Tag: Cybersecurity

How Cybersecurity Training Helps with Compliance and Risk Mitigation

Posted on by Mike

The main goal of cybersecurity training for staff members is to defend the company from internet threats. However, there are many more reasons to enroll in security awareness training. In addition, it is critical for risk mitigation, staff welfare, consumer comfort, and cybersecurity compliance—the subject of this piece.

Why is Risk Reduction and Cybersecurity Compliance necessary for Training?

Cybersecurity training and regulatory compliance are connected, both directly and indirectly. For instance, many regulatory bodies expressly mandate that companies teach all staff about security policies or data protection regularly. They would impose fines and other penalties for breaking this rule.

It protects you from fines and other repercussions. 

You would have to abide by certain cybersecurity compliance requirements based on your sector, business location, and type of organization. Regulations about cybersecurity include HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, NYDFS, GDPR, NIST, CMMC, and many others. Primarily, noncompliance with these criteria would seriously jeopardize your system. However, you may also be subject to harsh fines and severe consequences, such as legal action.

It helps prevent several other mistakes. 

Employees with insufficient training are more susceptible to social engineering and phishing scams. They might even carelessly handle data and break rules without realizing it, which could cause a variety of cybersecurity compliance mistakes. We can avoid all of this with the right advice.

It promotes vigilance and alertness.

Innovative cybersecurity training techniques, such as simulated attacks, will increase employee retention and increase their awareness of potential cyber threats. Although not mandated by law, we regard it as one of the best risk management techniques and guarantee adherence to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework.

It underlines how important data security and encryption are.

Some of the most important components of data privacy training required to satisfy cybersecurity compliance requirements are data confidentiality and risk mitigation, particularly regarding encryption, data sharing, and access restrictions.

It enhanced audits for cybersecurity compliance.

Your company will not only pass compliance audits but will pass them with flying colors thanks to cybersecurity training. The likelihood of receiving an excellent audit report increases when all staff members receive sufficient training on security regulations.

It enables authorities to assess your cybersecurity compliance.

A quality training program includes measures for assessing the course’s efficacy and participant tracking. Regulators can use all the information to verify that your company complies with cybersecurity standards.

It forges a strong security culture inside your company.

Having a regular training program in place shows your employees your commitment to cybersecurity and motivates each person to make the best personal decisions for preserving high security. It also reduces the possibility of an insider threat.

Everyone is informed.

Because online dangers are always changing, we must also change compliance rules daily. Frequent training keeps you compliant by informing everyone in your company about the newest developments.

We encourage top management to give compliance demands top priority.

Top executives with a firm grasp of the significance of compliance and responsibility will be more vigilant in implementing cybersecurity and data protection laws.

Conclusion for Cybersecurity Compliance

As you have just seen, cybersecurity compliance has an influence on many parts of the organization, even though it sometimes seems like just another standard requirement in the workplace.

Has your data been hacked? Download our Infographic, “The Top 10 steps to take if you think you have been hacked.” If you’d like, call us and we can talk about how we can customize data security for your unique needs!

Please contact us if you’d like more information, and we’ll be pleased to provide you with a free consultation!

Top Errors to Avoid in Training Cybersecurity for Staff

Posted on by Mike

Hacker techniques get more sophisticated with technological improvements. To keep our data safe, we must stay up-to-date with constantly changing tactics. Employees must have regular training on cybersecurity to accomplish this. Research shows that a proficient training approach can decrease susceptibility to phishing and related cyberattacks from 60% to 10% in a single year.

Seven Typical Errors in Training Cybersecurity

There are many ways to maximize every training session. Today, though, we’ll concentrate on what you SHOULDN’T do because they undermine the training. We cover the top mistakes to avoid below.

Boring training classes

Understandably, your staff would drop off during the first few minutes of a training session that comprises primarily text-heavy slide exhibits with someone reading the written material aloud. They will not only get disinterested, but they will also obtain no benefit from the instruction. Instead, take a more interesting tack. Swap out text with images. Promote conversational exchanges. Perform some group tasks.

Same Course of Study for All

Every organization has a range of skill levels among its members. Some people could be more knowledgeable and up-to-date on the newest trends in cybersecurity. The term “phishing” may be unknown to some of your staff. That’s the reason a training program designed for everyone will inevitably fail. Everybody has a different level; therefore, you must coach them appropriately.

