7 Must-follow Tips for Data Leakage Prevention (DLP) in 2024
Cyber Protect Cloud for Service Providers Try now In today’s modern digital world where technology rules the roost, safeguarding sensitive information has become highly critical. As organisations harness the power of data for innovation and growth, the risk of data leakage looms larger than ever. According to Statista, the United States witnessed 3,205 data compromises in 2023, affecting over 353 million individuals through breaches, leaks, and exposures. Notably, the fourth quarter of 2023 alone exposed more than eight million records globally, making it a cause of concern for company leaders. Operating system vulnerabilities on endpoint devices remained the leading cause of sensitive information loss. In this blog, we will delve into essential tips for robust Data Leakage Prevention strategies, empowering businesses to proactively fortify their data defences and stay resilient against potential threats. What is a data leak? Data leakage refers to the unauthorised transfer of data from an organisation’s internal systems to an external destination or recipient. This can manifest through electronic or physical means, encompassing various mediums. Commonly, data leakage threats materialise through web and email channels, posing risks to the confidentiality of sensitive information. Additionally, mobile data storage devices like optical media, USB keys, and laptops serve as potential avenues for data leakage. Here are two examples to understand the scenario of data leakage. Consider a scenario where an employee unknowingly sends a sensitive company document containing proprietary information to an external email address. In this case, the unauthorised transmission of critical data through email represents a clear case of data leakage. Consider another scenario where employee copies confidential files onto a USB key and accidentally leaves it unattended in a public space, the physical transfer of sensitive data via a mobile storage device becomes another example of data leakage. These situations highlight the diverse and pervasive nature of data leakage threats, emphasising the importance of employing a robust data leak prevention solution across various data transfer channels. Causes of data leakage Several factors contribute to data leakage, each posing distinct challenges to organisational cybersecurity: Accidental Leaks: Accidental data leaks stem from the actions of trusted individuals who inadvertently expose sensitive information. Common instances include sending emails containing confidential data to the wrong recipient, misplacing corporate devices, or neglecting to secure devices with passwords or biometric protection. Malicious Insiders: Malicious insiders, whether employees or trusted third parties, exploit their access to corporate systems for personal gain or collaboration with external attackers. Examples of such activities encompass the intentional transfer of sensitive documents outside the organisation, saving files to unauthorised USB devices, or storing files in unauthorised cloud storage. Software Misconfiguration: Configuration errors, particularly in cloud environments, can lead to severe data leaks. This encompasses issues such as excessive permissions, databases or cloud storage lacking proper authentication, exposed secrets (credentials or encryption keys), and mistakes in integrating with third-party services. Social Engineering: External attackers employ social engineering tactics to infiltrate organisational systems and gain access to sensitive data. Techniques may involve persuading employees to disclose credentials or directly sending sensitive information to the attacker. In some cases, attackers introduce malware into corporate systems, enabling unauthorized access and data exfiltration. Software Vulnerabilities: Outdated software or zero-day exploits pose a significant cybersecurity threat. Criminals can exploit software vulnerabilities, turning them into various security risks that may compromise sensitive information. Old Data: As businesses expand and personnel changes occur, organisations may lose track of data. System updates and infrastructure changes can inadvertently expose outdated data, creating potential vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit. 7 tips for data leakage prevention Here are seven effective strategies to prevent data leaks: Identify the Location of Sensitive Data: Initiating a robust data leakage prevention strategy starts with identifying the location of sensitive data within the organisation. Determine the information requiring the highest level of protection and categorise data accordingly. Once aware of sensitive data, implement security measures such as access control and encryption, and deploy Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software. Assess the Risk Posed by Third Parties: Recognise the significant threat posed by third-party vendors accessing privileged systems. As external entities may lack the same protection standards, monitoring their security posture is crucial. This involves evaluating vendors for potential data breach vulnerabilities, conducting risk assessments for compliance with regulatory standards, and utilising vendor risk questionnaires or third-party attack surface monitoring solutions. Manage and Safeguard Privileged Credentials: Safeguarding privileged credentials is vital for preventing unauthorised access. Secrets, utilised by both software and human users, should be managed comprehensively to avoid intentional or unintentional exposure. A holistic approach involves secure storage, monitoring for improper