7 Best practices for implementing a robust identity and access management strategy

An identity and access management (IAM) strategy comprises policies and procedures on how an organization manages the identities and access permissions of its users. This strategy typically covers key areas such as how users are onboarded, how their identities are verified, what permissions they need to access different systems, and how access permissions are managed over time.

Here are some best practices to help your organization develop a secure and efficient IAM strategy.

1. Rethink your onboarding processes

Onboarding is the process of integrating new people into an organization and providing them with the resources and information they need in their roles. Traditional onboarding focuses primarily on employees within an organization. But with the ever-expanding reach of today’s cyberthreats, organizations must tailor onboarding procedures for not only employees but also clients and third parties.

In addition, organizations should consider automating onboarding and offboarding processes to save resources and time. IAM software can automate the tasks of creating and provisioning user accounts, assigning permissions, and revoking access when users leave the organization.

2. Implement strong authentication and authorization mechanisms

By requiring users to prove their identity in multiple ways and restricting their access to the resources they need, organizations can make it much more difficult for attackers to gain access to their systems. One of the best ways to do this is to implement authentication mechanisms, such as multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to verify their identity through two or more authentication methods, adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords.

Similarly, authorization, especially through role-based access control, or RBAC, ensures that users have precisely the permissions they need for their roles. This principle of least privilege minimizes the potential damage from unauthorized access and is fundamental to an effective IAM strategy.

3. Reduce privileged accounts

The rationale behind minimizing the number of privileged accounts is clear: the more accounts with direct access to sensitive information, the higher the potential risk if one of those accounts is compromised. Each privileged account represents a potential entry point for cyberthreats. Therefore, by reducing these accounts to only those absolutely necessary and implementing strong access controls and monitoring, organizations significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches.

4. Adopt a zero trust approach to security

Implementing a zero trust security model means assuming that no user, device, or application is trusted by default. This entails verifying each user and device that attempts to access systems and resources.

A zero trust approach is a more secure approach than traditional security models that rely on perimeter defenses, such as firewalls, to protect internal networks from external threats. By implementing zero trust, organizations are better positioned to identify and mitigate potential security risks, even if those risks originate from within their own network.

5. Use single sign-on (SSO) solutions

SSO enables users to authenticate once, granting them access to multiple platforms without the need for repetitive logins. It not only simplifies the user experience but also cuts down time spent on managing multiple credentials.

But not just any SSO solution will do; organizations must find one that seamlessly integrates with existing systems and applications, ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the efficiency of the authentication process.

6. Regularly monitor and audit access

Conducting regular access reviews and audits further ensures that unauthorized access or policy violations are immediately spotted. This allows organizations to promptly rectify security breaches or policy noncompliance.

7. Shift your security focus toward user identity management

Many of today’s cyberthreats target the weakest links: user identities and service accounts. This is why it may be necessary for organizations to change their focus from network security to user identity management.

By prioritizing identity protection, businesses fortify the core access points, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and insider threats. This shift allows for targeted security measures that align with modern challenges and bolsters organizations’ overall security.

Safeguard your valuable assets and data by rethinking and reinforcing your IAM strategy. Consult NetWize’s IT experts for recommendations on secure technologies for your business. Request a FREE consultation today.

7 Common cybersecurity misconceptions you shouldn’t fall for

Cybersecurity is the armor of any modern business, protecting their data against the rapid onslaught of digital threats. However, misconceptions about cyber defense can leave organizations vulnerable to unforeseen dangers. We break down the common myths that can compromise your security posture, and provide ways of improving business resilience in the face of evolving cyberthreats.

1. Security software does the job

While software solutions like anti-malware programs, endpoint security systems, and firewalls are crucial for cybersecurity, they’re just one piece of the larger puzzle. They add to your existing IT infrastructure but are ultimately unable to influence the overall underlying design or configuration.

To strengthen your business’s cybersecurity, it’s important to go beyond software and apply strategies such as cybersecurity training, zero trust access controls, data backups, strong password policies, and multifactor authentication.

2. Cybersecurity is your IT team’s responsibility

Although IT departments are responsible for ensuring that strong cybersecurity tools and frameworks are put in place, cybersecurity should be everyone’s responsibility.

Statistics from Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigation Report reveal that a whopping 82% of all breaches trace back to the “human element,” which include stolen credentials, misuse, phishing attacks, or human error.

Such findings highlight how cybersecurity must be a shared responsibility across departments and company roles, with all workers doing their part in staying vigilant, well informed, and proactive in recognizing and mitigating online threats.

