There’s no question about establishing cybersecurity defenses. It’s imperative for every organization and individual connected to the internet. The question lies in what the best practices are, especially as threats, technology, and tactics evolve. An example is artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI.
With AI, it’s possible to automate network monitoring and put the kibosh on suspicious activities with less human intervention. On the other hand, machine learning and AI-driven apps give those looking to do harm additional tools. Malicious actors can exploit emerging tech to develop new tactics people aren’t always prepared for. In the age of ever-evolving threats, here are four tips to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses.
1. Implement Allowlisting and Ringfencing
If you haven’t heard of application allowlisting and ringfencing, they’re ways to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting software vulnerabilities. A software vulnerability is usually a flaw in an application’s or operating system’s code. The flaw may not stop the program from running OK, but it’s like leaving a door unlocked. It’s an entry point for malicious actors to use to deploy malware, ransomware, and other malicious applications.
But aren’t there security patches for these vulnerabilities? Why do I need allowlisting and ringfencing when all I have to do is stay on top of software updates? While keeping applications up to date is a must and a great defense, it doesn’t address everything. A cybercriminal could exploit a zero day vulnerability, which is a flaw software developers may not be aware of yet. Even if developers know the vulnerability exists, they haven’t had time to create a patch.
Zero day vulnerabilities are essentially open doors waiting to be used in nefarious ways. Allowlisting puts up a barrier by only letting applications and scripts on your approved list run. If something isn’t on there, it’s not getting through.
Similarly, ringfencing creates additional barriers by preventing approved apps from interacting with sensitive system components. Think operating system registries and command prompts. It’s a way to stop and limit damage.
2. Require Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication, known as MFA for short, has been around for a while. You may already be using it in your business and at home. With so many data breaches and exposed passwords, MFA can prevent unauthorized access. A cybercriminal needs more than login credentials to get through the door.
They need to prove they’re the only person who should know those credentials. Although MFA has been a steadfast defense tool, its capabilities are expanding. There are more ways to implement the tool than authentication codes delivered via text message or email.
YubiKeys that plug into a device and biometrics are additional MFA methods. A YubiKey plugs into a device’s USB port and requires a person to authenticate by touching the key. They must have the password/code unique to that key as well. Otherwise, they won’t be able to log on to the device. A cybercriminal attempting to gain access through a network connection isn’t physically there to touch the key and is denied.
Biometrics works in a like-minded fashion. However, it goes a step further by verifying physical characteristics that are unique to an authorized individual. Fingerprints and retina scans are the most used at the moment. You’ve undoubtedly seen some banks implement fingerprint access to log into accounts via mobile apps. MFA tools like these make it extremely difficult for cybercriminals with stolen passwords to carry out their intentions.
3. Adopt a Zero Trust Approach
Typically, once you log into a device, you have access to all the programs installed on it. You can open up web browsers to go to your company’s intranet and launch web-based programs. The process is usually seamless, although you may be prompted to authenticate from time to time.
For instance, you log into your company laptop using a YubiKey. You then launch the web browser to look at online employee resources, such as standard operating procedures. Yesterday, the page popped right up. Today, it’s asking you to verify your credentials or use your YubiKey a second time. It’s an example of how adopting a zero trust approach can work.
In other words, every time access to proprietary resources and systems is attempted, it must be verified. This verification process happens regardless of where the access request is coming from. A zero trust approach could also apply to remote access to cloud-based resources.
While the method could be less convenient for employees and vendors, it does thwart malicious actors. A zero trust protocol has the potential to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access. With remote work and access needs becoming more prevalent, verifying every request isn’t necessarily overkill.
4. Secure IoT Devices
IT professionals know every connected device is a potential gateway to launching an attack. IoT devices multiply those possible points of entry. Securing each and every one of these devices is sometimes overlooked.
You might think network-level protection is enough. You’ve got a firewall, automated malware scans, and automatic threat monitoring. However, each IoT device stores and exchanges data. Plus, there could be standard admin credentials for these devices that cybercriminals know about.
IoT or smart gadgets often have separate software, including firmware hackers can exploit. Staying on top of updates for all devices is a way to mitigate vulnerabilities. You can also change standard admin logins to something more challenging for outsiders to guess. In addition, data encryption and secure network communication protocols for all devices go a long way.
Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures
Staying on top of evolving cybersecurity threats takes more than a one-and-done approach. What measures you have in place may not cover all the bases today and be grossly inadequate tomorrow. Strengthening your defenses means understanding how evolving technology can be a double-edged sword. Once you’re aware of the potential uses (good and bad), you can form a plan to prevent and mitigate threats.