usage, and prompt remediation of any identified issues. Enhance Security Across All Endpoints: Recognise that endpoints, including computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices, are potential access points for data leaks. In a landscape where remote working is prevalent, securing geographically dispersed endpoints is challenging. While VPNs and firewalls provide a foundational layer, additional measures are necessary. Implement Data Encryption Protocols: Encryption serves as a formidable defence against data leaks by transforming readable information into an encoded format. Employ both symmetric-key and public-key encryption for enhanced security. Diligent management of decryption keys is crucial to prevent unauthorised access and potential exploitation by sophisticated attackers. Review and Manage Access Permissions: Regularly review and categorise permissions to ensure sensitive data is accessible only to trusted individuals with a genuine need for access. Categorising data based on sensitivity levels allows for controlled access to different pools of information. This process not only enhances overall security but also unveils potential malicious insiders who may have obtained unauthorised access. Train employees on cybersecurity awareness: Recognise employees as an additional line of defence against data breaches. Regular training in cybersecurity awareness is essential. Stanford University researchers and a top cybersecurity organisation found that nearly 88 percent of data breaches occur due to employee mistake. Hence, employees should be educated in identifying malicious emails and promptly reporting them to the security team. This proactive approach empowers employees to contribute actively to the organisation’s overall security posture. Data Leakage Prevention on Cloud with inDefend Advanced from Muttii Here is a six-step guide providing a strategic approach to implementing Endpoint Detection and Response in
What is Endpoint Security? How does it work and what are its use cases?
Cyber Protect Cloud for Service Providers Try now The traditional boundaries that once confined us to a designated office space have blurred, giving rise to the era of hybrid work. As organisations embrace the flexibility of remote collaboration, a new set of challenges emerges, putting a spotlight on the need for robust cybersecurity measures. When hackers plan their attacks, they are in search of a perfect entry point to your business. This point could be a website, software, or a networked device. 68% of organisations have faced one or more successful endpoint attacks resulting in the compromise of data and/or their IT infrastructure, reveals research by the Ponemon Institute. The study also highlighted that 68% of IT professionals observed an increase in the frequency of endpoint attacks compared to the previous year. Endpoint security is the silent guardian of your digital realm, like a skilled locksmith ensuring that the doors to your virtual kingdom are locked tight against online threats. In this blog, we will explore the nuances of endpoint security and how it will protect your business. What are endpoint devices? Endpoint devices encompass any devices capable of connecting to the central business network. These devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, connected devices, mobile phones, and wearables, serve as potential entry points for cybersecurity threats. Ensuring robust protection for these endpoints is crucial, as they often represent the weakest link in network security. Beyond computers and mobile devices, office equipment like printers, faxes, smart devices, and other appliances connecting to the network also pose potential vulnerabilities and demand protection. Servers, storing or processing business data, emails, and documents, are traditional yet critical endpoints that require special emphasis on security measures. How does endpoint protection work? Endpoint security safeguards an organisation’s endpoints by deploying an Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) on devices to thwart potential infiltrations by malware or other tools. The platform, which can be implemented on-location, in the cloud, or through a hybrid model, enables administrators to monitor, investigate, and respond to cyber threats effectively. Cloud-based solutions are more popular due to their scalability and efficiency. They also free endpoints from the burden of locally stored threat databases. In terms of functionality, endpoint security software typically includes: Machine learning for zero-day threat detection Integrated firewalls Email gateways to combat phishing Insider threat protection Advanced antivirus and anti-malware tools Proactive security for safe web browsing Encryption for endpoint, email, and disk protection The goal is to offer administrators a centralised platform, enhancing visibility and simplifying operations, allowing swift threat isolation. The concept of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is often associated with endpoint security. EDR enables the identification of sophisticated threats like polymorphic attacks and zero-day threats through continuous monitoring, providing enhanced visibility and enabling quicker response times for threat containment. Modern endpoint security platforms frequently integrate both EPP and EDR functionalities to provide comprehensive protection against a range of cyber threats. Endpoint protection platforms are much beyond traditional antivirus solutions in several ways. Unlike antivirus programs that focus on a single endpoint, EPPs provide visibility into the entire enterprise network from a centralised location, enhancing comprehensive security. They also streamline administration responsibilities by moving away from user-dependent manual updates by offering automated updates. This ensures continuous and up-to-date protection with the incorporation of advanced threat detection methods like behavioural analysis. Use cases of endpoint security 1. Securing Mobile Devices – With the BYOD policy being adopted at workplaces, there is a surge in mobile devices utilised for work. Unlike traditional endpoints, mobile devices feature less secure digital perimeters and connect to various networks, necessitating EDR to extend consistent security across all connected devices, ensuring comprehensive network visibility and protection. 