One-Time Course on Training Cybersecurity

Many people think it is smart to group all the learning topics into a single training session, but this is untrue. As much value as possible can fit into one session, but a follow-up is still necessary. Even better, make sure to offer several follow-ups. The best way to ensure that the lessons stick is through continuous reinforcement.

Put Office Cybersecurity First

Yes, it is crucial to use caution when using the internet at work. However, most businesses have staff members who work remotely part-time, full-time, or in a hybrid work environment. Since this is now the standard, you must include mobile security in the training program.

insufficient support from the leaders

It is a common belief that kids imitate their parents’ conduct. This effect also holds for subordinates and their bosses. Senior executives ought to be putting what they are teaching workers to use.

Disregarding incident response instruction

Yes, prevention is preferable to cure. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t discuss how to deal with cyberattacks when they occur. Workers must know what to do when there is a data breach to limit the damage as soon as possible and stop it from escalating.

Not Making a Correct Assessment

After the facilitator concludes, the cybersecurity training never ends. Effective evaluation techniques must measure the participants’ knowledge of what they have learned. Standardized Q&A quizzes or haphazard phishing simulations could gauge how and whether staff members will put their newly gained knowledge to use.

Final Reflections on Training Cybersecurity

Remind your workers to avoid these mistakes at their next cybersecurity training. Plan the training program thoroughly to ensure it has the best possible impact.

Even better, you may train your personnel using tried-and-true methods developed by reputable and well-established cybersecurity professionals. We are here to assist you with that.

We are happy to introduce our micro training platform, the newest tool in staff cybersecurity training. This approach addresses every significant facet of internet security, from threat detection to incident handling and all points in between. You can download a demo by visiting this link if you’d like to learn more.

Phishing Scams and Social Engineering Tactics

Posted on by Mike

Social engineering is a popular term in the cybersecurity industry. What is it, though, and why are companies so terrified? It is a type of hacking that induces victims to provide information by tricking and manipulating them. Social engineering tactics have caused a lot of devastation and millions of dollars in losses for firms globally, so corporations have reason to be concerned.

One of the most prevalent sorts of attacks today is phishing. It has earned its success because it scams potential victims using tried-and-true social engineering techniques.

What are these Social Engineering Tactics, and how do hackers use them?

Let’s look more closely.

Plays on the emotions of people.

  • People are more likely to act impulsively when terrified, anxious, under pressure, or interested. Hackers rely on this instinctual response to trick victims into disclosing personal information before they consider it. It will already be too late by the time they have collected themselves and grasped the danger.

Creating credibility.

  • People are quick to believe in organizations that have a good reputation. This encompasses both professional contacts and organizations like banks or suppliers. Hackers can establish a trustworthy image that potential victims will almost certainly believe in by impersonating these organizations.

Social Engineering tactics – Content personalization.

  • Hackers can create a web of deceit to catch their targets using a wealth of information available in the public domain. It goes beyond merely addressing a target by name. They can bring up a recent concert they went to or a favorite dining establishment. They make a potential victim feel at ease, which lowers their guard and makes them more open to attack.

Using webpages that appear alike.

  • Hackers frequently send out links to fake login sites that are exact replicas of real ones. Telling you to reset your password because it is about to expire is a common ploy. They provide a link to a fake website where you must submit your information. Although everything appears legitimate, a closer glance at the URL reveals it is a phony link.

Creating scenarios that make people panic.

  • People rarely think clearly while they are panicking. They will take impulsive actions to leave the dangerous situation as soon as possible. You can bet on them to click the link right away if the hackers threaten to cancel their account if they don’t. This is one of their common social engineering tactics to use against you.

Deliberately spelling words incorrectly.

  • The common typos and bad grammar found in phishing emails are deliberate. It is their method of avoiding spam filter’ detection. Despite these obvious mistakes, many people are easily fooled since they are not as alert as virus scanners.

Attacking during special occasions and holidays.

  • During these times, there is a widespread sense of enthusiasm and involvement, and hackers use this to increase the effectiveness of their phishing assaults. Aligning the attacks with these occasions creates the appearance of legality, increasing the likelihood that the targeted person may fall prey.