3. Cybersecurity is a one-and-done strategy

A prevalent misconception is viewing cybersecurity as a set-and-forget strategy. In reality, the digital world is in constant flux, with new threats emerging each day, and today’s defenses may be completely obsolete by tomorrow.

Cybersecurity should therefore be seen as an iterative process that demands regular review and upgrades to defend against the latest threats.

With hackers becoming more sophisticated, organizations must continually educate their teams, update security protocols, and invest in the latest technologies. Effective strategies are akin to maintaining a fortress — walls need reinforcement, and defenses must adapt.

4. Cybercriminals only target large organizations

The larger the business, the larger the target — though this doesn’t mean small businesses are untouchable.

In fact, hackers may be particularly drawn to smaller companies. One reason for this is that small businesses may lack the budget and expertise to fully secure their operations, making them more susceptible to far more sophisticated attacks.

Secondly, many modern attacks are automated and scaled for efficiency, allowing cybercriminals to cast a wide net and target businesses of all sizes. Small companies, with their limited defenses, can be particularly vulnerable to these indiscriminate threats.

5. Compliance leads to sufficient protection

While compliance is undeniably crucial, it shouldn’t be viewed as the end goal for cybersecurity. Rather, organizations should consider it a foundational stepping stone. Achieving comprehensive protection will require additional strategies, such as adopting a risk-based approach and tailoring your security measures to your business’s unique vulnerabilities.

You must also review your existing security framework to make sure they’re still effective at protecting your business. Periodic security assessments can help with this, as they identify any flaws in your current framework and help guide improvements, ensuring your protection evolves with the threat landscape.

Additionally, it’s worth nurturing a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all levels of your organization. Provide ongoing training, promote best practices, and emphasize the critical role of security among employees and leadership alike.

6. Cyberattacks are an external threat

While hackers and cybercriminals are a common cause of breaches, those within your organization can also pose an equal or even greater threat to its security. These insider threats can exploit their access to sensitive information and systems, potentially causing substantial harm.

To protect your business against these rogue insiders, it’s important to equip staff with cybersecurity knowledge and how to recognize and report potential issues. It may also be worth limiting access to critical information, granting it only to those with genuine needs. This will help reduce the risk of accidental or intentional security breaches.

7. Cybersecurity is too expensive

Though effective cybersecurity does have its costs, it’s essential to consider the alternative. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report for 2022 revealed a shocking global average cost of USD4.35 million for a data breach. This cost encompasses not only financial losses but also damage to reputation, lost customer trust, and legal ramifications.

Investing in cybersecurity isn’t an expense — it’s a strategic decision to safeguard your organization from potentially catastrophic consequences. The price of prevention pales in comparison to the exorbitant cost of a data breach, making cybersecurity a sound and necessary investment for businesses of all sizes.

Enhance your cybersecurity strategy with NetWize. Reach out to our experts today and bolster your defenses against current and emerging cyberthreats.

Why small- and medium-sized businesses need cyber insurance now more than ever

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated, and small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable to them. And many cyber scams are much closer to home than you think. In September 2022, Eagle Mountain, a city in Utah, lost nearly $1.13 million in a cyber scam, where the perpetrators posed as a vendor representative collaborating with the city on a major infrastructure project.

This incident is just one example of the many ways cybercriminals can wreak havoc on organizations. That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMBs to have cyber insurance.

What is cyber insurance?

Think of cyber insurance as your business’s safety net in the digital world. It is designed to mitigate the damages resulting from cybersecurity incidents, such as data beaches, hacking attacks, ransomware, and phishing scams. Cyber insurance typically covers financial losses, legal fees, public relations efforts, and more.

Why are SMBs particularly vulnerable to cyberthreats?

SMBs are particularly attractive targets for cyberattacks due to these reasons:

Limited resources and expertise

SMBs often lack the resources and expertise required to deploy robust cybersecurity measures. This makes them more vulnerable to cyberattacks, as they may not have dedicated IT staff or comprehensive cybersecurity strategies in place.

Data sensitivity

Despite their size, SMBs handle sensitive data, such as customer information, payment details, and proprietary business data. Cybercriminals are well aware of this and exploit the vulnerabilities in their systems to gain unauthorized access to this valuable information.

Lack of awareness

Many SMBs underestimate the potential threat of cyberattacks. They may not fully comprehend the damage a single incident can inflict on their business, including reputational harm, loss of customers, and substantial financial losses.

Interconnectedness

Many SMBs nowadays rely on digital platforms and online transactions. While this enhances efficiency, it also exposes them to a wider array of cyberthreats.