2. Addressing the Evolving Threat Landscape – The evolving threat landscape requires a shift from traditional antivirus models to endpoint protection systems as cyber threats constantly innovate. Antivirus struggles to keep pace, prompting the need for a detection and response approach. EPP identifies threats that breach the cybersecurity perimeter and focuses on timely detection and response rather than solely preventive measures. 3. Improving Threat Investigation – In the context of modern cybersecurity, investigating threats becomes intricate. EDR solutions with alert capabilities play a pivotal role in directing investigations and enhancing detection and response times. These tools prove essential for efficiently managing IT environments with diverse devices and contribute to effective threat hunting. 4. Enhancing Cloud Security – The adoption of cloud computing has revolutionised software companies by offering cost-effective solutions and eliminating the need for managing local servers or data centers. However, this shift introduces complexities in security, as each access level in the cloud architecture becomes a new endpoint requiring protection. 5. Safeguarding IoT Devices – The Internet of Things (IoT) presents unique challenges to security, with many devices lacking sufficient cybersecurity measures. Endpoint detection and response mitigates this vulnerability by extending security protections to all devices, including IoT devices, closing potential security gaps and protecting against cyber threats. 6. Monitoring Network Performance – Endpoint security plays a crucial role in monitoring network performance and security, with sensors at the edge and nodes continuously generating data logs. These logs assist organisations in identifying anomalous behaviour, and suspicious activities, and optimising capacity and resource allocation, ensuring the availability and performance of business services. 7. Scaling Business Services – Endpoint security solutions enable organisations to add value by reprogramming endpoints to reach a wider user base. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor, update, and improve services based on evolving end-user responses, showcasing the adaptability and scalability that EDR brings to modern business services. Selecting the right endpoint security solution for your business Choosing the most suitable endpoint security solution depends on your specific requirements. It is crucial to evaluate the included protections and choose a suite that aligns with your size and budget. Avast endpoint security solutions from Muttii offer advanced multi-layered security, safeguarding devices with six layers of robust defence against malware, ransomware, and sophisticated cyberattacks in real time. Avast antivirus provides multiple layers of defence against harmful files, emails, and websites. The system ensures prompt communication of signals, offers actionable recommendations, and allows users to
How to define a proactive security approach with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?
Cyber Protect Cloud for Service Providers Try now While navigating an evolving digital phase, businesses encounter the mounting challenge of safeguarding their endpoints against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Against this backdrop, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) emerges as a beacon of assurance, providing a comprehensive solution to bolster systems against potential breaches. EDR signifies a revolutionary advancement in endpoint security, leveraging the power of real-time monitoring, continuous analysis of endpoint data, and automated response mechanisms. Through seamless integration of these elements, EDR empowers organisations to swiftly detect, investigate, and mitigate advanced persistent threats with unprecedented efficiency. Do you need Endpoint Detection and Response? As remote working becomes increasingly prevalent across various industries, the need for effective endpoint security solutions like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) has never been more crucial. EDR plays a vital role in enabling organisations to securely manage and protect devices used by employees working from diverse locations, ensuring that productivity can thrive without compromising on security. The global market for EDR solutions has experienced substantial growth, with its size reaching USD 2.87 billion in 2022 and projected to continue expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.9% from 2023 to 2030, as per Grand View Research. This growth is largely attributed to the heightened concern for data security, driven by the surge in remote working arrangements. The remote work trend has intensified the risk of data breaches and malware attacks, as devices are susceptible to theft, loss, or hacking, potentially leading to the compromise of sensitive corporate