Category: Blog
In today’s ever-evolving threat landscape, organizations face the daunting task of constantly updating their environments to stay ahead of cyber threats. This process can be overwhelming, with everything seeming like a priority. So, where should you start? Begin with the basics and build from there. Below is a list of essential controls to enhance your organization’s cybersecurity posture.
- Implement Least Privilege Access Control
Review all users’ access levels and reduce them to the minimum necessary. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches. Regularly audit these access levels to ensure they align with users’ current job responsibilities and immediately revoke access for roles or accounts that are no longer needed. This principle applies not just to user accounts but also to service accounts and automated processes.
- Enforce Strong Password Policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Ensure all passwords are at least 18 characters long, including special characters, numbers, and both uppercase and lowercase letters. A helpful tip is to use a memorable sentence or a line from a song or poem as a baseline, then add in special characters. Additionally, enforce MFA on all possible accounts to add an extra layer of security.
Implement password expiration policies and educate users about the dangers of password reuse. Consider the use of password managers to help employees create and store unique, strong passwords securely.
- Regularly Review Firewall, EDR, and NDR Rules
Attackers continuously adapt their tactics to evade detection. Regularly reviewing and updating your firewall, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Network Detection and Response (NDR) rules is crucial to ensure only authorized activities are permitted. Document these rules for clarity and maintain a record of changes. Additionally, implement automated alerts to identify unusual activity that may require rule adjustments or immediate investigation.
- Maintain Effective Patch Management and Software Updates
Vulnerabilities are inevitable, but having a robust process for patch management can mitigate risks. Define a clear process for identifying, testing, and applying patches promptly, especially for critical vulnerabilities. Consider using automated patch management tools to ensure consistent updates across all systems and reduce human error.
- Ensure Tested, Updated, and Organized Backups
Backups are vital for business continuity in case of data loss. Regularly test and update your backups to minimize downtime and ensure a swift recovery. Store backups in multiple locations, including secure offsite or cloud-based storage, to protect against localized incidents. Also, use encryption to secure backup data against unauthorized access.
- Develop Incident Response and Business Continuity Plans
In the event of a cyber incident, having well-defined incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans is essential. These plans act as roadmaps for recovery, outlining responsibilities and prioritizing the restoration of critical systems to maintain daily operations. Test these plans regularly with simulated drills to ensure your team knows their roles and responsibilities. Update the plans frequently to address new threats or changes in your organization’s infrastructure.
- Prioritize Critical Systems
Identify systems crucial to business continuity and ensure they are always patched and up to date. Make sure users have the necessary access to perform their tasks without interruption. Implement robust monitoring to detect performance issues early and ensure quick resolution. Provide these systems with additional security measures, such as dedicated firewalls or isolated networks, to protect them from wider vulnerabilities.
- Monitor Legacy Systems Closely
Legacy systems are often targeted by attackers as they are considered low-hanging fruit. Monitor these systems with extra care to prevent potential breaches. If possible, plan for their replacement with more secure, modern solutions while implementing compensating controls in the interim.
By following these basic controls, you can significantly improve your company’s cybersecurity posture and better protect your organization from evolving threats.
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