Supply chain vulnerabilities

SMBs are often part of larger supply chains, and cybercriminals target them as entry points to infiltrate larger enterprises. This can lead to devastating consequences for both the targeted SMB and the broader business ecosystem.

How can a cyber insurance policy help your SMB?

Here are some of the ways that having a cyber insurance policy in place can help your SMB:

Financial protection

In the event of a data breach, a cyber insurance policy offers financial security, as it will cover various costs, including but not limited to:

Cost of investigation and forensics – determining the cause and extent of the breach
Notification costs – informing affected parties, which often comes with legal requirements and expenses
Legal and regulatory fees – legal assistance to navigate regulatory compliance and potential fines
Business interruption costs – compensating for the income lost during downtime caused by the cybersecurity incident
Recovery and restoration expenses – costs associated with restoring systems, data, and networks

Incident response support

Cyber insurance policies often provide access to experienced professionals and specialized vendors who can guide you through the incident response process. This can include IT forensics, crisis communication, and legal support to help minimize damage and facilitate swift recovery.

Reputation management

A cyber incident can tarnish your SMB’s reputation. Cyber insurance can cover the costs of hiring public relations experts to help manage your brand image and rebuild trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Legal liability coverage

Cyber insurance can protect you from legal claims and lawsuits resulting from an incident. This includes claims related to data privacy breaches, intellectual property theft, defamation, and more.

Data restoration and recovery

If your business experiences data loss due to a cyber event, cyber insurance can cover the costs associated with data recovery and restoration, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.

Business continuity support

Cyber insurance can help your SMB with funds and resources to maintain business operations during and after a cyber incident. This support can be crucial in keeping your business afloat during challenging times.

Customization for your business needs

Cyber insurance policies can be customized to meet your unique business needs and industry regulations. This ensures that you are covered for the risks and cyberthreats your business is most likely to face.

Investing in cyber insurance is a proactive step toward ensuring the longevity and sustainability of your Utah business in an increasingly digital world. Got more questions about cyber insurance or just want to talk cybersecurity? Request a free consultation from NetWize’s experts today.

5 Compelling reasons why businesses need managed security services

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging at an alarming rate. Navigating this complex terrain requires a strategic approach that extends beyond traditional security measures. This is where managed security services (MSS) step in as a beacon of protection and assurance.

What are managed security services?

Managed security services represent a proactive and comprehensive approach to safeguarding a company’s digital assets, data, and IT infrastructure against a range of cyberthreats. MSS providers offer a suite of specialized services designed to spot and prevent security breaches, minimize risks, and keep the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of sensitive information.

Here are the typical services included in MSS offerings:

Threat monitoring and detection – MSS involves constantly monitoring network traffic and system logs to identify unusual or suspicious activities. Intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems are commonly used to detect potential threats and attacks.
Incident response and remediation – MSS providers are adept at developing a solid incident response plan for mitigating a security incident. They work swiftly to contain the breach, analyze its impact, and implement measures to avoid further damage.
Vulnerability management – MSS providers regularly assess IT systems to identify vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and configurations, and may develop and implement strategies to patch these vulnerabilities.
Firewall and network security – MSS providers can configure and manage firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and other network security tools. These measures help prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration.
Endpoint security – A vital component of MSS involves ensuring the security of endpoints, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. Endpoint security solutions include antivirus software, malware detection, and encryption to prevent data loss.

Why should businesses seek managed security services in 2023?

Studies made in 2021, 2022, and 2023 revealed that human error remains one of the most significant contributors to security breaches. These studies show that even the most highly secure systems can fall victim to an accidental oversight or a misconfiguration. MSS can help mitigate damage due to human error and other system failures.

Apart from minimizing human error, MSS offers the following benefits:

1. Expertise and skills gap

Many organizations lack the in-house expertise required to combat advanced cyberthreats effectively. MSS providers offer access to a specialized team of IT security experts who are well versed in the latest cyberthreats and defense mechanisms. In addition, outsourcing security management allows businesses to concentrate on their core competencies without being distracted by the complexities of cybersecurity.

2. Cost-effectiveness

Building and maintaining an in-house cybersecurity team can be costly and tedious. Managed security services provide a more cost-effective solution, as businesses can avoid the costs associated with recruitment, training, and infrastructure setup, and at the same time, get access to a diverse skill set. Businesses can channel their resources toward core activities, leaving the intricacies of security in the hands of professionals.

