 Author: Kevin LonerganCyber-attacks are on the rise, as more companies undergo digital transformation and customers demand easier and more convenient access to information and services.
That means the risks and the stakes for companies responsible for data security are also on the rise, and focusing exclusively on preventing breaches is no longer enough. Detecting active compromises inside IT environments as part of an incident detection and response (IDR) program is critical for effective cybersecurity. Here are our tips for defending against a cyber attack, and a list of ways that IBM Channel Partners could potentially help: 1 VISIBILITY Cyber atatcks defense starts here, with a comprehensive view of both internal and external network activity and workloads. After all, it’s impossible to secure data if you don’t know where it is and what it is. Visibility starts with the full knowledge of all the systems and data used by your organisation. A common challenge is monitoring actions taken off the corporate network, such as through cloud services or travelling/remote workers. If your business is using cloud services and cognitive technologies, then you’ll want to use a safe and secure network and infratrcture, like the IBM Channel Partner Cloud, to act as the foundation of your corporate structure. This intelligence is the foundation on which the rest of your IDR plan should rest. 2 DATA COLLECTION Centralised logging and endpoint monitoring are key components of a successful plan. Collecting and analysing logs as well as installing endpoint monitoring solutions may require a significant initial investment. However, just as with gaining visibility into your systems and the data on them, data collection is essential for knowing what’s going on in your systems, both historically and in real time. This makes deep analysis of threats and proactive hunting, as well as coordinated responses by your organisation, possible. Intelligent enterprise solutions start with an awareness of the technology you are using – with IBM, you have acccess to the most mature and secure network possible, without compromising useability or functionality. 3 MONITORING THE ENTIRE ATTACK SURFACE Cloud-based tools from IBM Channel Partners have made today’s workforce more productive than ever before. Employees can now work wherever and whenever they choose, benefiting professionals and enterprises alike. But this added convenience comes with a price: greater exposure to cybersecurity risk. The solution is not to stop using these important tools or to prevent employees from using outside networks—without them, you cannot remain competitive—but to properly monitor and manage their use. In addition to properly securing endpoints and access to outside networks, applying advanced analytics to your data allows you to detect stealthy behaviour and prioritize where to hunt. 4 WORKING WITH YOUR PEOPLE Security tools, no matter how good, can only be as effective as the people and strategy behind them. That’s why a healthy Identification Defense Response plan also calls for tight coordination between IT and security teams, as well as key stakeholders across the company. IT teams must be incentivised to give security the same importance as optimising the systems under their care. This vital “people” element is every bit as important as any other part of a well-developed IDR program. 5 RECOGNITION OF THE ATTACK CHAIN Attackers typically work through five steps on their way to hacking the systems and data that they have placed in their crosshairs. 1. Infiltration and persistence 2. Reconnaissance 3. Lateral movement 4. Mission target 5. Maintaining presence Most organisations have solid detection around Mission Target, unauthorised access to critical assets. However, many struggle to detect lateral movement and network reconnaissance. Map your detection program to the attack chain—where are your gaps today? 6 UNDERSTANDING LIKELY THREATS An understanding of the specific kinds of threats that your organisation will most likely encounter given its line of business—whether it’s a hack on customer data or on trade secrets—is one of the most important parts of an effective IDR program. This allows you to focus your resources and planning where they will do the most good, for example securing the specific systems holding the most sensitive information. A cyber-attack threatens not just the IT organisation; it can impact every area of your enterprise. Understanding the depth of the problem helps to invest in preventative measures that can help combat threats. IBM Channel Partners use a dynamic approach when it comes to security – monitoring threats in a way that allows you to prevent breaches before they happen. Don’t be reactive, think proactive. 7 AN ORGANISATION-WIDE WORKFLOW A cyber-attack threatens not just the IT organisation; it can impact every area of your enterprise. It’s vital to build an incident response plan, review it, and put it to the test. This includes when to loop in external parties and expectations around responding to incidents. Planning and testing your workflows will give your team the muscle memory to take swift action and lead with confidence. IBM has one of the most responsive cyber security systems in place, with a tried-and-tested method that will ensure that you stablise a security a breach as soon as possible. IBM Security IBM is an innovative market leader when it comes to facing cybersecurity threats, which means you can rest assured that your data, customers, privacy, and business are all safe from threats. By confronting the cybersecurity threats head on, IBM guarantee that your business is in safe hands. To register your interest and to learn more about the IBM Channel Partner solutions then, reach out to Vivolution who will be delighted to make the connections – Find out more; get in touch today at hello@vivolution.co.uk Comments are closed.
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