information. Moreover, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend further fuels the demand for EDR solutions. These solutions empower organizations to establish policies and regulate access to corporate data on employee-owned devices. This includes implementing security measures such as password protocols, encryption standards, and remote wipe capabilities to mitigate the risk of data breaches and other security threats. EDR also equips IT administrators with centralized management capabilities, enabling them to oversee devices, applications, and data while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate policies. What does an EDR do? Endpoint Detection and Response security solutions offer a range of essential functionalities to enhance cybersecurity. Here are the key features of EDR solutions: Automated Cyberthreat Detection: EDR solutions deliver comprehensive endpoint visibility to identify various indicators of attack (IOA) and analyze real-time events, automatically pinpointing suspicious activity within the network. By understanding individual events as part of broader attack sequences, EDR can swiftly recognize known IOAs and issue detection alerts. Threat Intelligence: These solutions integrate threat monitoring and intelligence to expedite the detection of malicious behavior. By detecting suspicious tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), EDR provides detailed insights into potential security incidents, mitigating data breaches and offering valuable information about possible attackers and attack methods. Real-Time Continuous Monitoring and Visibility: EDR employs active endpoint data aggregation to detect subtle security incidents, granting users comprehensive visibility into endpoint activities. From process creation to network connections, EDR tracks various security-related events, enabling security teams to collect crucial data and observe attackers’ behavior in real-time. Rapid Threat Investigation: EDR solutions facilitate rapid threat investigation by acting as virtual security analysts. By gathering and storing endpoint event data in a centralized database, EDR offers detailed context for both real-time and historical data, enabling swift investigations and expedited remediation efforts. In short, EDR plays a pivotal role in bolstering endpoint security by automating threat detection, integrating threat intelligence, providing continuous monitoring, and facilitating rapid threat investigation and response. How is EDR different from an antivirus? Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) surpasses traditional antivirus software with its advanced capabilities in cybersecurity. While antivirus tools focus on known threats, EDR employs behavioural analysis to detect unknown threats. It provides dynamic endpoint security, monitoring tools, and whitelisting capabilities, adding multiple layers of defence against malicious actors. EDR’s proactive approach, coupled with real-time threat detection and response, ensures enhanced protection in the evolving cybersecurity landscape, making it indispensable for enterprise security. How to integrate EDR into your security infrastructure? Here is a six-step guide providing a strategic approach to implementing Endpoint Detection and Response in your security infrastructure. Step 1: Evaluate your current endpoint security posture Begin by assessing your existing endpoint security measures to pinpoint any vulnerabilities or shortcomings. Utilise tools like vulnerability scanners, penetration tests, and audits. Additionally, review your endpoint security policies to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Step 2: Select an appropriate endpoint security solution Choose an endpoint security solution that fits the needs of your IT infrastructure. Consider factors such as endpoint size, complexity, required level of protection, compatibility with existing security tools, and ease of deployment and management. We will explore this in detail in the next section. Step 3: Deploy the EDR solution Implement the chosen endpoint security solution according to your plan and budget. Follow vendor guidelines for configuration, testing, and updates. Provide training to IT staff and end users on effective utilisation and monitor the solution’s impact on infrastructure and operations. Step 4: Integrate with existing security tools Integrate the EDR solution with other IT security tools to create a cohesive security framework. For instance, integrate with security information and event management (SIEM) systems to enhance incident detection and response capabilities. Step 5: Align with IT security policies Ensure that the endpoint security solution aligns with your organisation’s IT security policies. Review and update policies to incorporate enhancements introduced by the EDR solution. Communicate and enforce policies among IT teams and end users for compliance. Step 6: Evaluate Continuously Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the endpoint security solution through data analysis, feedback collection, and audits. Address any identified issues and stay updated on emerging trends and technologies to enhance endpoint security continuously. How to select the right EDR solution Selecting an effective Endpoint Detection and Response solution is paramount for strengthening security measures. Here are some key considerations when choosing an EDR solution: Visibility of all Endpoints: Look for a solution that simplifies monitoring across all on-premises and personal devices in hybrid work environments, alleviating the burden on security teams. Threat Detection Database: Prioritize solutions that leverage