Malware that spreads through attachments.

  • Most systems can detect and block malware, but if they introduce dangerous files into the system via phishing, your network defenses will be helpless to stop it. Malicious attachments can do harm after installation, including deleting your files and stealing confidential information.

Acting like senior executives is one of their social engineering tactics.

  • You don’t ask questions, and you promptly provide any confidential information that your boss demands. After all, a good employee does that, don’t they? Exactly! For this reason, hackers have used a novel strategy to gain quick access to corporate data: they pose as top executives.

Inventing an excuse.

  • Because the hackers need to gain the trust of their target, these social engineering tactics require a lot of effort and perseverance. They gradually win the victim’s trust, so they may eventually get more information from them.

Final Reflections about Social Engineering Tactics

Since you now understand how hackers employ phishing to practice social engineering tactics, you are prepared to defend yourself from such an assault. However, it is still possible to fall victim despite all knowledge and protective measures. We’ve made an infographic titled “The Top 10 Steps to Take If You Think You’ve Been Hacked” to help with this. This tool is helpful if you believe hackers have compromised you. Right here, you can download it.

Call us for additional details about social engineering or other cybersecurity challenges. We will provide everything you need to strengthen your defense against online threats.

Is Your Company Prepared for a Security Incident?

Posted on by Mike

Every 14 seconds, a new incident related to cybersecurity occurs. The widespread belief that only large corporations are the targets of hacking attacks couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone, from large global organizations to small local businesses, might now be a potential target. Because there is no obvious pattern to the attacks, it is difficult to determine who the next victim will be. Every firm needs to have a Plan B in place in case there is a breach in their network security, and they must cope with the aftermath of a security incident.

 

The Importance of Having a Response Plan in Case of a Security Incident

When confronted with an online threat, having a prepared reaction in the event of a security issue will save you valuable time. The framework for the plan is already in place. You only need to put the plans into action, and there won’t be any need for guesswork or pointless delays that could cost you a lot of money.

Besides preventing more data loss or system damage, minimizing downtime, reducing financial losses, and helping to preserve your reputation among customers and clients, an incident response plan, also known as a data breach response plan, is one name for this type of strategy. Naturally, it also assists your company in regaining its footing as quickly as possible.

 

The Process of Developing an Emergency Action Plan

Developing a security incident response plan is time-consuming and must be in place before any potential security breach. It is not something that you can delay until the very last minute, even when there is an immediate threat. Therefore, we will outline the primary actions that need to be carried out.

 

1. Put together a team to deal with the security incident.

Choose knowledgeable people who can start acting immediately in the event of an emergency. Check to see that everyone is aware of the responsibilities they have. When required, seek support from outside sources.

 

2. Always make a copy of your data. 

Data is often the target of breaches since the goal is typically to either steal the data, destroy it, or gain unauthorized access for harmful reasons. If something untoward occurs with your data, you should always have a safe backup to fall back on.

 

3. Keep a close eye on your system.

With vigilant monitoring, it will notify you of online hazards before they become more severe. Systems that manage security information and events, known as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), as well as big data analytics, can provide timely detection to protect your system and limit damage.

 

4. Make plans for unforeseen circumstances.

When a security incident happens, these are the steps and procedures that need to be carried out. These would make up a significant portion of the incident response plan that your company has in place. In this section, you are required to provide all the procedures necessary to turn off the system, contain the damage, evaluate it, and alert customers of the situation.

 

5. Engage in some mock-up exercises.

The act of putting one’s plans and strategies into action differs significantly from simply preparing a response. You are required to not only train your staff on what to do in the event of a security breach but also to do regular simulations of such scenarios. This will hone their replies and teach them to approach the problem with composure, which will be beneficial when dealing with it.

 

6. Perform checks and updates regularly.

The dangers posed by cybersecurity are evolving. A foolproof method right now may be useless in a few short months. To maintain the usefulness and applicability of your security incident response plan, it is important to check it regularly and change variable parts such as contact details, processes, and technology as required.

 

Strengthen Your Defenses in the Face of Security Incident

It is critical to be ready to respond in any situation. This step is the tip of the iceberg for your cybersecurity plan. There are many additional ways to strengthen the defenses of your firm, such as by providing regular training to your personnel and raising their awareness about the significance of cybersecurity. You can also impose a stringent Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, tighten the perimeter of your IT infrastructure, and restrict access to sensitive data.

