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Zero Trust
Cyber Security National Security Agency Network Security SDN Zero Trust

NSA Shares Key Strategies for Improved Network Security

 




The National Security Agency (NSA) has rolled out a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen internal network security. Stepping away from the traditional trust-all model, the focus is on embracing a cutting-edge zero-trust framework. This transformative approach assumes the presence of potential threats, urging organisations to implement stringent controls for resource access. In simpler terms, it's like upgrading your home security system from assuming everyone is trustworthy to actively verifying each visitor's credentials. The NSA's recent guidance delves into the nitty-gritty of fortifying the network and environment components, offering practical steps that even non-tech enthusiasts can understand. Let's break down these game-changing strategies and explore how they can revolutionise cybersecurity for everyone.

Unlike traditional models, the zero-trust architecture operates under the assumption that a threat could already exist, necessitating stringent controls for resource access both inside and outside the network perimeter. To gradually advance zero-trust maturity, the NSA emphasises addressing various components, or pillars, vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors.

The recent guidance from the NSA zeroes in on the network and environment component, encompassing hardware, software assets, non-person entities, and communication protocols. This involves intricate measures such as data flow mapping, macro and micro segmentation, and software-defined networking (SDN).

Data flow mapping starts with identifying where and how data is stored and processed. Advanced maturity is achieved when organisations possess a comprehensive inventory, ensuring visibility and mitigation of all potential routes for breaches. Macro segmentation involves creating distinct network areas for different departments, limiting lateral movement. For instance, an accounting department employee doesn't require access to the human resources segment, minimising the potential attack surface.

Micro segmentation takes security a step further by breaking down network management into smaller components, implementing strict access policies to restrict lateral data flows. According to the NSA, "micro segmentation involves isolating users, applications, or workflows into individual network segments to further reduce the attack surface and limit the impact should a breach occur."

To enhance control over micro segmentation, the NSA recommends employing SDN components, offering customizable security monitoring and alerting. SDN enables centralised control of packet routing, providing better network visibility and allowing the enforcement of policies across all segments.

The NSA categorises each of these components into four maturity levels, ranging from preparation to an advanced phase where extensive controls and management systems are in place, ensuring optimal visibility and growth of the network.

While constructing a zero-trust environment is a complex endeavour, the result is an enterprise architecture that can withstand, detect, and respond to potential threats exploiting weaknesses. The NSA initially introduced the zero-trust framework guide in February 2021, highlighting its principles and advantages. In April 2023, they released guidance on advancing zero-trust maturity in the user component.

By adopting these strategic measures, organisations can significantly enhance their resilience against cybersecurity threats. The principles of zero-trust not only provide a robust defence mechanism but also empower organisations with the tools to proactively address multiplying cyber challenges.



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Zero Trust
Active Directory Authentication Compromised Passwords Cyber Security Cybersecurity Least Privilege Multi-factor authentication Network Security Password Security Security Zero Trust

Implementing Zero Trust Principles in Your Active Directory

 

In the past, many organizations relied on secure perimeters to trust users and devices. However, this approach is no longer viable with the geographical dispersion of workers and the need for access from various locations and devices. End-users now require access to corporate systems and cloud applications outside traditional work boundaries, expecting seamless and fast authentication processes.

Consequently, numerous organizations have adopted a zero-trust model to verify users accessing their data, recognizing Active Directory as a critical component of network authentication. Ensuring the security of credentials stored within Active Directory is paramount, prompting the question of how zero trust principles can be applied to maintain security.

The zero trust model, characterized by the principle of "never trust, always verify," requires authentication and authorization of every user, device, and network component before accessing resources or data. Implementing this model involves constructing a multi-layered security framework encompassing various technologies, processes, and policies.

One fundamental step in securing Active Directory environments is enforcing the principle of least privilege, which restricts privileges to the minimum necessary for individuals or entities to perform their tasks. This mitigates the risks associated with privileged accounts, reducing the potential impact of security breaches or insider threats.

Implementing a zero trust model also entails granting elevated privileges, such as admin rights, only when necessary and for limited durations. Techniques for achieving "just-in-time" privilege escalation include the ESAE (Red Forest) model and temporary admin accounts.