3. 24/7 Monitoring and rapid response

Cyberthreats can happen outside of business hours, and a delayed response can lead to devastating consequences. MSS providers offer continuous monitoring and rapid incident response, ensuring that potential threats are detected and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of prolonged and costly breaches.

4. Regulatory compliance

With increasingly stringent data protection regulations, businesses must ensure their security practices align with industry standards. Managed security services help companies remain compliant with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

5. Scalability and flexibility

MSS can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each business. As companies grow or experience changes, MSS providers can adapt their services to accommodate evolving security requirements.

The bad news is that cyberthreats will continue to be pervasive in the years to come, and businesses will have to develop and implement proactive security measures against them. But the good news is that managed security services offer a holistic approach that combines expertise, technology, and continuous monitoring to fortify an organization’s defenses.

Boost the security of your Salt Lake City business’s IT systems with the assistance of our expert team. Contact us today to get started.

Zero trust security: Why companies need it for a hybrid work setup

If your company has a hybrid work setup, it’s critical that you implement zero trust security measures. Zero trust is a comprehensive approach to security that assumes no inherent trust, regardless of location or network boundaries.

Here’s what you need to know about zero trust security and why it’s vital for hybrid work environments.

What is a zero trust security framework?

Unlike traditional perimeter-based security, zero trust doesn’t presume that all users with access credentials are authorized to be in the network and can be trusted with all company data and resources. Instead, zero trust security operates on the principle “never trust, always verify.” This means it reduces risk and tightens digital safety by verifying identities, analyzing behavior, and granting access to resources based on specific user roles.

A key component of the zero trust approach to security is the use of multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to provide more than one proof of identity, such as PIN codes and biometrics, during the login process for systems or applications. This additional layer of verification makes it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to breach security.

Implementing zero trust security also typically involves the use of microsegmentation. Microsegmentation technology can help prevent attackers from gaining access to larger parts of the network by breaking down larger networks into smaller segments with limited access privileges.

By incorporating MFA and adhering to other fundamental principles of the zero trust security framework, your business can establish a robust defense system that safeguards your sensitive assets. Even President Biden has set a goal for federal agencies to implement zero trust security in line with his Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity.

Why is a zero trust security framework vital in a hybrid work environment?

In a hybrid work environment, there are several cyber risks that can be best prevented with a zero trust framework, including the following:

Data breaches: Data breaches can be especially damaging in a hybrid work environment. This is because remote workers often have access to sensitive data, and they may not be using the same security measures as employees who are working in the office.

Phishing attacks: Phishing attacks can be used to steal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. In a hybrid work environment, remote workers may be more likely to fall victim to phishing attacks because they may be less familiar with the security measures that are in place at their company. This is especially true in the case of new employees who may not have spent a lot of time in the office and have not received adequate information security training.

Malware: Malware is a type of software that can be used to damage or disable computer systems. It can be spread through a variety of ways: as email attachments, via malicious websites, and through USB drives. In a hybrid work environment, remote workers may be more likely to be exposed to malware because they may be using personal devices to connect to the company network.

Zero-day attacks: Zero-day attacks are those that exploit vulnerabilities in software that the software vendor is not immediately aware of. Zero-day attacks can be very difficult to defend against, and they can be especially damaging in a hybrid work environment because remote workers may not be using the latest security patches. While zero trust security cannot completely prevent zero-day attacks, it can help to mitigate the risk. That’s because with a zero trust security framework, organizations can make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to systems and data, even if such attackers are able to exploit a zero-day vulnerability.

With zero trust security, companies can mitigate these cyber risks and maintain a secure IT infrastructure that accommodates the needs of a remote workforce and ensures that sensitive data remains safe and secure.

To set up zero trust effectively and efficiently, partner with a managed IT services provider (MSP) like NetWize. Our experts have the knowledge, experience, and resources to navigate the complexities of zero trust implementation, tailor it to your organization’s specific needs, and provide ongoing monitoring and support.

Related reading: 7 Cloud security best practices to protect your data

By working with an MSP, you can confidently establish a robust zero trust framework that protects your hybrid work environment and enables your organization to operate securely. Call us today.

Which of your employees are most at risk of cyberattacks?

In today’s digital age, cyberattacks are a constant threat to businesses of all sizes and industries. While cybercriminals target entire systems and specific individuals alike, some employees or roles within an organization may be more vulnerable to cyberattacks than others. This susceptibility can be due to a variety of factors, such as users’ access to sensitive information, lack of cybersecurity training, or the nature of work.

In this article, we’ll explore the types of employees or roles that are highly susceptible to cyberattacks and the steps your organization can take to mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities.