Using privately held technology for professional purposes has given rise to several current security incident concerns. Implementing a detailed Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy that includes specific rules, restrictions, and consequences is one way to reduce the possibility of incidents like this. You do not know how to start from scratch when making a policy. We have a BYOD policy template you can download for free and then modify as needed for the requirements of your business. Call us now if you need additional help!

Why It’s Important to Have Cybersecurity Insurance

Posted on by Mike

The importance of cybersecurity insurance measures cannot be overstated. The transition of organizations into a digital environment coincides with an increase in the sophistication of online attacks. In the past, hackers would target large, high-revenue corporations because these businesses both had significant amounts of money and important information. However, over forty percent of recent cyberattacks were aimed at small enterprises. Even more concerning is that just 14% of these small enterprises are prepared to defend themselves against such an assault.

 

Purchase of Cybersecurity Insurance is an investment that is both prudent and essential

Businesses are already taking increasingly strict precautions to protect their operations from the dangers posed by Internet activities. Despite your best efforts, malicious software and ransomware could still infiltrate your system, and unauthorized access to your data could still occur. You must purchase a solid cybersecurity insurance policy for your company if you want to shield it from the myriad of consequences that can result from attacks like this.

 

Even though cybersecurity insurance cannot stop or reverse the effects of cybercrime, it can assist your company during the recovery process if an attack happens online.

 

Reduce the Risk of Monetary Losses with Cybersecurity Insurance

The costs associated with dealing with the fallout of a cyberattack might be significant. Your company could suffer a loss of millions of dollars because of the attack, depending on how severe it is. You will pay for services such as damage control, damage prevention, and legal representation. A comprehensive plan can cover these costs and a great deal more.

 

Cover Losses Incurred During Downtime

Again, the speed with which you can get your company back on its feet will be directly proportional to the severity of the crisis. You may get by until your company has fully recovered with the help of insurance while it is rebuilding or when operations are stopped.

 

Fill the Void in Your General Liability Insurance Coverage

When shopping for a plan for general liability insurance, many owners of businesses make the mistake of assuming that this protects them against cyberattacks. However, this is rarely the case. Even though standard plans might provide some coverage, that protection is rarely sufficient. A standalone cybersecurity insurance policy will provide you with the most comprehensive coverage available for your company.

 

Help with Recuperation

Today, many cybersecurity insurance policies offer more than just cash help. Many service providers offer a comprehensive recovery package that contains services such as legal representation, damage control for public relations, and computer forensics. You can get each of these services from a different supplier; however, why put yourself through the hassle when you can get them all from the same location?

 

Cost-Effective Solutions with a High Level of Protection 

Insurance companies will typically offer relatively affordable premiums to customers who have an effective cybersecurity strategy in place. The purpose of this is to encourage businesses to place a higher priority on cybersecurity and to develop improved methods. If you want to take advantage of our lower prices, it is in your best interest to increase the amount of protection you have as soon as possible.

 

Methods That Prove to Boost Online Safety and Security

As most of us know, there are many approaches to improving cybersecurity in the workplace. First, you need to provide frequent training for your staff members. This is because a lack of understanding is still the most common factor that allows hackers to penetrate computer systems. You should also install multi-factor authentication, safeguard your networks, and maintain continuous updates to any anti-malware technologies you use.

 

Policy for Users to Bring Their Own Devices

Bring-your-own-device policies, often known as BYOD policies, can boost the cybersecurity of your firm. Implement these policies in the workplace. For utilizing privately owned devices to access company data and other uses of the device while at work. This policy should clearly outline the duties of your firm and the individual as well.

 

You may use our BYOD Policy template, which you can get by clicking right here, to ensure that your company’s BYOD policy contains all the components. This can be done by ensuring that you use our template here. You are free to change it in any way you see fit to bring it into line with the activities and objectives of your organization.

 

A Few Parting Thoughts For Cybersecurity Insurance

A company must take all the steps to improve its cybersecurity. However, regardless of how formidable your defenses may be, you should never allow yourself to become complacent. The best thing you can do to safeguard your company is to be sure it has a cybersecurity insurance plan. Call us now if you have additional questions about Cybersecurity Insurance.