Additionally, employing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for password resets enhances security by adding extra layers of authentication beyond passwords. This mitigates vulnerabilities in password reset processes, which are often targeted by hackers through social engineering tactics.

Moreover, scanning for compromised passwords is crucial for enhancing password security. Despite the implementation of zero trust principles, passwords remain vulnerable to various attacks such as phishing and data breaches. Continuous scanning for compromised passwords and promptly blocking them in Active Directory helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems.

Specops Password Policy offers a solution for scanning and blocking compromised passwords, ensuring network protection from real-world password attacks. By integrating such services, organizations can enhance their password security measures and adapt them to their specific needs.

Solutions like Specops Software provide valuable tools and support through demos or free trials for organisations seeking to bolster their Active Directory security and password policies.
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Zero Trust
5G networks Artificial Intelligence Biometrics Blockchain Cloud Security cutting-edge technologies Cyber Insurance Cyber Security Cybersecurity awareness edge computing quantum cryptography Zero Trust

Top 10 Cutting-Edge Technologies Set to Revolutionize Cybersecurity

 

In the present digital landscape, safeguarding against cyber threats and cybercrimes is a paramount concern due to their increasing sophistication. The advent of new technologies introduces both advantages and disadvantages. 

While these technologies can be harnessed for committing cybercrimes, adept utilization holds the potential to revolutionize cybersecurity. For instance, generative AI, with its ability to learn and generate new content, can be employed to identify anomalies, predict potential risks, and enhance overall security infrastructure. 

The ongoing evolution of technologies will significantly impact cybersecurity strategies as we navigate through the digital realm.

Examining the imminent transformation of cybersecurity, the following ten technologies are poised to play a pivotal role:

1. Quantum Cryptography:
Quantum Cryptography leverages the principles of quantum physics to securely encrypt and transmit data. Quantum key distribution (QKD), a technique ensuring the creation and distribution of interception-resistant keys, forms the foundation of this technology. Quantum cryptography ensures unbreakable security and anonymity for sensitive information and communications.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
AI enables machines and systems to perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, including learning, reasoning, decision-making, and natural language processing. In cybersecurity, AI automation enhances activities such as threat detection, analysis, response, and prevention. Machine learning capabilities enable AI to identify patterns and anomalies, fortifying cybersecurity against vulnerabilities and hazards.

3. Blockchain:
Blockchain technology creates a decentralized, validated ledger of transactions through a network of nodes. Offering decentralization, immutability, and transparency, blockchain enhances cybersecurity by facilitating digital signatures, smart contracts, identity management, and secure authentication.

4. Biometrics:
Biometrics utilizes physical or behavioral traits for identity verification and system access. By enhancing or replacing traditional authentication methods like passwords, biometrics strengthens cybersecurity and prevents fraud, spoofing, and identity theft.

5. Edge Computing:
Edge computing involves processing data closer to its source or destination, reducing latency, bandwidth, and data transfer costs. This technology enhances cybersecurity by minimizing exposure to external systems, thereby offering increased privacy and data control.

6. Zero Trust:
The zero-trust security concept mandates constant verification and validation of every request and transaction, regardless of the source's location within or outside the network. By limiting lateral movement, unwanted access, and data breaches, zero trust significantly improves cybersecurity.

7. Cloud Security:
Cloud security protects data and applications stored on cloud platforms through tools such as encryption, firewalls, antivirus software, backups, disaster recovery, and identity/access management. Offering scalability, flexibility, and efficiency, cloud security contributes to enhanced cybersecurity.

8. 5G Networks:
5G networks, surpassing 4G in speed, latency, and capacity, improve cybersecurity by enabling more reliable and secure data transfer. Facilitating advancements in blockchain, AI, and IoT, 5G networks play a crucial role in cybersecurity, particularly for vital applications like smart cities, transportation, and healthcare.

9. Cybersecurity Awareness:
Cybersecurity awareness, though not a technology itself, is a critical human component. It involves individuals and organizations defending against cyber threats through security best practices, such as strong passwords, regular software updates, vigilance against phishing emails, and prompt event reporting.

