacks or breaches, contact Cybriant to get started.