C-suite executives

C-suite executives and their assistants are often targeted by cybercriminals because of their high profile and the perceived value of the knowledge they possess. As top-level decision-makers, C-suite executives have access to highly sensitive and valuable information, including financial data, trade secrets, and strategic plans. Their assistants, who often manage their schedules and communication channels, may also have access to confidential information and important contacts.

As such, these groups of people may be targeted with phishing emails, social engineering tactics, or other sophisticated attacks designed to compromise their devices and steal sensitive data.

New employees

New employees or interns in a company can be particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks for several reasons. Firstly, they may not be familiar with the company’s cybersecurity policies and procedures, which makes them more likely to make mistakes or fall prey to social engineering tactics that cybercriminals use.

Also, new employees and interns may be eager to impress and gain the trust of their colleagues, which can lead them to take risks or ignore warning signs that a message or email is suspicious. This eagerness to prove themselves may also make them more likely to bypass security measures, such as password policies or firewalls, to access sensitive information that they’re not supposed to access.

Finance and accounting departments

The finance and accounting departments of most organizations are prime targets for cybercriminals because they handle a variety of financial information: payment data, bank account details, and financial records. They also often process large amounts of transactions, which compels cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in payment systems.

These departments may also use outdated software or hardware that were not designed with modern cybersecurity risks in mind, making them vulnerable to cybercrime. What’s more, financial processes require a high degree of human involvement and difficulty, thus making them more prone to errors — and human error remains the major cause of most cyber incidents. According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, phishing scams, business email compromise attempts, and stolen credentials are behind more than 80% of security breaches reported.

IT staff

IT personnel are responsible for maintaining the security of the company’s digital infrastructure, which makes them the perfect prey for cybercriminals seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems. They also have administrative privileges that allow them to change network configurations or access confidential information, making them valuable targets for cyberattacks.

How can you keep vulnerable employees secure?

Here are some ways for each of the mentioned groups to toughen their defenses against cyberattacks:

C-suite executives and their assistants:

Conduct regular security awareness training for all employees, including C-suite executives and their assistants, to educate them on the latest cyberthreats and how to avoid them.
Limit the amount of sensitive information shared over email and other communication channels, and use secure file-sharing platforms when necessary.
Implement access controls to limit the amount of sensitive information that C-suite executives and their assistants can access, and monitor their activities closely to detect and respond to potential security breaches.

New employees:

Provide cybersecurity training for new employees and interns as part of their onboarding process.
Restrict their access to sensitive information and ensure that your company has robust access controls in place.
Strictly enforce using proper communication channels, such as company email or secure messaging apps, for work-related communication.

Finance and accounting departments:

Regularly update financial systems and software applications to ensure that they are patched against known vulnerabilities.
Use encryption and secure file sharing platforms to protect sensitive financial data in transit and at rest.
Implement multifactor authentication for all financial transactions.

IT staff:

Use strong encryption to safeguard data in transit and at rest.
Update software and firmware regularly to protect all systems and devices from known vulnerabilities.
Use intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect and respond to potential security breaches in real time.

Consult NetWize’s team to learn how you can increase your organization’s protection against online threats. Request a free consultation today.

Everything you need to know about privilege escalation threats

Today’s IT systems are designed to support multiple user accounts, each of which provides the user with a specific set of abilities called privileges. These privileges may include accessing certain hardware or applications, viewing or editing files, and making modifications to the IT system. High-level privileges, such as those held by IT administrators, often provide greater access and control over the system than lower-tier privileges, such as those given to guest users, do.

What is privilege escalation?

In privilege escalation, an attacker exploits errors, vulnerabilities, and configuration oversights in an operating system to access IT resources and areas beyond what their privileges normally allow. For instance, cybercriminals who have stolen a low-level employee’s user account credentials can use privilege escalation techniques to gain abilities reserved only for members of the company’s IT team.

Privilege escalation is rarely the end goal for cybercriminals — rather, it is often one of the initial steps toward various malicious activities. When successful, it gives crooks greater control over the victim’s IT system, enabling them to access sensitive data and disable key security measures. They can then more easily plant malware, commit data theft, and launch more specific cyberattacks.

There are two types of privilege escalation, namely vertical and horizontal. Vertical privilege escalation involves someone with low-level privileges attempting to gain higher ones. Horizontal privilege escalation, on the other hand, involves someone with high-tier privileges trying to access company resources that are outside their normal area of responsibility. For instance, a cybercriminal may use IT admin privileges to access the company’s bank accounts.

Privilege escalation is rarely the end goal for cybercriminals — rather, it is often one of the initial steps toward various malicious activities.