10. Cyber Insurance:
Cyber insurance protects against losses and damages resulting from cyberattacks. Organizations facing financial or reputational setbacks due to incidents like ransomware attacks or data breaches can benefit from cyber insurance, which may also incentivize the adoption of higher security standards and procedures.

Overall, the evolving landscape of cybersecurity is deeply intertwined with technological advancements that both pose challenges and offer solutions. As we embrace the transformative potential of quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence, blockchain, biometrics, edge computing, zero trust, cloud security, 5G networks, cybersecurity awareness, and cyber insurance, it becomes evident that a multi-faceted approach is essential. 

The synergy of these technologies, coupled with a heightened human awareness of cybersecurity best practices, holds the key to fortifying our defenses in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. As we march forward into the digital future, a proactive integration of these technologies and a commitment to cybersecurity awareness will be paramount in securing our digital domains.
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Zero Trust
Cisco Cisco Security CISO CISO perspective Cyber Security Identity Market Security Solutions Zero Trust

Cisco: Leadership Awareness Fuels the Booming Identity Market


The latest research conducted by Cisco Investments with venture capital firms reveals that most CISOs believe complexity in tools, number of solutions and technical glossaries are among the many barriers to zero trust. 

It has been observed that around 85% of the IT decision-makers are now setting identity and access management investments as their main priority, rather than any other security solution. This is stated in the CISO Survival Guide published by Cisco Investments, the startup division of Cisco, along with the venture capital firms Forgepoint Capital, NightDragon, and Team8.

Interviews with Cisco customers, chief information security officers, innovators, startup founders, and other experts led to the creation of the 'guide', which examined the cybersecurity market in relation to identity management, data protection, software supply chain integrity, and cloud migration.

From 30,000 feet up: More interoperability, less friction, and data that is genuinely relevant and understandable for decision-makers, according to interviewees, are the most essential requirements.

The main spending priorities of the report were fairly evenly distributed, with user and device identity, cloud identity, governance, and remote access receiving the most mentions from CISOs. 

Cloud security turned out to be the primary concern, with a focus on the newly emerging field of managing cloud infrastructure entitlements.

Demands of CISOs: Ease of Use, Holistic Platforms, CIEMs

The three main areas of identity access management, clouds, and data that CISOs believe are most concerning are:

  • The fragmented world of security silos is because of the lack of unified platforms for IAMs, identity governance and administration, and privileged access control. 
  • Enterprise clients are embracing cloud service providers' offerings for managing cloud infrastructure entitlements.
  • The CISOs were against the use of acronyms since they were bothered by the overuse of acronyms like CIEM.

Moreover, the authors of the Cisco Investment Study note that “This trend imposes cycles for CISOs to vet and unpack these purportedly new categories, only for them to discover they are a rehash of existing solutions.”

Top Motivators Will Look for Management Solutions 

Apparently, some top motivators cited by CISCOs will be investing in identity management solutions for the management of user access privileges, identity compliance, and the swift expansion of companies' threat surfaces.

Here, we are mentioning some of the changes that the IT decision-makers look forward to in the next-generation identity platforms: 

  • Ease of integration (21% of those polled). 
  • Platform-based solution, versus single-point or endpoint offerings (15%). • Ratings from independent analysts (15%). 
  • Price (11%). 
  • Market adoption (11%). 
  • Simplicity of deployment and operations (10%). 
  • Ability to deploy at scale quickly (9%). 
  • Ability to add features easily (8%).     

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Zero Trust
2FA Artificial Intelligence Blogger Cyber Security Forbes Gmail Google Workspace Two Factor Authentication Unauthorized access Zero Trust

Google Urges Gmail Users Set Up 2FA for Enhanced Security

Google recently issued a stern recommendation to its Gmail users asking them to use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) as a crucial step to safeguard their accounts in an effort to strengthen user security. The new security alert system from the IT giant emphasizes the significance of this step and the requirement for increased account security in an increasingly digital world.

Google's most recent project aims to give Gmail users a better defense against security threats. According to a Forbes article, the organization is actively warning its user base about serious security issues and enjoining them to adopt security measures that might considerably lower the chance of illegal access to their accounts.