The Biggest Cybersecurity Threats of 2023

Posted on by CT Team

As the world becomes an increasingly tech-reliant place, the threat of cybercrime continues to grow. Cybersecurity threats can come from a variety of places and at various scales. From nation-states and terrorist groups to individual hackers, there’s no end to the possible sources of cybersecurity threats. In this blog, we’ll discuss the common sources and types of cybersecurity threats and break down how you can stay protected in a scary digital world.

Common Sources of Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats come from many different sources. They can range from individual attacks to large government-run operations from hostile countries. Here are a few common sources of cybersecurity threats that could impact your organization:

  • Nation-States: Foreign nations with hostile intentions may use sophisticated technologies to infiltrate local institutions and cause chaos, disrupting communication channels and causing irreversible harm in the process. The potential consequences of such attacks cannot be overstated, and it is up to individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their online assets.
  • Terrorist Organizations: In the realm of modern warfare, terrorists have devised a new means of destruction – cyber attacks. These attacks are typically aimed at crippling vital infrastructure, wreaking havoc on economies, threatening national security, and even endangering the lives and well-being of innocent citizens.
  • Criminal Groups: Sophisticated gangs of cybercriminals are exploiting advanced tactics to infiltrate computer systems with the intent of reaping economic rewards. Through a combination of phishing, spamming, and malware, these nefarious organizations are stealing private data, perpetrating online scams, and extorting their victims. Even the most vigilant digital security measures can be compromised, leading to potentially dire consequences for individuals and businesses alike.
  • Hackers: The threat of individuals targeting organizations through hacking techniques is an ongoing concern. Driven by a variety of motives, including personal gain, financial profit, or political activism, hackers often seek to bring chaos to the digital world. In the quest to improve their skills and reputation within the hacker community, these individuals continually develop new and innovative ways to cause harm to their targets.
  • Malicious Insiders: Insider threats refer to an enemy within, wreaking havoc from right under the organization’s nose. These sly attackers are individuals who have legitimate access to a company’s assets but choose to abuse their privileges to either steal information or cause damage to the computing systems. Insiders can come in different forms, including employees, contractors, suppliers, or even partners of the target organization, and in some cases, intruders who have hacked into privileged accounts and are masquerading as the account owner.

Common Types of Cybersecurity Threats

As technology and security measures advance, so do the ways in which cybersecurity threats are carried out. Here are some of the most common types of cybersecurity threats in 2023:

  • Malware Attacks: Malware covers a range of malicious software, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and ransomware, all designed to infiltrate and wreak havoc on computer systems. These dangerous programs can enter your systems through links on untrusted websites or emails or through the download of unwanted software. Once inside, malware can manipulate and block access to important network components, as well as collect sensitive data and even shut down entire systems.
  • Social Engineering Attacks: Social engineering attacks involve tricking unsuspecting users into letting them in by posing as a trustworthy source. The results can be devastating, leaving the victim with compromised security and potential malware lurking on their device. Some of the most common examples of social engineering attacks include: baiting, pretexting, phishing or spear-phishing, piggybacking, and tailgating.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: Supply chain attacks are a new and dangerous form of cyberthreat, exploiting legitimate applications to spread malware via source code or update mechanisms. Attackers target insecure network protocols, server infrastructure and coding techniques in order to compromise build processes, modify the software’s source code without detection from vendors and stealthily conceal malicious content.

Cybersecurity Solutions That Work

At FIT Solutions, we understand that the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity threats can seem daunting. With a wide array of sources and types of threats, it can seem like everyone is out to get you. That’s why you need the team of experts at FIT Solutions on your side. Our cybersecurity solutions will help keep your organization safe and give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect you from cybersecurity threats.

Penetration Testing Explained: Best Cybersecurity Practices

Posted on by CT Team

Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is an essential cybersecurity practice that involves a skilled professional attempting to uncover and exploit weaknesses in computer systems. This simulated attack is designed to assess the effectiveness of a system’s defense mechanisms and reveal any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. Through pen testing, organizations can stay ahead of security threats and prevent potential attacks.