How can you prevent privilege escalation?

Preventing privilege escalation can save your company from the reputational and financial damage caused by cyberattacks. To do this, you will need a two-layered approach that addresses the various privilege escalation techniques used by cybercriminals.

Layer 1: Employees/Users

In many cases, cybercriminals must first gain access to your employees’ credentials. You can address this risk with the following steps:

1. Enforce the principle of least privilege

Give your employees access to only the specific resources they need to accomplish their tasks. For example, HR staff should not be able to reconfigure IT security. This limits the amount of data that cybercriminals can access and prevents them from easily moving laterally across your network.

2. Implement password best practices

Sometimes, cybercriminals can steal user accounts by simply guessing the owner’s password. Prevent this by requiring your staff to follow password best practices, including:

Creating passwords that are at least 12 characters long and composed of letters, numbers, and special characters
Using a unique password for each of their online accounts
Never keeping their passwords in notebooks, memo pads, word and text documents, and other media that can be easily seen or stolen

You can also use password managers like LastPass and Dashlane to make creating, storing, and updating passwords easier. To further boost account security, implement multifactor authentication where possible. This requires users to submit several proofs of their identity before they can enter online accounts or access resources, preventing cybercriminals from getting far across your network even with stolen passwords.

3. Train your staff

Cybersecurity awareness training can help your staff avoid mistakes that can lead to cyber incidents and turns them into valuable assets for your company’s cybersecurity.

Layer 2: Applications

Cybercriminals may also exploit vulnerabilities in your business applications to infiltrate your network. You can address this risk through the following methods:

1. Update your applications regularly

Software manufacturers typically release patches for errors, bugs, and security vulnerabilities in their products. You should install these updates the moment they become available to prevent cybercriminals from abusing these flaws at your company’s expense.

2. Review and correct permissions

Make sure that the access permissions on all of your company’s files, directories, and servers can be accessed only by the right users.

3. Remove unused user accounts

Regularly audit current user accounts and delete those created for former employees. Unused accounts can be used by cybercriminals as entry points and may also be utilized for insider attacks.

Privilege escalation is a complex issue that poses immense risk to your organization. At [company_short], our cybersecurity specialists can help by uncovering weaknesses in your IT infrastructure and developing strategies to effectively address these. Start taking steps against privilege escalation by contacting our IT experts today.

6 Ways to help your organization reach a collective understanding of cybersecurity

The way someone grasps cybersecurity affects how they handle it, and if they understand its aspects differently from another person, then both of them are likely to handle it inconsistently, too. For example, some people may still adhere to the old wisdom of continually changing passwords. They may argue that doing so shortens the validity of passwords, so even if others steal or break these, the risk of hackers breaching accounts is reduced.

However, some users may make only slight changes to their existing passwords since doing so is most convenient for them. This introduces predictability into the password creation process, which results in passwords that are easier to guess and are therefore less secure. That is, even if one password no longer works, a black hat hacker may try out variations of this password. Therefore, the closer the new password is to the old one, the easier it will be to crack.

While open-mindedness fosters diversity of ideas and allows the best ones to come out on top, you’ll also want everyone in your organization to have a common understanding of cybersecurity concepts and principles. Without this commonality, people may insist on cybersecurity practices that are detrimental to your business and implement cybersecurity strategies inconsistently or incorrectly. To achieve this common understanding, follow these tips:

1. Get buy-in from all members of the team

Showing everyone the dangers that cyberthreats pose to their livelihoods and investments can help them reach a baseline understanding of the value of cybersecurity. Buy-in from the rank and file means that they’ll do their part in keeping the company safe, whereas buy-in from executives and board members means that they’ll allocate the resources necessary to implement cybersecurity strategies. In short, convincing people to care is the first step toward leading them to a collective in-depth understanding of cybersecurity.

Without a common understanding of cybersecurity, people may insist on cybersecurity practices that are detrimental to your business and implement cybersecurity strategies inconsistently or incorrectly.

2. Create a common cybersecurity vocabulary

If employees conceptualize security terms like “ransomware” differently, then they are not likely to understand one another when they discuss such terms. Therefore, you want to create a shared functional reference that utilizes an agreed-upon definition and naming system.

By having a standardized glossary and taxonomy (i.e., way of naming things), misunderstandings may be reduced and discussing cybersecurity matters like network monitoring and risk assessment becomes much easier.

With this as the foundation, cybersecurity performance reports could also be standardized. As reports are generated over time and across departments, comparisons and historical analyses may reveal insights on where people may fall short in protecting data or which cybersecurity practices produce the best results.