The importance of 2FA cannot be overstated. By requiring users to provide two distinct forms of identification – typically a password and a secondary verification method, such as a mobile authentication code – 2FA adds an extra layer of security that is difficult for attackers to breach. Even if a hacker obtains a user's password, they would still need the second factor to gain access, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to infiltrate accounts.

This news supports Google's ongoing initiatives to advance digital sovereignty and a zero-trust approach to identification and security. Google expanded its commitment to advancing zero-trust principles and digital sovereignty through AI-powered solutions in a blog post that was posted oitsir official Workspace Updates page. This action demonstrates Google's commitment to fostering a secure online environment for its users, supported by cutting-edge technology and strong security measures.

The need to emphasize cybersecurity has never been more pressing as people increasingly rely on digital platforms for communication, commerce, and personal connections. More sophisticated cyberattacks and data breaches are hitting both people and businesses. In this regard, Google's proactive approach in warning users about security problems and advising specific steps is laudable and represents the company's dedication to protecting its customers' digital lives.
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Zero Trust
CIO CISO Cyber Security IAM Identity and Access Management ITDR Multi-factor authentication Zero Trust

Things CISOs Need to Know About Identity and Access Management


These days, threat actors are utilizing Generative AI to steal victims’ identities and profiting through deepfakes and pretext based cyberattacks. With the most recent Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) indicating that pretexting has doubled in only a year, well-planned attacks that prey on victims' trust are becoming more common. Identity and access management (IAM) is a topic that is now being discussed at the board level in many businesses due to the increased danger of compromised identities.

Building IAM on a Foundation of Zero Trust to Increase its Effectiveness

Zero trust is an essential requirement for getting an IAM right, and identity is at the heart of zero trust. CISOs must adopt a zero-trust framework thoroughly and proceed as though a breach has already occurred. (They should be mindful, though, that cybersecurity providers frequently exaggerate the possibilities of zero trust.)

According to CrowdStrike’s George Kurtz, “Identity-first security is critical for zero trust because it enables organizations to implement strong and effective access controls based on their users’ needs. By continuously verifying the identity of users and devices, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect against potential threats.” He says that“80% of the attacks, or the compromises that we see, use some form of identity and credential theft.”

What Must CISO Know About IAM in 2023? 

According to CISO, one of the significant challenges in staying updated with the IAM technology is the pressure that comes with their cybersecurity tech stakes and goals like getting more done with less workforce and budget. 63% percent of CISOs choose extended detection and response (XDR), and 96% plan to combine their security platforms. The majority of CISOs, up from 61% in 2021, have consolidation on their roadmaps, according to Cynet's 2022 CISO study.

As customers combine their IT stacks, cybersecurity providers like CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, and others see new sales prospects. According to Gartner, global investment in IAM will increase by 11.8% year between 2023 and 2027, from $20.7 billion to $32.4 billion. Leading IAM suppliers include IBM, Microsoft Azure Active Directory, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, CrowdStrike, Delinea, Ericom, ForgeRock, Google Cloud Identity, and AWS Identity and Access Management.

We are mentioning some of the IAM aspects that CISOs and CIOs must know of in 2023:

Audit all Access Credentials and Rights to Prevent the Growing Credential Epidemic

An Insider attack is a nightmare for CISOs, raising concerns about their jobs that keep them up all night. According to some CISOs, a notorious insider attack that is not caught on time could cost them and their teams their jobs, especially in financial services. Furthermore, internal attacks are as complicated as or harder to identify than exterior attacks, according to 92% of security leaders.

A common error is importing legacy credentials into a new identity management system. Take your time examining and erasing credentials. Over half of the businesses have encountered an insider threat in the previous year, according to 74% of organizations, who also claim that insider attacks have escalated. 20 or more internal attacks have occurred in 8% of people.

According to Ivanti's Press Reset, a 2023 Cybersecurity Status Report, 45% of businesses believe that previous workers and contractors still have active access to the company's systems and files. “Large organizations often fail to account for the huge ecosystem of apps, platforms and third-party services that grant access well past an employee’s termination,” said Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, chief product officer at Ivanti.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) can be a Quick Zero-trust Win

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is essential as a first line of zero-trust security, according to CISOs, CIOs, and SecOps team members interviewed by VentureBeat. MFA is an instant win that CISOs have consistently told VentureBeat they rely on to demonstrate the success of their zero-trust projects.