To give an example of what this looks like, imagine a high-stakes game of cat and mouse as a bank hires an individual to play the role of a burglar and attempt to break into their building. The ultimate objective is to gain access to the all-important vault. This clever strategy allows the bank to gain valuable insight into exactly how vulnerable their security measures are. If the imitation burglar succeeds, the bank will be able to take immediate action to fortify its defenses and ensure its customers’ assets are protected. This is basically how penetration testing works. Any weaknesses or vulnerabilities discovered are reported, and an organization can then make the necessary changes to its security practices. 

 

Who Performs Penetration Testing?

A pen test can be a crucial step in securing a system, but it’s not just about identifying the obvious vulnerabilities that automated testing could catch. In fact, the most valuable insights come from pen testers who are unfamiliar with the system. Often referred to as ‘ethical hackers,’ these contractors are brought in to identify blind spots. They use real-world techniques that are currently in use by malicious actors to not just identify gaps, but how several seemingly minor vulnerabilities could be linked together to create a much bigger threat. It’s a delicate balancing act – hacking into a system ethically – but the results lead to a more secure environment.

Ethical hacking is more than just a skillset; it’s a diverse and dynamic field that attracts a wide range of experts. Some ethical hackers hold impressive credentials, with advanced degrees and official certifications in pen testing. Yet others come from unconventional backgrounds and learned their skills through trial and error, often by transitioning from the dark side of hacking to the light. However, to find the best ethical hacker for a specific job, it is essential to consider the target company and the objectives of the pen test. In this way, pen testing is both an art and a science, tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization.

 

How is Penetration Testing Carried Out?

A crucial component of pen testing involves an initial phase of reconnaissance, where a skilled ethical hacker painstakingly collects the raw materials necessary to craft their simulated assault. From there, the emphasis shifts to actively infiltrating and persistently controlling the target system, a feat that demands a diverse arsenal of specialized tools and techniques.

Unleashing a successful hack depends on having the right arsenal, and savvy ethical hackers know how to deploy an array of tools and tactics to uncover vulnerabilities within a network. Whether it’s software programs specifically designed to carry out forceful brute attacks or SQL injections, or small, innocuous-looking boxes that can be plugged into a computer to remotely infiltrate a network, these hackers have at their disposal a diverse range of hardware and software to uncover potential security gaps. But that’s only half the battle. The most experienced ethical hackers understand that human touch can further open doors. Through the use of social engineering techniques, where, for instance, the hacker can send fake emails to employees or even show up at the company disguised as a delivery person or tech support, they exploit the human tendency to trust.

 

How Can Penetration Testing Help You?

Penetration testing is a powerful tool that can help organizations identify and patch up system vulnerabilities before they are exposed.  Investing in proper pen tests now will save you time and money down the road—not to mention give you peace of mind knowing that your sensitive information is secure. With the team at FIT Solutions, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the absolute best penetration testing services around. For more information about penetration testing or any of the other services we offer, contact us today.

What is Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)?

Posted on by CT Team

In the world of cybersecurity, there’s a powerful ally keeping watch over organizations’ sensitive data – a SIEM tool, or Security Information and Event Management. This advanced solution acts like a security guard, constantly scanning for suspicious activity and alerting teams to potential threats before they can wreak havoc. Using sophisticated AI technology, a SIEM tool automates many of the time-consuming processes of threat detection and response, making it an indispensable tool for modern-day Security Operation Centers (SOCs). With its ability to uncover user behavior anomalies and pinpoint vulnerabilities, a SIEM tool is a game-changing solution for safeguarding against security breaches and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

SIEM has transformed from basic log management to a robust process that harnesses the potential of AI and machine learning to deliver advanced user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA). It’s like a finely-tuned orchestra, expertly communicating and coordinating data sources to protect against evolving threats. SIEM is also a powerful conductor for regulatory compliance and reporting, ensuring that your organization stays in tune with industry standards.

How Does SIEM Work?