3. Establish a clear cybersecurity risk rating system

Describing cybersecurity risks as “low,” “medium,” or “high” tends to be meaningless unless such ratings are substantiated. You must tie the ratings with reference points that people can relate to, such as how much costly downtime a cyberthreat can cause, how much data it can expose, or how much it can hurt your customers.

4. Set up and implement a risk-response framework

A risk-response framework lists the possible cyberthreats your company may face, their risk ratings, and the actions you must take when facing such threats. By employing the framework consistently across your organization, you make risk management a vital component of your company’s culture. The more adept your decision-makers become at managing risk, the more decisive and effective they’ll become.

5. Make risk management resources accessible to those who need it

If the company disseminates a newsletter conveying how the accounting department fended off a spear phishing attack, every staff member can refer to the shared glossary of terms, risk rating system, and risk-response framework to clearly understand the incident.

Managers in other departments may also want to look at the data gathered during cybersecurity incidents so that they’ll have a better idea of how they must respond during similar situations. That’s why they need to have easy access to such data.

6. Find people who’ll act as cybersecurity advocates

Despite having readily available resources, people may still need help grasping cybersecurity concepts and protocols. Here, a staff member who has expertise in cybersecurity can help increase their understanding of the subject. The advocates can also help managers who need to discern how data security processes may affect operations or how security investments align with the company’s goals.

Let our IT experts at NetWize be your cybersecurity advocates as well. Send us a message or call us at 801-747-3200 today to learn more.

7 ways to make cybersecurity understandable for everyone in your organization

Most people use technology without ever understanding its underlying principles and mechanics. The average person would be hard-pressed to explain how a pulley reduces the effort required to lift heavy objects, how airplane wings generate lift, or how emails reach their recipients.

When it comes to IT, people know less about cybersecurity and how it keeps things that may stop them from using their computers and other tech tools at bay. Your staff may not be aware of how malware and other cyberthreats put their jobs and even their personal lives at risk. Therefore, it’ll be good for everyone on your payroll to understand how cybersecurity works so they can help keep your organization safe.

You can achieve this by educating your staff on cybersecurity best practices through regular training. The question is, how do you make cybersecurity understandable for your staff? Here are a few tips for you to start with.

A cyberattack on an entire organization may be at too big a scale for employees to grasp mentally, so it may be helpful to scale everything down to an individual — and personal — level.

1. Use everyday things or common knowledge to explain cybersecurity jargon and concepts

Ever wondered why website cookies are called such? It’s because computer memory space is likened to a jar, and pieces of a website’s information are kept there for later retrieval. IT is full of terminologies that reference everyday concepts to make them easier to grasp.

The same principle can be applied when explaining cybersecurity. For example, a distributed denial-of-service attack can be likened to a traffic jam, and ransomware can be likened to a hostage situation.

2. Show staff how devastating cyberthreats can be in their own lives

A cyberattack on an entire organization may be at too big a scale for employees to grasp mentally, so it may be helpful to scale everything down to an individual — and personal — level. For instance, you can show staff how hackers can use phishing campaigns to steal their online banking credentials and lock them out of their own hard-earned money.

When workers are shown how cybercrime can negatively affect their lives, they understand how it can ruin the business they work at. It also makes them appreciate the cybersecurity lessons more.

3. Provide cybersecurity training that’s specific to their jobs

The field of cybersecurity is ever-expanding, and no expert could ever master everything there is to know about it. Therefore, it’ll be too much to expect non-techies to grasp countless concepts. Instead, you must limit cybersecurity training to topics related to the jobs your employees do and the tech they use to accomplish these.

If email is the only program a worker uses, then that worker’s training ought to be focused on email-related cybersecurity topics, such as business email compromise. However, someone who manages on-premises servers will require more in-depth training.

4. Build an archive that serves as everyone’s standardized reference

Certainly, one can Google cybersecurity terms to learn more about these, but there may be multiple sources that aren’t consistent with one another. Creating a compendium of knowledge for your company not only makes information easier to find, but it also helps prevent confusion because everyone has one source of truth.

5. Run simulations of cyberattacks

Concepts taught in a classroom setting may remain difficult to understand and retain, but experiencing a cyberattack, even a simulated one, may help ingrain lessons more deeply into the trainees’ minds. Through simulations, they can practice executing protocols for reporting ongoing web exploits. They’d also know to disconnect their computers from the company network and boot data backups when they’ve been hit with ransomware.