They advise that MFA should be implemented with as little impact on employees' productivity as possible. The most effective multi-factor authentication (MFA) implementations combine password or PIN code authentication with biometric, behavioral biometric, or what-you-have (token) aspects.

Protect IAM Infrastructure with Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Tools

ITDR tools could mitigate risks and strengthen security configuration. Additionally, they may identify attacks, offer remedies, and uncover and repair configuration flaws in the IAM system. Enterprises can strengthen their security postures and lower their risk of an IAM infrastructure breach by implementing ITDR to safeguard IAM systems and repositories, including Active Directory (AD).

Some of the popular vendors include Authomize, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Netwrix, Quest, Semperis, SentinelOne (Attivo Networks), Silverfort, SpecterOps, and Tenable.  

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Zero Trust Security
Cyber Security Data Safety User Safety Zero Trust Zero Trust Security

Utilising Multiple Solutions Makes Your Zero Trust Strategy More Complex

 

According to BeyondTrust, business operational models are much more complicated now than they were a few years ago. 

Integration with zero trust

More applications, information stored and moving through the cloud, remote personnel accessing critical systems and data, and other factors are all contributing to this complexity. 

Threat to supply chain security 

As a result of a company's growing reliance on its supply chain, partners, suppliers, and shippers are now frequently directly linked to its systems. This has increased the demand for identity solutions and a zero trust strategy. 

The results of this study suggest that integration needs could prevent timely implementation. The research for the survey centred on comprehending the adoption rates, occurrences, solutions, obstacles, and new areas of attention for identification and zero trust.

“Today’s business operating models are highly complex, with remote employees accessing critical systems using dozens, and even hundreds of applications,” stated Morey Haber, Chief Security Officer at BeyondTrust. 

“Data is transmitted between clouds and corporate data centers, with third-party contractors and supply chain partners, suppliers, and shippers directly connecting to these corporate systems. Legacy security architectures and network defenses are less effective at managing this extended perimeter. Zero trust principles and architectures are being adopted by public and private sectors because they have become one of the most effective approaches to mitigating the heightened risks to highly sensitive identities, assets, and resources,” concluded Haber. 

Data breaches and identity theft skyrocket 

The study discovered that 81% of respondents had two or more identity-related occurrences in the previous 18 months, making up virtually all of the sample. A sizable portion of these instances included privileged accounts. 

A zero-trust strategy is still being implemented by more than 70% of businesses in order to secure an expanding security perimeter brought on by increased cloud usage and remote workers. 

For their zero trust strategy, almost all businesses said they were utilising multiple vendors and solutions, with the majority citing four or more. 70% of the businesses that were interviewed rely on expensive third-party services, frequently specialised coding, for integration. The deployment procedure was complicated by the fact that 84% of those had zero trust defenses that required several integration strategies. 

Native integration is needed for zero trust solutions 

Over 70% of respondents to a survey stated that they had to remove a security solution because it didn't integrate well, demonstrating how critical integration has become for many businesses. According to those questioned, flaws in their zero trust strategy led to a variety of problems, including a slower rate of issue resolution, poorer user experiences, erroneous access privileges, human intervention, and compliance problems. 

A faster reaction to security risks and enhanced compliance are two benefits of better integration that save time in addition to resources, according to more than 90% of businesses. Important issues affecting businesses 

Identity-related

  • 93% report having identity troubles as a result of integration concerns in the past 18 months
  • 81% of people have reported two or more identity concerns 
  • 63% of respondents claim that identification issues directly included privileged users and credentials, while 5% are unsure.

Zero trust related

  • 76% of businesses are still working to establish a zero-trust strategy to protect their environment
  • 96% of businesses employ several zero-trust strategies, with 56% utilising four or more. 

Integration-related 

  • 70% of businesses are forced to rely on vendor bespoke code for the integration of zero trust solutions
  • 84% of businesses use a variety of integration techniques to implement their zero-trust strategy
  • 99% of businesses say zero trust solutions must be integrated with a wide range of other programmes. 
  • Easy integration is rated as "very important" or "important" by 94% of participants, with none saying it isn't.
To lessen the burden of integration processes, practically every organisation said that a zero trust approach requires integration with multiple other business and collaboration apps. Most have made native integration a crucial consideration for choosing zero-trust solutions due to integration problems. 