Fundamentally, SIEM solutions are like vigilant guardians, tirelessly collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to detect any signs of danger lurking in the shadows. While some tools may boast unique features, they all share a common purpose – to safeguard against cyber threats and ensure regulatory compliance. While some solutions’ capabilities vary, most offer the same core functionalities:

  • Log Management: SIEM is a sophisticated system that collects and analyzes vital event data from multiple sources throughout an organization’s network, bringing disparate logs and flow data into one central storage location. By consolidating this information in real-time, IT and security teams can more easily respond to potential security threats. SIEM solutions often incorporate the use of third-party threat intelligence feeds to detect and block new types of attack signatures. Through continuous integration with real-time threat feeds, SIEM becomes a powerful tool in the fight against online security threats.
  • Event Correlation and Analytics: Event correlation is an integral component of any first-rate SIEM system. Skillfully analyzing complex data sets and event correlation uncovers valuable insights that allow IT security teams to swiftly identify and address possible threats to enterprise security. With the help of advanced analytics, SIEM systems reduce the average time to detect and respond – freeing up valuable time and resources previously dedicated to cumbersome manual tasks associated with deep-dive security analysis.
  • Incident Monitoring and Security Alerts: SIEM solutions empower organizations to seamlessly manage their on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure. This cutting-edge technology efficiently detects all entities of the IT environment, which enables it to watch out for security incidents in connected users, devices, and applications. Through its exceptional ability to classify abnormal behavior, SIEM technology provides instantaneous alerts and enables administrators to take prompt action to prevent significant security threats. Customizable correlation rules further enhance this process, cementing the efficacy of SIEM solutions in safeguarding critical systems and data.
  • Compliance Management and Reporting: Sophisticated enterprises use SIEM solutions to navigate the regulatory landscape with ease. By automating the collection and analysis of data, SIEM proves to be an invaluable tool to verify compliance across organizations’ infrastructure. Real-time reports can be generated for various compliance standards, including PCI-DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX. SIEM lightens the load of security management, detecting possible violations at the earliest stages. In addition, pre-built and ready-to-install apps can generate reports, streamlining the compliance process.

The Benefits of SIEM

It is crucial for organizations of all sizes to be vigilant in detecting and preventing IT security threats. Implementing SIEM can provide numerous advantages by simplifying the security process. The benefits of SIEM include advanced real-time threat recognition, regulatory compliance auditing, AI-driven automation, improved organizational efficiency, detecting advanced and unknown threats, conducting forensic investigations, assessing and reporting on compliance, and monitoring users and applications.

SIEM solutions are a powerful tool for organizations of all sizes to have in their arsenal. For more information on SIEM and other cybersecurity solutions, contact FIT Solutions today.

FIT Solutions and Cardone Ventures Acquire Stryker Networks

Posted on by CT Team

This brand-new joint venture partnership is said to bring massive growth, scaling, and wealth-creation opportunities for all businesses involved.

MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / May 22, 2023 / Cardone Ventures, co-founded by Grant Cardone and Brandon Dawson, are proud to announce their most recent acquisition of Stryker Networks-a direct result of their partnership with FIT Solutions, owned by Ephraim Ebstein. The goal behind the acquisition is to provide thousands of cyber management operators within their networks with massive opportunities for growth and scaling, thus continuing the national rollout of the 10X Cyber management company.

Grant Cardone and Brandon Dawson
Grant Cardone and Brandon Dawson

“Partnering with Grant, Brandon, and the Cardone Ventures team was a no-brainer for me,” says Ephraim Ebstein, founder of FIT Solutions. “I saw the vision they had, the team behind them, and data to back it all up… My team and I are excited to be a part of that story.”

Acquiring Stryker Networks is just the beginning for Cardone Ventures and FIT Solutions. Both businesses understand the importance of bringing value for their customers. With a shared mission and vision, Grant, Brandon, Ephraim, and Mark Greene (owner of Stryker Networks) are ready to do whatever it takes to make their goals a reality.

“Our intention is to disrupt the cyber security space by partnering with business owners like Ephraim and companies like FIT Solutions,” says Brandon Dawson, CEO and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. “This joint venture will help us continue down the path toward building our world-class, national organization.”

Cardone Ventures’ affiliate 10X Cyber and Management Services and its partners are ready to revolutionize the industry and provide massive value to their clients. And with the right foundations in place, there’s no telling how far the teams at Cardone Ventures, FIT Solutions, and Stryker Networks will go.