6. Install a cybersecurity culture advocate in every department

If you’re lucky to have cybersecurity enthusiasts in your roster, then it’ll pay to appoint one for every department. They can be a readily available resource in case cybersecurity questions or issues arise. Furthermore, since they belong in those departments, the advocates are familiar with the context behind their teammates’ concerns. Because of this, they’ll be able to address such concerns in a manner that their audience will more easily understand.

7. Carve out time for staff to teach refresher courses

One of the most effective ways to see if someone understood a lesson is by having them teach what they’ve learned to others. Therefore, when it comes time to refresh people’s minds on cybersecurity topics, let the trainer take a back seat and have trainees take over teaching. Also have them use the first three tips above for maximum effect. If the presenters fail at teaching their refresher course, that may indicate a lack of comprehension on their part, which is something the trainer can address later on.

Many businesses in Salt Lake City rely on [company_short] for all their cybersecurity needs. To learn more about how we can serve you, send us a message or call us at 801-747-3200 today.

What is a security operations center, and does your business need one?

This has been said before, but it bears repeating: IT is a tool that bolsters the capabilities of an organization. Take a chatbot as an example. Unlike a human agent who can only respond to clients one at a time, a chatbot can take on hundreds of clients simultaneously. Additionally, it doesn’t need to take breaks, doesn’t get mentally fatigued, and doesn’t need benefits.

Indeed, IT increases productivity, but the converse is also true: productivity crashes when your IT systems become dysfunctional due to malware and other cyberattacks. Not only that, but sensitive data, such as customer information and proprietary company intellectual property, can be stolen. In short, you need to protect your IT systems if you want your Salt Lake City business to survive and thrive. One effective solution is to have your own security operations center or SOC.

What is a security operations center?

A SOC is an in-house facility that contains a comprehensive set of IT security resources that include the following:

Information security (infosec) team
Comprising security engineers, analysts, and managers, this team is responsible for continuously monitoring the company’s IT infrastructure for threats, analyzing systems for vulnerabilities, and preventing and responding to cybersecurity incidents. The infosec team is responsible for reporting everything from potential threat discoveries to actual hacking campaigns. If and when cybersecurity incidents do occur, the team is also responsible for providing technical support to affected parties, be they your staff, business partners, or customers.
Security information and event management (SIEM) solution
This contains tools that enable the infosec team to establish and implement security rules.
Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
These are signature-based tools that inspect network traffic for malicious payloads, helping your security team spot cyberattacks in the early stages. The shorter the time between threat detection and the security breach, the less downtime and damage your organization will suffer if ever the assault is actually launched.
Vulnerability assessment tools
The infosec team uses these to detect security holes that an attacker may exploit to infiltrate your IT systems. In addition to helping your team find gaps to close, these tools also help determine if your organization is compliant with data regulations and certification requirements.
User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA)
UEBA utilizes behavior modeling to create baselines that make aberrant actions (such as sudden data exfiltration being done by a staff member or a device like a router) more noticeable. This makes such actions easier to flag as potential security threats.
Digital forensics tools
These enable the infosec team to gather digital evidence that can be used in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Cryptanalysis programs
These are used to break cryptographic systems employed in malware such as ransomware so that such malicious software are nullified.
Malware reverse engineering tools
These allow infosec engineers to analyze what a malware program does, discover the systems it impacts, and determine ways to thwart it.

It’s important to note that a SOC is not responsible for coming up with security strategies, developing security architecture, or installing security measures. As its name denotes, the SOC is the one that operates the company’s existing cybersecurity framework.

Why have a SOC? Isn’t having firewalls and antivirus software enough?

While having firewalls and antivirus software is important, these are not enough to defend against the most sophisticated cyberthreats. Furthermore, most cybercriminals take advantage of IT systems’ greatest vulnerability: human users. Cybersecurity tools on their own can’t match the ingenuity of human threat actors who prey upon human weaknesses, which is why such actors must be matched with human cybersecurity operatives.

Most cybercriminals take advantage of IT systems’ greatest vulnerability: human users. Cybersecurity tools on their own can’t match the ingenuity of human threat actors who prey upon human weaknesses.

Additionally, there’s so much threat intelligence coming from external sources like threat briefs, signature updates, news feeds, vulnerability alerts, and incident reports. You need a dedicated team that will keep up with ever-evolving cyberthreats.

A SOC is resource-intensive and requires significant investments to build and maintain. Fortunately, you don’t need to have a SOC in-house — instead, you can leverage Netwize’s outsourced SOC services. We’ve already built the SOC for you, so just send us a message or call us at 801-747-3200 today to learn more.