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Zero Trust Security
Backdoor Attacks Cyber Attacks User Safety Zero Trust Zero Trust Security

Employing Zero Trust to Defend Against Backdoor Attacks

 

Attackers are increasing the number of backdoor attacks they use to spread malware and ransomware, showing that organisations cannot put any trust in anyone to protect their endpoints and identities. 

According to IBM's Security X-force Threat Intelligence Index 2023, hackers are prioritising these backdoor assaults in their efforts to blackmail downstream victims whose data has been hacked. The effort to breach a backdoor was the beginning of 21% of all intrusion attacks. A ransomware component was present in two-thirds of backdoor attempts.

The X-Force Intelligence team at IBM also found that backdoor attacks increased significantly in February and March of last year, as shown by a notable uptick in Emotet malware instances. In 2022, the increase was so large that it was responsible for 47% of all backdoor penetration attempts worldwide. 

“While extortion has mostly been associated with ransomware, extortion campaigns have also included a variety of other methods to apply pressure on their targets,” stated Chris Caridi, cyber threat analyst for IBM security threat intelligence. “And these include things like DDoS attacks, encrypting data, and more recently, some double and triple extortion threats combining several of the previously seen elements.” 

Businesses that rely on perimeter-based protection are being out-innovated by ransomware attackers. The average time to launch a ransomware assault has been cut in half over the past two years by 94%. In just under four days in 2021, ransomware attackers were able to complete what took them two months in 2019. 

Backdoor attack industry, a lucrative field

On the dark web, one of the most valuable and expensive assets for sale is backdoor access to an organization's infrastructure. Access brokers continue to build a robust industry selling mass stolen names and credentials to ransomware attackers, according to CrowdStrike's 2023 Global Threat Report. Government, financial services, industrial, and engineering organisations had the highest average access request prices, according to the highly recognised intelligence team at CrowdStrike.

While access to the government sector cost an average of $6,151, it cost an average of $3,827 to access the academic sector. In the 2023 index, the IBM team writes, "first access brokers often attempt to auction their accesses, with X-Force having seen prices at $5,000 to $10,000, while final pricing may be less. Accesses have been known to sell for $2,000 to $4,000 in some cases, even reaching $50,000. 

Mitigation Tips

Employ antivirus: Use sophisticated antivirus software that is able to recognise and stop a variety of viruses, including as trojans, cryptojackers, spyware, and rootkits. Before they can infect your computer, an antivirus will find and remove backdoor malware. To make sure you're as safe as possible online, good antivirus software like Norton 360 also contains technologies like Wi-Fi monitoring, a powerful firewall, web protection, and microphone and camera privacy monitoring. 

Use firewall: Firewalls, which keep an eye on all of your device's incoming and outgoing traffic, are crucial for anti-backdoor protection. The firewall will prevent unauthorised users from accessing your smartphone, and it will also stop any apps on your device that attempt to send data to an unidentified network location.

Even after your device's malware detection has been tricked, advanced firewalls can find unauthorised backdoor communication. Although the built-in firewalls on Windows and macOS are both fairly good, they are insufficient. There are a few antivirus software packages that have effective firewalls (McAfee has great network safeguards), and you might also think about getting a smart firewall, which is a real-world hardware item that you attach to your router. 

Use a good password manager: Password managers create, store, and even let you automatically log into all of your accounts' login credentials. Using 256-bit AES encryption, all of this data is safely secured and protected by a master password. The security of your password vault can even be increased by employing biometric login or 2FA technologies like TOTP generators and USB tokens, according to advanced password managers like Dashlane. Password managers make it far more difficult for hackers to break into your network or spread throughout your network in the case that a backdoor is placed on your system since they create random, complex passwords.
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Zero Trust
API Keys Firewall IoT devices Microsoft Azure Privacy Threat actors VPN Zero Trust

A Zero-Trust Future Encourage Next-Generation Firewalls

The future of Zero Trust security relies greatly on next-generation firewalls (NGFWs). NGFWs are classified by Gartner Research as "deep packet inspection firewalls that incorporate software inspection, intrusion prevention, and the injection of intelligence from outside the firewall  in addition to protocol inspection and blocking."  As per Gartner, an NGFW should not be mistaken for a standalone network intrusion prevention system (IPS) that combines a regular firewall and an uncoordinated IPS in the same device.

