Encryption
Data security has traditionally been seen as a matter of locking down data in a physical location, such as a data center. But as data migrates across networks, borders, mobile devices, and into the cloud and Internet of Things (IoT), focusing solely on the physical location of data is no longer relevant.
To prevent disclosure of sensitive corporate data to unauthorized people in this new corporate environment, data needs to be secured. Encryption and data masking are two primary ways for securing sensitive data, either at rest or in motion, in the enterprise. They are important parts of endpoint security and any enterprise’s optimal security posture.
Encryption is the process of encoding data in such a way that only authorized parties can access it. Using homomorphic encryption, sensitive data in plaintext is encrypted using an encryption algorithm, generating cipher text that can only be read if decrypted.
Endpoint Security
Endpoints can often be the weakest link in network security. IT departments face the challenge of securing numerous devices—including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices—that connect to the network. Here’s a thorough overview of endpoint security, including the challenges involved and strategies for enhancing protection while bolstering overall IT security. For detailed reviews of endpoint security products, check out our Top 10 Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions.
Common workplace endpoints include:
- Desktop and laptop computers
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Routers and WiFi networks
- Point-of-sale systems
- IoT devices
DDoS Attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are an increasingly popular method used by hackers and hacktivists due to their relative simplicity. We outline the various types of DDoS attacks and provide resources to help prevent them.
Surveys indicate that DDoS attacks are one of the least prepared-for cyber threats, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
What is a DDoS Attack?
A DDoS attack occurs when hackers flood an IP address with a high volume of messages, often through botnets or coordinated efforts by hacktivists. This overwhelming traffic can render a network inaccessible to legitimate users, effectively denying service.
DDoS attacks are not only cost-effective but also profitable, which encourages their widespread use. As noted by Tim Pat Dufficy, while DDoS attacks are less complex than other types of cyberattacks, they are becoming increasingly powerful and sophisticated.
There are three main categories of DDoS attacks:
- Volume-Based Attacks: These attacks aim to overwhelm network bandwidth with high traffic volumes.
- Protocol Attacks: These exploit vulnerabilities in server resources.
- Application Attacks: The most advanced and severe, these target web applications directly.
Firewall
At LA Distributions, we offer advanced firewall solutions to protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Our services include:
Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): Advanced protection with deep packet inspection and application awareness.
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Safeguard your web applications from vulnerabilities and attacks.
Firewall Management & Monitoring: Continuous management and monitoring to ensure optimal security and performance.
VPN Integration: Secure remote access and communication with integrated VPN solutions.
Custom Solutions: Tailored firewall setups to meet your specific security needs.
Our expert team ensures your network remains protected and resilient against threats, providing peace of mind and robust security.
VPN
As remote work becomes increasingly common, enterprises need effective solutions to secure communications between employees and the corporate network. One popular solution is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which allows employees to securely transmit data between computers over shared or public networks.
VPNs were originally developed to address two key issues: the high cost of leased lines for connecting branch offices and the growing need for secure remote access to corporate networks.
While VPNs enhance security by encrypting data and sending it through a “tunnel,” they are not without their limitations. Before diving into these limitations, let’s explore how VPNs function.
Network Access Control
The best cybersecurity comes in layers, making it difficult or frustrating for an intruder to fight through each line of defense to break into the network and gain access to data. One of the front-line defenses should be network access control (NAC) and its ability to restrict network access to devices and users that are authorized and authenticated.
According to the executive team at managed services provider VirtualArmour, the goals of network access control are as follows:
Authorization, Authentication and Accounting (AAA) of network connections Role-based control for a user, device, or application post-authentication. This means that a given user and their device are placed into their corresponding permission buckets such that an employee in finance and an employee in HR have access to different resources in their environment.
Confidentiality and containment of intellectual property through policy enforcement Identity and asset management
Automatically assess a device’s security posture, and allow or block based on if they pass the security check (which can be based on numerous things, such as operating system version, latest patches installed, a certain anti-virus is installed, etc.)
Incident Response
It’s crucial to first understand what constitutes a security incident. According to the Verizon report, an incident is “a security event that compromises the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of an information asset.” This could range from an intentional attack, where unauthorized access is attempted to damage or destroy a network, to an accidental event, such as an employee leaving a company laptop in a cab. An incident may or may not involve a breach, which refers to the theft of company information.
Cybersecurity incident response is a structured approach to managing various types of security incidents. It typically involves an Incident Response Plan (IRP), which outlines the procedures a company should follow after an incident occurs.
Penetration Testing
A penetration test conducted by external experts is one of the most effective methods to assess how vulnerable your network is to malicious attacks.
However, third-party penetration testing, while thorough, can be costly and may become outdated quickly due to changes in your infrastructure or the emergence of new vulnerabilities.
To address these issues, you might consider performing your own network penetration tests. This article will cover how to conduct your own security testing and internal penetration testing, as well as how to select the best third-party service if you opt to hire an external pen tester.
Risk Management
Risk management has long been a fundamental concept for protecting assets, with insurance serving as a classic example. Life, health, auto, and other types of insurance help individuals guard against potential losses. Similarly, physical security measures such as doors, locks, vaults, and security services protect homes, vehicles, and valuables from physical threats.
In the realm of IT, risk management involves a blend of strategies, technologies, and user education to safeguard against cybersecurity threats. These threats can compromise systems, steal sensitive data, and damage a company’s reputation. As cyber attacks become more frequent and severe, the importance of effective cybersecurity risk management grows correspondingly.
Cloud Security
LA can help your organization securely migrate to the cloud and provide support during the initial stages of digital transformation.
Our services are tailored to meet your specific cloud journey needs, whether you’re new to cloud technology or looking to enhance existing cloud operations.
We offer robust protection for your critical cloud assets and ensure comprehensive security for users accessing these resources.
To maintain regulatory compliance and safeguard customer data, cloud-based systems, data, and infrastructure must be protected with appropriate policies and controls.
Cloud security services are crucial for authenticating user access to applications, devices, and networks. As cloud threats become more sophisticated, it’s essential to implement the right security measures to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and account compromises.
Application Security
Application security involves integrating, developing, and testing security features within applications to safeguard against threats such as unauthorized access and modification.
It focuses on protecting data and code within the application from being stolen or compromised. This includes security measures implemented during the development and design phases as well as ongoing protection after deployment.
Application security encompasses various components, including hardware, software, and procedures. For instance, a router that hides a computer’s IP address from the Internet is a form of hardware security. On the software side, application security might include features like an application firewall that controls permitted and prohibited activities. Procedures might involve regular testing routines and protocols to identify and address security vulnerabilities.
