Data Loss Prevention Challenge – No. 6 – Threat Prevention in a sophisticated threat landscape
Addressing an organisation’s threat prevention stance for its IT estate is a complex task without a simple answer. We’re constantly bombarded by suppliers marketing products that promise to solve all our problems, but in reality, they only address part of the issue.
IT teams excel at identifying the latest tech tools and pushing for their procurement and implementation, promising these will reduce security threats. However, technology tools are only a small part of the solution. IT needs to adopt a more business-focused approach when developing programs to improve an organisation’s security stance.
When working with clients to deliver security programs, we’ve identified the need to look at a broad range of activities to ensure the program’s success and future benefits. Here are some key activities:
- Education: Regularly educate staff on security best practices and policies. This shouldn’t be a one-time session but ongoing training with a focus on key topics as needed.
- Tooling: Selecting the right tools is challenging due to the variety of products on the market. It’s crucial to choose a product that fits your needs and comes from a reliable vendor that will support it long-term.
- Third-Party Security: Many organisations work with third-party providers who have access to confidential data. It’s essential to review their security measures to ensure they protect your business and customer data.
- Partitioning: Network partitioning can significantly improve security by limiting access to critical systems and data. Using internal firewalls to separate systems on different subnets helps contain threats.
- Patching: Identifying and patching vulnerabilities should be a priority. Automated tools can assist with this, making the process less repetitive. Focus on applying key patches that are relevant to your systems.
- Robust Authentication: Authentication methods have evolved, with many organisations now using multifactor authentication (MFA) to enhance security. This involves a combination of something you know and something you have, such as an authentication app on your smartphone.
- Endpoint Security: With the rise of hybrid working, securing laptops and mobile devices is critical. These devices are often seen as soft targets, so it’s vital to bolster their security.
Designing, planning, and implementing effective IT security systems can significantly reduce an organisation’s vulnerability to external threats. It’s important to consider the whole picture and prioritise areas that are most critical, adjusting your security focus as the internal and external environment evolves.
What areas are you working on to reduce your vulnerability to IT threats?