Significance of Next-Generation Firewalls

1. Substantial expense in ML and AI

As part of zero-trust security management goals, NGFW providers are boosting their assets in ML and AI to distinguish themselves from competitors or provide higher value. Analytical tools, user and device behavior analysis, automated threat detection and response, and development are all focused on identifying possible security issues before they happen. NGFWs can continuously learn and react to the shifting threat landscape by utilizing AI and ML, resulting in a more effective Zero Trust approach to defending against cyberattacks.

2. Contribution of a Zero Trust 

By removing implicit trust and regularly confirming each level of a digital transaction, the zero trust approach to cybersecurity safeguards a business. Strong authentication techniques, network segmentation, limiting lateral movement, offering Layer 7 threat prevention, and easing granular, least access restrictions are all used to defend modern settings and facilitate digital transformation. 

Due to a lack of nuanced security measures, this implicit trust means that once on the network, users, including threat actors and malevolent insiders, are free to travel laterally and access or exfiltrate sensitive data. A Zero Trust strategy is now more important than ever as digitalization accelerates in the shape of a rising hybrid workforce, ongoing cloud migration, and the change of security operations. 

3. Threat monitoring to enforce least privilege access

Device software for NGFWs, such as Patch management tasks can be handled by IT teams less frequently because updates are distributed in milliseconds and are transparent to administrators.

NGFWs that interface with Zero Trust environments has automated firmware patch updates, IPS, application control, automated malware analysis, IPsec tunneling, TLS decryption, IoT security, and network traffic management (SD-WAN) patch updates.  

NGFWs used by Microsoft Azure supply Zero Trust

By enabling businesses to impose stringent access rules and segment their networks into distinct security zones, Microsoft Azure leverages next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) to deliver zero-trust security. This enhances the overall network security posture.

Azure Firewall can be set up to monitor traffic in addition to regulating it, looking for risks and anomalies, and taking appropriate action. In an effort for this, malicious communications can be blocked, infected devices can be quarantined, and security staff can be made aware of potential dangers.


NGFW firms are investing more in AI and ML to further distinguish their solutions. Companies must continue to enhance API connections, particularly with IPS, SIEM systems, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions. They must also concentrate on how software-defined networking (SDN) might increase adaptability while supplying finer-grained control over network traffic. A well-implemented Zero Trust architecture not only produces improved overall security levels but also lower security intricacy and operational overhead.
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Zero Trust
Cyber Security Cyber Threats Security Architecture User Identity Zero Trust

What is Zero Trust Architecture and How it Reduces Cyberthreat Risks?


For the past thirty years, organizations have been focusing on establishing and optimizing complex, wide-area, and hub-and-spoke networks in order to connect online users and company branches to the data center over private networks. 

In order to access applications, users were required to be in a trusted network. These hub-and-spoke networks were apparently protected with numerous appliances such as VPNs and firewalls, included in a “castle and moat” security architecture. 

While this was ultimately useful to the organization and online users when their applications were situated in their data centers, however, in today’s online world, users are more mobile than ever, eventually making it even more challenging to secure the network. 

Organizations on the other hand are directing a digital transformation, engaging in the cloud, mobility, AI, IoT, and OT technologies in order to emerge as more agile and competitive. 

Since users can be found everywhere, data and applications could no longer reside in data centers. They need immediate access to applications from any location at any point in time, in order to collaborate quickly and effectively. Thus, it would be a senseless endeavor to send the data traffic back to the data centers safely. 

This is the reason why organizations are switching from hub-and-spoke networks to direct cloud access, using the internet as the new network.

Perimeter-based Security Fails to Address the Needs of Modern Business

All network elements - users, applications, and devices, are placed on a single flat plane in conventional hub-and-spoke networks. While this makes it convenient for users to access various applications, it would also provide any infected system the exact access. 