About Cardone Ventures: Cardone Ventures is a business consulting company founded by Grant Cardone and Brandon Dawson that helps business owners attain their personal, professional, and financial goals. Together, they help business owners experience their company from a 360-degree perspective, including operations, marketing, finance, and people. Cardone Ventures’ focus is to help entrepreneurs grow from $2 million to $500 million+ and 10X all aspects of their business. The brand new Cardone Ventures Scottsdale Headquarters is located at 4800 N Scottsdale Rd. Suite 5500, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For more information on Cardone Ventures, visit: https://www.cardoneventures.com

About FIT Solutions: FIT Solutions is a leading provider of IT services and solutions. They specialize in Managed IT, Enterprise IT, Cybersecurity, Cloud Services, IT Projects, and Healthcare IT. Their team of certified professionals is dedicated to keeping up with the latest technologies and trends so they can provide the best solutions for their clients. Whether you need Managed IT, Enterprise IT, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, or Healthcare IT services, FIT has the expertise and resources to help your organization reach its technology goals quickly and cost-effectively. Learn more about each of the individual IT and managed cybersecurity services by clicking here: https://fitsolutions.biz

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SOURCE: Cardone Ventures

Spring4Shell: Zero-Day Vulnerability in Spring Framework

Posted on by Megan Haley

What Happened?

On March 30, 2022, we received word through our channels of a remote code execution vulnerability in Spring Framework when a Chinese-speaking researcher published a GitHub commit that contained proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit code.

This uploaded exploit targeted a zero-day vulnerability in the Spring Core module of the Spring Framework. Spring is maintained by Spring.io (a subsidiary of VMWare) and is used by many Java-based enterprise software frameworks. The vulnerability in the leaked proof-of-concept, which appeared to allow unauthenticated attackers to execute code on target systems, was exploited quickly.

What Are We Doing?

1. Actively monitoring public data streams pertaining to this situation. We are also researching with Rapid7’s research team who can confirm the zero-day vulnerability is real and provides unauthenticated remote code execution.

Proof-of-concept exploits exist, but it’s currently unclear which real-world applications use the vulnerable functionality. As of March 31, Spring has also confirmed the vulnerability and has released Spring Framework versions 5.3.18 and 5.2.20 to address it.

It affects Spring MVC and Spring WebFlux applications running on JDK 9+. As additional information becomes available, we will evaluate the feasibility of vulnerability checks, attack modules, detections, and Metasploit modules.

While Rapid7 does not have a direct detection in place for this exploit, they do have behavior- based detection mechanisms in place to alert on common follow-on attacker activity.

2. Informing our SOC Analysts of the investigation and providing them with the necessary briefings to deploy any defenses provided by our partners.

3. Reinforcing our recommendations by communicating the need for layered security and applying rock solid standards provided by public vendor neutral agencies like the Center for Internet Security. The goal of these standards is a stronger, robust layering of protective measures for our FIT clients.

What You Can Do

The vulnerability affects SpringMVC and Spring WebFlux applications running on JDK 9+. As of 10AM, EDT March 31, 2022, CVE-2022-22965 has been assigned to this vulnerability.

Spring has confirmed the zero-day vulnerability and has released Spring Framework versions 5.3.18 and 5.2.20 to address it.

https://spring.io/blog/2022/03/31/spring-framework-rce-early-announcement

Evaluate your environment for this vulnerability and patch as needed. We are big fans of the work performed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS). CIS is a nonprofit organization, formed in October 2000.

Its mission is to make the connected world a safer place by developing, validating, and promoting timely best practice solutions that help people, businesses, and governments protect themselves against pervasive cyber threats.

Spring4J would be best mitigated by applying the CIS Controls:

Control 02 – Inventory and Control of Software Assets

Actively manage (inventory, track, and correct) all software (operating systems and applications) on the network so that only authorized software is installed and can execute, and that unauthorized and unmanaged software is found and prevented from installation or execution.

Control 08 – Audit Log Management

Collect, alert, review, and retain audit logs of events that could help detect, understand, or recover from an attack.

Control 12 – Network Monitoring & Defense

Operate processes and tooling to establish and maintain comprehensive network monitoring and defense against security threats across the enterprise’s network infrastructure and user base.

If you have any questions about how to further implement these controls in your environment, FIT Cybersecurity would love to provide guidance and help you improve your security posture.

 

— The FIT Cyber Team

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