Unfortunately, perimeter-based security using VPNs and firewalls fail to secure the network or provide a satisfactory user experience, for cyberattacks keep getting more sophisticated and users work from everywhere. Consequently, organizations encounter cyberattacks and data breaches that have the potential to seriously harm their security. 

Zero Trust Architecture

We must reconsider how connectivity is allowed in our contemporary world, in the context of the pervasive, long-standing challenges posed by legacy network and security systems. Organizations need to shift away from castle-and-moat security and toward a zero-trust architecture that ensures quick and direct access to apps everywhere, at any time, in order to ensure a secure hybrid workplace. 

Zero trust begins by assuming that every element of the network is unreceptive or compromised, allowing access to applications only after users’ identity, device posture, and business context has been verified and policy checks are righteously enforced. 

Zero trust structure requires the data traffic to be logged and monitored, demanding users a degree of visibility that any conventional security control does not support. 

A successful zero-trust architecture subjects each connection to a number of restrictions before establishing a connection, to guarantee that no implicit trust is ever granted. This is made possible in the following steps: 

1. Verify identity and context: Once a user, workload, or device requests a connection, initially, the zero-trust architecture terminates the connection; followed by identifying who is connecting and the users’ motives. 

2. Control risk: Zero trust architecture then assess the risks and potential challenges in regards to the connection request, inspecting the traffic for any cybercrime activity and sensitive information.  

3. Enforce policy: At last, a per-session-based policy is being enforced, in order to evaluate what actions would be taken pertaining to the connection established. 

A zero-trust architecture thus aids in minimizing the attack surface, stopping threats from moving laterally, and mitigating breach risks. The best way to implement it is through a proxy-based architecture, which connects users directly to applications rather than the network, allowing the application additional restrictions prior to the approval or denial of the connections' permit.  

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Zero Trust
Cyber Security data security security threat User Security Zero Trust

Zero Trust: The Need of the Hour

 

The continuous growth of network landscapes has demonstrated that traditional security methods like perimeter-based security architectures lack the finesse and control required to safeguard against new risks, both internal and external, hence, a new security technique is the need of the hour. 

Zero Trust: an all-in-one solution 

To mitigate future risks, Zero-trust, a security model designed in 2010 by John Kindervag of Forrester Research, will play an important role. It is a simple concept: trust nothing, scan everything. 

The model operates on the belief that by thwarting implicit trust and executing strong identity and access management (IAM) controls, businesses can ensure that only verified individuals, devices and apps can secure access to an organization's system. It greatly restricts the threat of unauthorized access, insider threats, and malicious assaults. 

The attackers specifically target small and medium-sized businesses due to their vulnerable security infrastructure. Recent research discovered that 94% of small firms face multiple challenges in maintaining their security posture because of a lack of skilled security personnel (40%), excessive manual analysis (37%), and the increasingly remote workforce (37%). 

According to the recent IBM report, zero-trust lowers the cost of data breaches by 43%. Additionally, Illumio reported that zero-trust segmentation saves nearly 40 hours per week and mitigates an average of five cyber attacks a year in a typical organization. 

The future of zero trust 

Over the past decade, zero trust has evolved from a concept discussed to tighten security to a widely deployed approach to increase securing organizations around the globe. According to the 2021 Microsoft report, 76% of organizations have at least started implementing a zero-trust strategy, while 35% believe they have fully installed it. 

However, multiple threat analysts believe that most organizations across all sectors have more work to do. Because zero trust requires layers of policies and technologies, hence, advancement will be required in the tools that can be employed, along with ways to refine how organizations deploy and use them.

The American government has already urged state and local governments, as well as universities and critical infrastructure firms, to move to a verify-then-trust principle. 

To help move zero trust forward, organizations around the globe will require to overhaul the entire cybersecurity department, as the current security team may not have the skills, experience, or staff. And they may need to recruit additional staff or services. 

During any transition period, security teams must practice tightly-controlled change management throughout, as hackers continue to challenge the security infrastructures. Businesses, specifically those with limited cybersecurity resources, as well as federal agencies, have an increasingly urgent need to implement zero-trust.
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